Jack Russell Terrier Dogs Information

Written by: Debbie Moore

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Jack Russell Dogs, Jack Russells, JRT, Dirt Dog

Common Misspellings:  Jack Russel Terrier, Jack Russell Terrior, Jack Russell Terier, Parson's Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Parson's Terrier, Parson Terrier

Learn all about Jack Russell Terrier Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Jack Russell Terrier dog breed. You'll find solid information about Jack Russell Terrier dog history, Jack Russell Terrier life expectancy Jack Russell Terrier dog appearance, Jack Russell Terrier temperament and personality, Jack Russell Terrier health problems, Jack Russell Terrier puppy care, training Jack Russell Terrier puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Jack Russell Terrier dog breeder.

The Jack Russell Terrier is very popular and spirited breed of dog that has won the hearts of canine owners nationwide. This rather small breed of dog has a rather disproportionate amount of spunk and vitality which makes them both a joy and a handful to handle at times.

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Facts

The Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Jack Russell Terrier Height: 10 - 15" (25.4 - 38.1cm)

Jack Russell Terrier Weight: 12 - 18 lbs (5.4 - 8 kg)

Jack Russell Terrier Color Variations: Parti and tri-color

Jack Russell Terrier Size Variations: (Unofficial Size Variations)
Miniature Jack Russell Terrier
Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier
Toy Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier Exercise Needs: Demanding

Jack Russell Terrier Grooming Demands: Minimal

Jack Russell Terrier Trainability: Medium Difficult

Jack Russell Terrier Life Expectancy: 14-15 years

Average Jack Russell Terrier Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: No

Breed Group: Terrier

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Dog History

It's a well known fact that the Rev. John Russell was an avid fox hunter. As such, he was no doubt disappointed when the quarry ran down into the foxhole, or " went to ground," disappearing where the hounds could not flush the fox out. Because of this, he set out to develop a small, yet courageous, dog that was capable of going down into the foxhole and flushing the fox back out above ground. In order to achieve this, the dog would have to the athletic enough to run over ground and keep up with the hounds, and yet still be small enough to fit down into a foxhole. Additionally, he would have to be narrow in the shoulders and hips, to allow him maneuverability, as well as possessing the courage and forceful nature required to chase the fox out of his hole.

His inspiration for the breed would come from a small dog that he purchased from the local milkman. Called Trump, she would become the foundation bitch for his breed. Sadly however, due to financial problems, the Rev. would have to sell his dogs on several occasions - while Trump was his ideal, it's highly unlikely any current bloodlines trace back to the milkman's dog.

It's believed that the modern Jack Russell Terrier was created by breeding several varieties of local terriers, including a now-extinct breed of White English Terrier and possibly the popular English Black and Tan. Regardless of the ancestry behind these magnificent little dogs, the Jack Russell Terrier has continued to gain popularity and is one of the most well known dogs in the world today.

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Dog Appearance

Coat: There are two varieties; Smooth Coat Jack Russell Terriers and Rough Coat Jack Russell Terriers. JRT's are usually white with tan, black, or lemon, or with markings in three colors (called Tri-Color Jack Russell Terriers). Markings restricted to the head and base of the tail are preferred and the color should amount to no more than 49% of the dog, with his predominant color being white.

Jack Russell Terriers vary a good bit in height and weight - these dogs are bred for what they do - not how they look. For this reason you'll find short-legged Jack Russell Terriers, which are also known as Miniature Jack Russell Terriers and Toy Jack Russell Terriers.

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Grooming

The Jack Russell Terrier does not require special grooming.

You can generally get by with a daily brushing and a bath carried out at home whenever he gets dirty. There is no need for professional grooming or fancy cuts with this princely pooch.

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Exercise Needs

The Jack Russell Terrier is high energy.

This dog breed was bred to be a working dog which means the Jack Russell needs to stay active. If you do not have the time or energy to devote to daily walks and exercise sessions, this may not be the breed for you.

That being said, if you love to get out and meet people, you and your Jack Russell Terrier will enjoy participating in the many sporting opportunities available nation-wide for JRT enthusiasts and owners. These `terrier trials` or Dirt Dog Events include a wide range of fun activities that let Jack Russell Terriers show what they`re made of; `go to ground`, racing, agility and much more. Check out the JRTCA web site for more information on Jack Russell Terrier clubs and events near you!

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Temperament

The Jack Russell Terrier is intelligent.

