Jack Russell Terrier

Spunky and full of boundless energy, the Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) is a compact dog with a keen hunting sense. They are tough and sturdy, as well as stubbornly independent.

JRTs were bred by Reverend John Russell in the 1800s, when he purchased a small, white-and-tan terrier from his milkman. He named her Trump, and included her in his efforts to breed a dog that would have high stamina and be fearless enough to chase foxes out from underground. They were also bred to scare up other ground-dwelling animals, such as groundhogs and badgers.

Jack Russell Terrier Personality
Extremely intelligent, athletic and assertive
Confident, bold and courageous
Feisty, mischievous and high energy
Large dog in a small dog’s body
Cheerful, loyal and fun!

Jack Russell Terrier Size
13-18 pounds
12-15 inches tall (at the withers)
Compact, but well-muscled pooch!

Jack Russell Terrier Family & Home
Though they’re on the smaller side, JRTs aren’t the best companion for apartment dwellers, unless the owner’s prepared to provide the enormous amount of exercise and mental stimulation the JRT requires without a yard to exhaust its energy.
JRTs are great with children over the age of six, but the children should understand how to handle a dog and be under constant parental supervision. The JRT will not tolerate any abusive behavior and may defend itself and cause a child harm in the process.
Jacks don’t do very well with smaller pets such as cats, rabbits and gerbils. Because they’ve been bred to chase down small animals, their natural instinct can lead them to cause significant harm to smaller animals. Though there are exceptions to every rule, if you do choose to have other pets, take the proper precautions.
If in a home, a JRT must have a secured fence around the perimeter. JRTs will bolt after potential prey at the drop of the hat and need their owners’ help in keeping them safely at home.

Jack Russell Terrier Bark
Because they are bred to alert hunters to quarry, JRTs are extremely vocal dogs who love to sound the alarm. But, with proper training their bark can be tamed to a manageable level.

Jack Russell Terrier Training
JRTs need obedience as early as possible. Because they are extremely intelligent and stubborn dogs with an assertive nature, it must be established right away who calls the shots.
Jacks can get bored easily and need a lot of exercise and activities to keep them busy. JRTs are great at agility training and benefit from participating.
If not properly trained, JRTs can become destructive.
Socialization of the JRT is key, since they have a tendency to be aggressive towards other animals and humans. Proper socialization will help with the JRT’s aggression.
It is not recommended to allow your terrier off leash.
JRTs love to dig and should be trained to dig in a specific area designated by their owner so they can relieve that instinct without destroying the garden.
Careful, an intelligent dog, the JRT has been known to train its owner before he even knows it.

Jack Russell Terrier Coat
JRTs can have three different types of coats, including smooth, broken, and rough coats.
JRTs are mainly white with black or tan markings, or a combination of these, also known as tri-color.
A JRT’s coat should be brushed out on a regular basis.

Jack Russell Terrier Care
JRTs are not fond of baths (what dog is?!), and should be bathed as needed. Excessive bathing can irritate their sensitive skin.

Jack Russell Terrier Health
JRTs are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps.
Some JRTs can inherit eye diseases and deafness.
JRTs are also prone to Legg Perthes, which is a type of disease of the hip joints.

Jack Russell Terrier Lifespan
15-17 years

Jack Russell Terrier Fame
Moose and Enzo were two famous Russell Terriers who played “Eddie” on the hit TV series, “Frasier.” They also took the coveted role of “Skip” in the feature film “My Dog Skip.”
George was a New Zealand JRT who saved five children from two stray Pit Bulls who meant to cause them harm. Unfortunately, George lost his life in that altercation, but all five children made it out alive.
Wishbone!

Jack Russell Terrier Rescue
To bring home a feisty, but loving Jack Russell Terrier, visit www.russellrescue.com, a national Jack Russell Terrier Rescue.