The Jack Russell Terrier is a dog with so much personality and even more energy. They are loving, caring, and devoted dogs and they can be a perfect fit for any family wanting an all-around friendly dog in the house.
If you’re looking at adopting a Jack Russell Terrier puppy, then this breed guide will help you to make an informed decision.
Join me as I talk you through everything you need to know about this amazing breed.
Let’s get started.
Jack Russell Terrier Size & Weight
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog, weighing between 13-17 pounds. Its height at the withers is approximately 15 inches and can grow up to anything from 10 inches to 15 inches tall.
Personality
Jack Russel Terriers are an active, energetic breed that has an instinctive desire to hunt and play games such as chasing and throwing balls along with vigorous jumping capability.
They are best suited for families wanting a dog that is loving, playful yet tough enough to hunt vermin, dig holes or jump through yards.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a dog that needs physical activities such as daily walks, frequent games of fetch, and games of tug-of-war. What it really likes is to be able to chase on a leash or go for a run with you.
In addition, they enjoy training sessions where they perform tricks or jump over obstacles. If you have an active lifestyle and are able to keep up with their need for exercise, then it would be best for you to adopt a Jack Russell Terrier.
Health & Life Span
The Jack Russell Terrier can live between 13-16 years (varies by size) while sometimes reaching their 17th birthday. As with all dogs, getting the proper care is vital as it will help your dog live a longer healthier, and happier life.
This breed doesn’t tend to inherit any specific health problems but can be prone to hip dysplasia. As with any dog, access to outdoor space is important as it reduces the risk of arthritis and obesity which may shorten your Jack Russell Terrier’s lifespan.
Environment
The Jack Russell Terrier is a very active and energetic breed. It would do best in an environment where its human companion has lots of time to play games with it such as fetch or tug-of-war.
Many owners will run alongside their dogs for some intense cardio exercise. If you travel often and for long periods, this may not be a good fit for you as it will require even more individual attention from you.
A Jack Russell Terrier thrives on having its owner around and thus prefers not to be left alone frequently.
If you work long hours or need to leave your dog home alone often, this may lead to anxiety in your terrier which over time can lead to compulsive behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, or chewing.
Care & Grooming
The Jack Russell Terrier has a relatively short coat that is generally easy to care for. With the exception of bathing and clipping its nails, there’s no need to bathe your dog very often.
A brush will suffice for removing dead hairs as it can be easily brushed when shedding season occurs. An everyday brush can be used three times a week or more prior to grooming your dog so as to prevent matting.
Regular brushing will help increase the life of your dog’s coat which should not be cut or shaved at any point for any reason. The only thing you should never do is wash your Jack Russell Terrier in water, which may lead to the matting of her hair if not groomed regularly.
This breed does not tolerate cold weather well and requires daily access to some degree of sunlight so it doesn’t overheat, resulting in possible heatstroke.
A Jack Russell Terrier that is properly cared for will require no special grooming. However, for the sake of their health, owners should regularly examine their ears and eyes for signs of infection or discharge.
A Jack Russell Terrier may develop skin infections that can be treated with antibiotics. In order to keep the skin around its eyes clean and healthy, it would be best to brush them frequently with a gentle dog toothbrush.
If needed you may use an eye ointment that is available from your veterinarian or simply apply a tiny bit of diluted human baby oil to the eyes twice a week in addition to regular brushing.
Feeding
The Jack Russell Terrier is a carnivore, which means that it needs a diet supplemented with protein and nutrients. It needs to be fed three to four times per day with one large meal and small snacks every few hours.
If you are concerned about your dog’s weight, you should check its body condition every month or two because even though the Jack Russel Terrier can tolerate being overweight, it may show signs of health problems when it becomes overweight.
A good way to tell whether or not your dog is underweight is to gently feel it on the ribs, loin area, and hips. Be sure not to use the method when your dog is excited as this will cause discomfort and possibly over-stimulation for which you will benefit little.
Your veterinarian can tell you what its ideal weight should be given its age, breed of dog, and gender.
Nutrition
Jack Russel Terriers need to eat an appropriate amount of protein and nutrients in order to maintain proper health. On average, they require 20 calories per pound (50 calories per Kg) of weight for daily nutrition.
While this is a general guideline, your dog’s size, age, and activity level will determine the exact amount of food it needs to consume each day.
The best way to keep your Jack Russel Terrier slim is by feeding it smaller meals several times a day instead of one large meal that can lead to excessive energy consumption. Small snacks can be fed every few hours as necessary.
In addition, when you are going on walks or playing games of fetch with your dog, you should give it slightly moist treats as well in order to keep it hydrated throughout the activity period aside from its normal water intake.
Children And Other Pets
Jack Russel Terriers are highly intelligent dogs that are generally trustworthy with other animals, especially children. For this reason, it would be best to adopt an adult or two so as not to be placing a newborn in an environment where they may injure themselves.
While your Jack Russel Terrier should not be left alone or unattended around small children, it can be left alone with adults at an age when small children are no longer in the house.
If you have cats or other pets that you feel your Jack Russell Terrier may have issues with, it would also be wise for you to consider adopting a second Jack Russel Terrier to prevent any aggression from developing between them.
It is always advised that dogs not interact with other pets and remember that there is a big difference between playtime and real fighting. If your dog does start playing too roughly and aggressively with another dog, it is recommended that you separate the two dogs immediately before anything serious happens.
Allergies
Jack Russell Terriers can be great indoor pets if you have asthma or allergies, but they can still trigger an allergic reaction. If you have asthma, you know that this can cause difficulty breathing, and if you have allergies that are seasonal, you know that this can cause sneezing and watery eyes, among other symptoms.
