Jack Russell Terrier breed guide

Not afraid to share their opinion, the Jack Russell terrier makes up for their lack of size by having a huge personality!

Read our guide to find out more about the loyal Jack Russell terrier breed…

Please note: The Jack Russell terrier breed name is commonly shortened to ‘JRT’ – however, we’ll be referring to the breed as the ‘Jack Russell’ at various points throughout this breed guide.

Jack Russell terrier breed history

In the 19^th century, a parson named Reverend John Russell developed a type of terrier who was small enough to chase foxes out of dens. However, Russell also wanted an active dog who could keep up with horses while fox hunting. So, the Jack Russell terrier became a small, intelligent, high-energy hunting dog who could also act as a loyal companion.

Despite his passion for the breed, and his role as a founding member of the Kennel Club, Reverend Russell didn’t want the Jack Russell to be recognised as a pedigree. Instead, he wanted Jack Russell terrier breeders to focus on a dog’s ability to work rather than to breed dogs who looked a certain way.

Owing to their feisty temperament and small size, the Jack Russell soon became popular as a talented working dog capable of hunting vermin in both urban and rural settings.

During the 1960s and 1970s, those who emigrated from the UK to Australia took their beloved Jack Russells with them. It was in Australia that Jack Russells rose to fame as a show dog, and the first ever Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia was formed in 1972.

Nowadays, Jack Russells have found their way into the hearts and homes of families around the world who fall in love with this little dog’s mischievous character!  

Common characteristics of the Jack Russell terrier breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for Jack Russell terriers, and since each dog is a unique individual, your Jack Russell terrier’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a Jack Russell terrier

Most Jack Russells reach 25-30cm in height at the shoulder.

Average weight for a Jack Russell terrier

The average weight for a Jack Russell is approximately 4-6kg.

Average lifespan for a Jack Russell terrier

Jack Russells usually to live for around 12-16 years – though some have been known to live for up to 18 years or more!

Typical Jack Russell terrier appearance

With bold, almond-shaped eyes and petite facial features full of expression, it’s no surprise that Jack Russells capture the affections of pet parents worldwide. Their short legs coupled with a medium-length, agile frame make for a ‘pawfect’ combination of cuteness and sporting capability!

A Jack Russell’s tail is usually set high and carried upwards while the Jack Russell is active, to allow for freedom of movement as they run, jump, and play.

Whether smooth or rough, a Jack Russell’s coat requires regular grooming to stay in tip top condition.

Although Jack Russells can be seen in a variety of coat colours, they tend to have a white base coat with different coloured markings. Usually, a Jack Russell’s coat markings will be black and/or tan (pale brown) in a bi-colour (two colour) or tricolour (three colour) pattern.

Typical Jack Russell terrier temperament

Being such a devoted companion is a major trait of the Jack Russell, who adores spending every waking moment with their human family. So, your Jack Russell will thrive when in your company for all your adventures – whether that’s beach trips, camping, holidays, or even shopping!

It’s important not to leave your Jack Russell alone for too long, however, as they’re known to suffer from separation anxiety.

Jack Russells are highly energetic dogs who require an active form of exercise for at least an hour every day. They’ll also need plenty of mental stimulation while they’re not out adventuring, to prevent them from performing undesirable behaviours.

Since they’re so clever, Jack Russells tend to be fantastic to train – as long as you find the right reward to motivate them and keep their attention on you! However, you’ll have to work hard at recall training with your Jack Russell, because they’re known to instinctively chase small animals.

Due to their hunting roots, Jack Russells may struggle to get along well with cats – unless they’ve been introduced safely and brought up with cats from a young age.

If you’re hoping for a quiet life, don’t get a Jack Russell! The Jack Russell terrier is an excitable dog famous for sharing their opinion by barking about anything, from an approaching postman to reminding you that it’s dinner time. To help calm your Jack Russell’s tendency to shout about everything, you may want to check out our guide on how to handle your dog’s barking.

Jack Russell terrier health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and, unfortunately, Jack Russell terriers are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the Jack Russell terrier:

• Luxating patellas (their kneecaps slip out of place).
• Atopy (an allergic skin disease that causes sore, itchy skin).
• Legges Perthes disease (deformity of the hip joint).

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your Jack Russell terrier may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns. If you are considering pet insurance, be sure to read our guide about insuring your Jack Russell terrier.

Fun facts about Jack Russell terriers

Fact 1 – Initially, Jack Russells with whiter coats were preferred to those with darker coats because they couldn’t be mistaken for prey animals while hunting.

Fact 2 – Jack Russells are incredibly talented at a range of canine sports, including agility, flyball, and Mantrailing (where dogs are trained to locate a person using their scent).

Fact 3 – King Charles III and the Queen Consort adopted two Jack Russell terriers from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home . 

Fact 4 – Despite their long history, the Jack Russell terrier wasn’t officially recognised by the Kennel Club as a pedigree dog breed until 2016!

Fact 5 – The Parson Russell terrier is slightly taller than the Jack Russell terrier, though they share many of the same traits because they were also developed by Reverend John Russell.