Jack Russell Breed - Dog & Puppy Information & Characteristics

Jack Russell Terriers, or just Jack Russells, are athletic little dogs. They are also known for being extremely affectionate. Yet, the Jack Russell dog breed is not one generally recommended if you live in an apartment. This is because despite their small size, they have high energy levels, and need space.  

While these dogs do get along well with kids, younger children can find it a little hard to adjust to them due to their energetic nature. A Jack Russell’s temperament also makes them aggressive toward other dogs, which is why they need to be taught socialisation at an early age. The dogs of this breed can handle slightly cool temperatures, but not weather that is too cold. They thrive in moderate climates.

Key specifications of a Jack Russell

Here are a few key factors you must keep in mind before bringing a Jack Russell dog breed home:

Note: The weight and height mentioned on the table is of a full-grown Jack Russell and not of Jack Russell puppies.

Physical appearance of Jack Russells

Jack Russell Terriers can have three types of coats - smooth, broken, or rough. All three coat types can have the following colours:

• White
• White with black patches
• White with tan patches
• White with brown markings
• White with cream markings

If you have never owned a Jack Russell before, you may want to know how to identify a purebred pup. A purebred Jack Russell Terrier can be identified by the following physical traits:

• A small body
• Coat markings as mentioned above
• Triangular ears that normally hang low

Jack Russell puppies grow rapidly showcasing their signature coat markings and energetic temperament early on, making them great companions even when they’re younger.

Jack Russell personality traits

Jack Russell Terriers are great little hunting dogs that will tackle anything from a fox to a mouse. They spend a large amount of time investigating their surroundings and when taken for a walk in the country, will hunt for hours. They are extremely intelligent and as a result, begin to make their presence felt in the obedience ring. Besides this, these dogs are fearless, happy, and very affectionate toward their family. They are also quite vocal and tend to bark a lot. 

Does a Jack Russell need training?

In the past, Jack Russell Terriers were used for hunting foxes. As a result, these dogs still harbor their hunting instincts within and need training in socialisation. Their hunting instinct makes them aggressive toward other pets, so it is recommended that they be trained to socialise at an early age. You can use reward-based training with their favourite dog treats to get the best results in obedience. 

How to care for a Jack Russell?

Here are a few details regarding the basic care and upkeep of a Jack Russell dog.

• Health issues

  Jack Russell Terriers are generally healthy dogs. However, you will need to get them tested for a few common health issues, such as patella luxation, eye ailments, and deafness.

• Grooming

  Grooming a Jack Russell Terrier is easy for all three of their coat types. They need weekly brushing and monthly nail trimming. They also do not need to be bathed too often.

• Physical activity

  Jack Russell Terriers have high energy levels and an equally energetic personality. So, they also need a lot of exercise. They will love going on outdoor running or jogging sessions and will also love playing in your backyard. However, the inquisitive nature of this breed necessitates having good fencing in order to contain them.

• Nutritional requirements

  Jack Russells do not have specific nutritional requirements and should do well with high-quality dog food served as per their feeding chart. You can ask your vet to create a Jack Russell food chart to help you understand what nutrients your dog requires. 

A brief history of the Jack Russell

This dog breed has its origins in England. The Reverend Jack Russell was very interested in fox hunting and saw the need for a small terrier that could be used to flush out foxes that had gone into the ground. In 1814 he acquired a terrier female named Trump from the local milkman which became his foundation female – and so the breed was born. The first Jack Russell Terriers were quite tall dogs (35 cm) but over the years the breed has changed, and there are now two distinct varieties that are recognised as separate breeds – the Parson Jack Russell and the Jack Russell Terrier. The breed also became popular among sportsmen and horse riders. Despite becoming quite popular in the USA in the early to mid-20th century, the breed got its official recognition from the American Kennel Club only in 2000.

Read up on all dog breeds and find the perfect pet for yourself on our breeds category page.