Terrier group · England
Jack Russell Terrier
Also called JRT, Jack Russell.
What makes them remarkable
The Jack Russell is named after a real reverend who developed fox-hunting terriers in the 1800s.
- Energetic
- Intelligent
- Fearless
- Vocal
- Athletic
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 6 to 8 kg13 to 17 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 14 years
- Energy
- Very High
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- High
Training
Training a Jack Russell Terrier
Terrier breeds. Impulse control and a rock-solid leave it. Short, high-value sessions; they bore fast.
High Energy
Start here
Needs significant exercise or becomes destructive.
Strong Prey Drive
Will chase anything, secure containment essential.
Smart but Independent
Quick learners but stubborn, be consistent.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Jack Russell Terrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to go to ground after vermin. Fearless, quick, and not built to back down.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersHigh
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Running, digging, and active play.
- Grooming
- Low maintenance. Weekly brushing.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Smooth, Rough, BrokenWhite with Tan, White with Black, Tricolour
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Luxating Patella
Moderate
Kneecap problems
Deafness
Moderate
Congenital deafness possible
Eye Problems
Moderate
Lens luxation
Where they come from
History
Developed by Reverend John Russell in England for fox hunting in the 1800s.
- Eddie · Crane family dog
- Wishbone · Book-loving dog
Similar breeds
All breeds
Parson Russell Terrier
Its longer legs helped it keep up with mounted hunts: this is the taller, squarer Russell terrier.
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Manchester Terrier
Whippets helped shape this sleek terrier, combining rat-catching work with rabbit coursing.
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Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature keeps the Bull Terrier’s distinctive head, but developed into a separately recognised breed.
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Smooth Fox Terrier
Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were once interbred, before developing into separate breeds.
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