Jack Russell Terrier

Dog Breed Profile

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Jack Russell Terrier History

The Jack Russell Terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated, fox-like terrier breed of dog. The jack russell is a relatively recent creation of 18th-century English fox hunters. It is named after the Reverend John Russell, a 19th-century man who founded a breeding club for the terrier. It was once called Parson Russell Terrier, or simply “Jack”, but the name was changed to “Russell” in 1878. The jack russel was originally used for hunting foxes and badgers in packs with other Foxhounds. As fox hunting has declined in popularity, the jack russell has diversified and is now often used as a family pet and for search and rescue work. The Jack Russell is a tenacious, cheerful, energetic, and brave little chap. He is highly intelligent, playful, and easily trained. He makes a good watchdog and is suitable for children. He can be reserved with strangers, but he is always friendly with family members.

Time of Origin

Unknown

Country of Origin

England

Ancestry

English White Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier Physical Characteristics

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, short-haired, medium sized, energetic, happy, and energetic breed of dogs that are typically between 10 and 15 inches high at the shoulders and weigh between 12 and 18 pounds. They have a rectangular head with a short muzzle and big, round eyes. Their small ears are folded down. Their tails are long and bushy. The Jack Russell Terrier has a thick, hard, and wiry double coat that is either gray, brindle, or red. They have thick, muscular legs. They are intelligent, quick learners and are great as watchdogs.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Black, White

Height Range

Male Height Range: 9 – 15 inches

Female Height Range: 9 – 15 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 14 – 18 lbs

Female Weight Range: 14 – 18 lbs

Jack Russell Terrier Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

13-16 yrs

Jack Russell Terrier Health Concerns

Patellar Luxation, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Legg-Calve Perthes Disease, Subaortic Stenosis, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Canine Cushing’s Disease, Epilepsy, vonWillebrand’s Disease, Cerebellar Ataxia

Jack Russell Terrier Temperament and Behaviour

The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively, playful, and athletic breed of dog. They are confident, self-assured, and loyal. They are generally fearless and are known to be difficult to train. However, they are very trainable and do well at activities that require energy. They are cautious and wary of strangers, but are generally friendly with other dogs and animals.

Jack Russell Terrier Activity Requirements

Jack Russell Terriers are feisty, high-energy little dogs. They are excellent at hunting and make great service dogs, but their playful nature makes them good companions as well. Jack Russell Terriers do require regular exercise, but they are not as strenuously active as other breeds. A brisk 20 minute walk or a game of fetch each day should suffice. While they are not as high energy as some other breeds, they do require regular walks and mentally stimulating games. A bored or lonely Jack Russell can quickly develop destructive behaviors.

Miles Per Day

Unknown

Activity Per Day

Unknown

Daily Food

Unknown

Kennel Club Recognition

American Kennel Club

Not Recognized

Jack Russell Terrier is part of the Unclassified group.

Visit the American Kennel Club website.

The Kennel Club

Recognized by The Kennel Club

Jack Russell Terrier is part of the Terrier group.

Visit the Kennel Club website.

Australian National Kennel Council

Recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council

Jack Russell Terrier is part of the Terrier group.

Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.

Canadian Kennel Club

Not Recognized

Jack Russell Terrier is part of the Unclassified group.

Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.