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Breed Spotlights
Jack Russell Terrier
Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 years
Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Weight: 13 – 17 lbs.
Height: 10 – 15 inches
Where Does the Jack Russell Terrier Rank?
See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds in 7 key categories.
Trainability
The Jack Russell is an extremely intelligent breed; however, they may be difficult to train at times due to their stubborn streak.
Shedding Friendliness
The Jack Russell does not shed excessively.
Ease of Grooming
Your Jack Russell should be brushed once per week to allow for proper distribution of the oils in the skin as well as to remove dead fur.
Health
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog breed. With small dog breeds, health issues related to bone growth, deafness, and eye diseases are going to be the most common diagnosis. It’s important to keep the Jack Russell active to help with joint conditions.
Exercise Needs
The Jack Russell should be given a significant amount of exercise to prevent behavioral problems. The Jack Russell Terrier is extremely energetic and must be provided room to run. A fenced-in area is often suitable; however, be certain not to leave him alone in the fenced area as these dogs are prone to digging.
Good with Children
The Jack Russell is good with older children; however, he is not recommended for homes with young children due to his tendency to become ‘snappy’ when handled.
Barking Restraint
Excessive barking is common with this breed. This breed must often be trained when to and when not to bark to avoid excessive barking.
What You Need to Know About Jack Russell Terrier Dogs
Behavior
The Jack Russell is extremely energetic and high-spirited. The Jack Russell is extremely loving and devoted to his pet parent. Jack Russell Terriers need early socialization to become well-rounded as an adult.
Training
Jack Russell Terriers are extremely intelligent but also known to be very stubborn which may result in difficulties while training.
Grooming
The Jack Russell does not require extensive grooming. Jacks should be brushed once per week to allow for the removal of dead fur as well as to properly distribute skin oils through the fur.
Health Problems
Patellar Luxation – This is a common problem in small dogs. The patella has three bones associated which include the patella (kneecap), the femur and the tibia. Patellar luxation occurs when these three bones are not properly lined up.
Deafness – Deafness is often associated with Jack Russell Terriers. This is a congenital issue and it may be a partial or complete loss of hearing.
Glaucoma – Glaucoma is a painful health condition which results in abnormally high pressure in the eye. The eye pressure can lead to damage to the optic nerve resulting in blindness.
Lens Luxation – This is a health condition which causes the lens of the eye to become displaced. In many cases, lens luxation results in the removal of the eye.
Legg Perthes – This is a hereditary condition that is common in many small dog breeds. It is a disease of the hip joint. It is particularly a malformed bone that does not properly fit into the hip joint. In a Jack Russell Terrier, there may be symptoms of extreme pain in the leg and lameness.
Top 10 Most Common Health Issues for Jack Russell Terriers
- Patellar Luxation
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg Perthes
- Dislocation of the knee caps
- Progressive retinal atrophy – disease of the retina
- Epilepsy – seizures
- Heart Disease
