Jack Russell Terrier

There are several Russell Terrier types: the Russell Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier, and the Jack Russell Terrier, which, unlike the other two, is not an acknowledged breed by the AKC. The Jack Russell Terrier was originated by “Reverend” John Russell who wanted to create a terrier that was close to the ground and could keep up with horses without needing to be carried. They have long been companion dogs for farms and stables with a side hustle as a watchdog. Hardy, friendly, and ready to go at a moment’s notice, the Jack Russell Terrier first appeared in America sometime after World War II where they’ve been adored ever since.

Jack Russell Terrier owners will be tolerant of the dog’s comedy and antics. They don’t love to be left alone, so owners who are around a lot are ideal. They bark to alert and love to do it, so owners shouldn’t mind how vocal the dog can be. Training and socialization will be an important part of turning these sharp and excitable dogs into good companions.

Jack Russell Terriers were bred to work and have tons of energy. They love walking, running, and tagging along to whatever their owners are doing. They would excel at activities like dog sports, training, puzzle-solving, chasing, and more. The more active a Jack Russell Terrier is, the more opportunities to tire them out and make them mellow indoors.

Topping out at under 20 pounds, the Jack Russell Terrier can fit into any lifestyle whether it be city living or out in the country. If you do live in a suburban or rural area a fenced-in yard will be vital. They can be mischievous and love to dig and chase. Neighbors might not love how chatty and vocal the dog is—they bark to alert—so it’s something to keep in mind if you have others who live close by.

Smooth coated Jack Russells need a brush about once a week to keep their skin and coat glossy and healthy. Rough or wirehaired Jack Russel Terriers might need more grooming, including hand-stripping twice a year to remove dead and loose hairs and keep the coat in good shape.

The Jack Russell Terrier is known for its energy level, which can lead some to jump to the conclusion that they are hard to train. However, they really need creative motivation. If done correctly, they are not difficult to train and training can be a good opportunity to relationship build with their owners. They love training sessions to be fun and rewarding. Socialization is also important, especially with other animals and children. They likely will never get alone with cats, a sworn enemy of theirs.

Spicy and gung-ho, the Jack Russell Terrier does best in an active family with no children or older children who won’t mind a bit of feistiness or who can respect the dog’s boundaries.

The cost of a Jack Russell Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.