The Jack Russell Terrier is considered to be one of the more intelligent dog breeds which means they are quite responsive to training. If you want a dog that has limitless potential to learn clever tricks, this dog may be for you. Unfortunately, their intelligence can be a double edged sword. If you don't stimulate their mind and keep them occupied, they can become bored and destructive around the home, chewing up things or digging endless holes in the back yard. They are also well-known as escape artists who can crawl under, jump over, or slip through fences.

The Jack Russell Terrier is good with children.

The Jack Russell Terrier has a reputation of getting along well with children. Despite their boundless energy and rather high strung personalities, they also have a kind and gentle side especially when theyre exposed early to children. Although this dog breed, in general, responds well to children, children should be taught to respect a Jack Russell since they will defend themselves if they are given abusive treatment by a child.

The Jack Russell Terrier is an affectionate breed.

The Jack Russell Terrier tends to be affectionate with both adults and children and are tolerant of strangers. Their loving nature makes them a very popular dog breed.

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Training

Training your JRT is essential and it's advisable that you start your Jack Russell training as young as his early puppy years. Jack Russell puppy obedience classes will do wonders for helping, not only your puppy learn, but also assist you in learning about your new puppy. In addition to puppy and basic obedience classes for your Jack Russell Terrier, you might also consider enrolling him in some agility classes and competitions to help him expend excess energy.

Jack Russell Terrier Health

The Jack Russell Terrier has a long life span.

The Jack Russell is one of the longer living breeds of dog. It's not uncommon for a Jack Russell to live more than fifteen years. They also tend to have fewer of the genetic diseases that are seen in extensively inbred purebred dogs.

Despite this, it's always very important to find a highly responsible breeder from which to obtain a Jack Russell Terrier puppy. JRT's, like all popular dog breeds, have been exploited by puppy mills and back yard breeders; irresponsible breeders who breed solely to make as much profit as possible, without regard to the health of the dogs they are breeding, or potential health problems that can arise in puppies from these breedings. These breeders rarely take proper care of their dogs and puppies, and more often than not, the breeding dogs are kept in deplorable, inhumane conditions without adequate care, nutrition, shelter, comfort, interaction or nutrition. Puppy Mill puppies usually have some sort of problem, whether it`s a health issue or a behavioral problem that will affect your Jack Russell Terrier puppy and your family for years to come.

Avoid purchasing a JRT puppy on a whim, and always carefully research any breeder from which you are considering acquiring a puppy. A responsible breeder will raise their dogs and puppies in the home with lots of love and attention, will screen their dogs for health problems prior to breeding, and will ensure that puppies are healthy and well-socialized prior to being placed with you.

In addition, a reputable Jack Russell Terrier breeder will be selective about with whom their puppies are placed, and will want to know all about you and your living arrangements before agreeing to place a puppy in your care.

Adding a Jack Russell Terrier dog or puppy to the family is an important decision with many added responsibilities. Make sure you are ready to take on the rigors of JRT ownership, and that you get the right puppy from the right breeder.

Back to Menu

Is the Jack Russell Terrier Right For You?

The Jack Russell is not generally good with other pets.

The Jack Russell has a tendency to be particularly unfriendly towards cats or other furry pets like guinea pigs or rabbits - it's their natural hunting instinct. If you have other dogs in your household, you may want to reconsider adopting a Jack Russell as well; they can often be aggressive with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.

The Jack Russell Terrier is not a good apartment dog.

Due to this dog breeds high energy level, apartment living does not suit the energetic, high strung Jack Russell.

A Jack Russell Terrier can be an excellent choice in dog breed if you are looking for a loving family pet and have the time to devote to exercise and training. Caution is in order if you have other pets in your household. A Jack Russell Terrier adoption may be ideal for a household that only wants one pet.

Back to Menu

Jack Russell Terrier Prices

Average Jack Russell Terrier Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Jack Russell Terrier dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Jack Russell Terrier puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Jack Russell Terrier dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Jack Russell Terrier puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Jack Russell Terrier breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Jack Russell Terrier prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Jack Russell Terrier puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

Back to Menu

Finding Jack Russell Terrier Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Jack Russell Terrier puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Jack Russell Terrier Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Jack Russell Terrier breeders. We actively screen Jack Russell Terrier breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Jack Russell Terrier breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Jack Russell Terrier puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Jack Russell Terrier puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Jack Russell Terrier dog and puppy pictures!

Back to Menu

Additional Jack Russell Terrier Resources:

• Jack Russell Terrier Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Jack Russell Terrier Breed Profile
• Jack Russell Terrier Pictures
• Jack Russell Terrier Videos

Back to Menu