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Jack Russell Terrier| Breed highlights
| Breed: | Truly a big dog in a small dog’s body, the Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless and energetic companion. |
| Coat type: | Jack Russell Terriers have three different coat types, smooth, wirehaired or broken that all shed. |
| Shedding: | Jack Russell Terriers have three different coat types, smooth, wirehaired or broken that all shed. |
| Grooming: | They are relatively low maintenance but regular brushing is needed to help remove loose hair. |
| Activity level: | Jack Russell Terriers are energetic dogs that require ample exercise and mental stimulation. They need regular opportunities for playtime, walks and lots of interactive activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied. |
| Apartment friendly: | Life on a larger property could be a better fit for a JRT than apartment living. |
| Small children: | Jack Russell Terriers can be good with children, especially if they are properly socialised and trained from a young age. However, due to their high energy levels and spirited nature, they may be better suited for households with older children who can be taught how to interact with dogs respectfully. It is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure everyone’s safety |
| Other dog friendly: | Jack Russell Terriers have a strong prey drive, so caution is advised when introducing them to smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, or rodents. Proper socialisation from a young age and supervision during interactions with other pets are necessary. |
Introduction and History
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy, intelligence, and stamina. They were bred for hunting foxes in England in the 1800’s and are still used today to hunt rats. Like many working breeds, their numbers declined after World War II, and those left started to become the companions we know and love today.
The Jack Russell Terrier is often confused with the Parson Russell Terrier or Parson Jack Russell Terrier, however although they are very similar and share common ancestry the two breeds were separated in the 1980’s.
Appearance and Personality
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small and muscular Terrier, who stand up to 30 cm high at the shoulder and between 4 and 8kgs. They are predominantly white with black or tan markings on the face and head. The coat variations may be smooth, wirehaired, or broken and all coat types shed. Regular brushing two to three times a week will help to keep the coat in top condition and remove loose hairs.
They may be small, but Jack Russell’s have big personalities and may be best suited to a household of experienced dog people. They are independent and have a high exercise requirement due to their working pasts. Today they can excel at agility and other sports. Keeping the Jack Russell Terrier’s body and mind busy is vital to avoid destructive behaviour including digging and escaping which can arise out of boredom. Life on a larger property could be a better fit for a JRT than apartment living.
They make loyal and protective family members in the right family. Early socialisation with other dogs, people and animals is important to ensure good manners later in life but show caution when introducing Jack Russells to other small animals as in many cases, their hunting instinct is still strong.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier is typically around 13 to 16 years.
Common Health Concerns
Jack Russell terriers can be prone to cruciate ligament disease, and other traumatic accidents, which may be testament to their active and adventurous nature.
The five most common reasons for a Jack Russell Terrier to visit the vet (excluding routine care visits) according to PetSure data (from 2022 calendar year) include:
| Rank | Condition | Average cost for single treatment (average pet insurance claim amount) | Highest cost for single treatment (highest pet insurance claim seen for this condition) |
| 1 | Skin disease (Allergic skin disease, pyoderma, pododermatitis, acral lick dermatitis) | $403 | $4262 |
| 2 | Ear infection | $256 | $1470 |
| 3 | Gastritis | $539 | $5,518 |
| 4 | Dental | $825 | $11,923 |
| 5 | Cruciate disease | $1993 | $9,885 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
For the same period (2022), the top five highest single vet treatments (or highest pet insurance claims) for Jack Russell Terriers from PetSure data were:
| Rank | Condition | Highest Cost of treatment for condition (average pet insurance claim amount) |
| 1 | Portosystemic | $24,270 |
| 2 | Mass Lesion | $21,704 |
| 3 | Intervertebral Disc Disease | $20,635 |
| 4 | Fracture | $20,628 |
| 5 | Lymphoma | $16,957 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
Most popular Jack Russell Terrier names from PetSure policy data:
Most popular female names from Jack Russell’s born in 2022
- Tilly
- Luna
- Daisy
- Bella
- Millie
- Rosie
- Ruby
- Billie
- Bonnie
- Lola
Most popular male names from Jack Russell’s born in 2022
- Milo
- Archie
- Jack
- Buddy
- Toby
- Max
- Rocky
- Rusty
- Harry
- Jasper
- Alfie
Did you know?
In 2007, a Jack Russell Terrier named George bravely protected two children from an attack by two large dogs in New Zealand. Sadly, George did not survive the incident. A bronze statue was built in the town centre of Manaia in his honour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jack Russell Terriers were bred for hunting foxes in England in the 1800’s and are sometimes still used today to hunt rats.
Jack Russell Terriers are a small breed. On average, both males and females typically stand around 25 to 30 cm tall at the shoulder. They generally weigh between 5 to 7 kg.
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their energetic, intelligent and lively temperament. They are often described as being feisty, bold and full of personality. They are active and require mental and physical stimulation.
Jack Russell Terriers can be good with children, especially if they are properly socialised and trained from a young age. However, due to their high energy levels and spirited nature, they may be better suited for households with older children who can be taught how to interact with dogs respectfully. It is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure everyone’s safety.
Jack Russell Terriers are energetic dogs that require ample exercise and mental stimulation. They need regular opportunities for playtime, walks and lots of interactive activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be independent and strong-willed. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods, along with plenty of patience are required to successfully train Jack Russell Terriers. For this reason, they may be better suited to households of experienced dog owners, rather than first time pet parents.
Jack Russell Terriers have a strong prey drive, so caution is advised when introducing them to smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, or rodents. Proper socialisation from a young age and supervision during interactions with other pets are necessary.
The average lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier is typically around 13 to 16 years.
Jack Russell Terriers have three different coat types, smooth, wirehaired or broken that all shed. They are relatively low maintenance but regular brushing is needed to help remove loose hair.
The table below outlines the common conditions for Jack Russell Terriers in 2022 according to PetSure claims data
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider
References
- Wikipedia, Jack Russell Terrier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Russell_Terrier
- Dogs NSW, Breeds Jack Russell Terrier: https://www.dogsnsw.org.au/Breeds/browse-all-breeds/75/Jack-Russell-Terrier/
- American Kennel Club, About the Jack Russell Terrier: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/
- Kete New Plymouth: Heritage Sites and Features, “George” – The Jack Russell Terrier- Memorial,
Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.
Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.