While a Jack Russell’s allergy symptoms may not be long-lasting and as severe as some other animals, they might just be enough to keep you from enjoying your time with them.
Training
The Jack Russell Terrier can be very obedient and loyal to its master if treated well. It is best that training starts at an early age, so it will get used to it and maintain its independence. Owners should begin training their Jack Russel Terriers by keeping them on a leash since it is a natural-born hunter.
However, training must also include daily games such as fetching a ball and tug-of-war. This not only strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner but also helps prevent boredom from setting in. The most important thing you can do for your Jack Russel Terrier is to socialize them from an early age.
Popular Names
This small breed of dog has a very strong, loyal personality. They’re affectionate and playful, but when it comes to their territory, they can be extremely protective. Since they’re well-known for being great hunters too, you can pick names that reflect this ability to catch prey.
Male Jack Russel Terrier Names:
1. Ace
This is a classic name that has a fun twist to it. It’s short, which makes it easy to say and use.
2. Jack
This is the most popular name for male Jack Russel Terriers. It has a traditional ring to it that many people love. The nickname “Jackie” isn’t commonly used, but you can call him that if you like.
3. Cole
This name is very versatile and can be used for many different dogs since it’s a common last name as well as a popular first one for boys in the United States. It’s hard to go wrong with something as timeless as this one if you want to have an ordinary name choice for your dog.
4. Charlie
This is one of the most popular male pet names of all time. It’s been used for hundreds of years and still remains very trendy. While it is considered to be a classic name, it isn’t too old school.
5. Teddy
This is a bit more advanced, but if you want something basic but with an interesting twist, this is a good option to consider. Most people don’t think of a dog when they see the word “Teddy,” so it’s good to use for this reason as well since it’s unique compared to other common options.
6. Ollie
This name gets used for many different types of dogs thanks to its versatility. It’s seen as an intelligent, caring, and protective type of dog. It can also be shortened to “O,” which you can use if you prefer a nickname version of the name.
7. Tucker
This is still considered one of the safest male Jack Russel Terrier names out there, but if you want something a little more flamboyant, this is also an excellent choice for your dog. It’s very common which makes it versatile and easy to use as well as simple to type out on a keyboard or address when applying for your Jack Russel Terrier’s registration papers with the local dog registry office in some areas.
8. Rocky
This is one of the best names that you can use for a Jack Russel Terrier since you can easily shorten it to “Rocky” or even just “R.” This is a fun name, but it also describes many different types of dogs. It’s very versatile and can be used for Jack Russel Terriers in particular.
9. Buddy
This is one of the most popular male pet names out there and has been around for years. It’s considered to be very safe because it isn’t too old school like some other older options are. Still, this name has a fun twist to it that makes it stand out from the rest.
10. Rascal
This is considered to be one of the best male Jack Russel Terrier names thanks to its complex nature and how interesting it is when combined with this type of dog. You can say Rascal or even just “Raskal,” depending on how you prefer to type out your Jack Russel Terrier’s name on your social media accounts.
However, some people may have a hard time spelling this name correctly so keep that in mind before choosing something like this.
Female Jack Russel Terrier Names:
1. Lottie
This name is a bit more unusual than some other options on the list, which may be exactly what you’re looking for if you are looking for something fun and unique that stands out from the crowd. People who have this name tend to be bright, bubbly, charismatic, and good at getting along with others. It’s also common enough that it won’t sound unusual when you use it for your Jack Russel Terrier either.
2. Sadie
This name is chosen by many pet owners due to its cute sound. It’s very common and popular for a girl dog. It’s also an easy name to turn into a fun nickname for your dog without modifying it much.
3. Gizmo
This is the perfect pick if you want something that is cute and adorable. It’s also another one that can be made into a fun nickname like “Giz” or “Gizzy.” While it may sound silly to some, it can be used in serious situations when needed.
4. Lola
This name has an old-style feeling to it, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you choose this option. However, it has actually been picking up popularity in recent years, so you won’t look dated if you use this for your dog either. This is a great choice if you want something calm and sweet but aren’t looking for something ultra cutesy either.
5. Lita
This name has an edge to it, so you’ll want to use it with care and think about how you’re going to use it when choosing this name. It’s fun and playful, but the meaning behind the words may make it a little off-putting to some.
However, if you’re looking for something different that will stand out from the crowd without being too strange or eccentric, this is a great choice.
6. Jetta
This is a common alternative name for a dog. It’s an old classic as well, and it can be used for either gender of dog. If you want something different but still current, this is a good choice.
7. Jessie
Although this option sounds like a female dog’s common nickname choice, it can also be used as a male dog name. It has an old-school feeling about it that many people love and will think of when they hear the word “Jessie”.
8. Kat
This is a more common choice for male dogs, but it can also be used for female dogs. It’s another oldie that many people really like and can be used as a cute nickname if you want to give your dog one with a fun twist to it.
9. Milly
This is still an old fashioned choice, but it is a classic one people love regardless of gender. This name was popular for the first three decades of its use, so if you are looking for something old-school this may work out well for your dog.
10. Tiki
This is an unusual name choice because it has no meaning behind it at all. This choice could work out well depending on how you want to use this name in the future. It’s very versatile and can be used for many different purposes when you need to make up a dog’s registration papers with your local dog registry office in some areas.
Conclusion
A Jack Russel Terrier is an ultimately calm and confident dog, of which many owners swear by. Incorporated with its hunting instinct to be highly intelligent and eager to please owners who want a companion for large amounts of time, this breed can improve the quality of life for its owner.
However, it is important that you have the time to exercise with your best friend as, without exercise, Jack Russel Terriers can become obese and prone to health problems.
