Jack Russells make wonderful pets in the right homes. However, we frequently see them given up to Battersea. This is because people often underestimate the complexities of the breed and whether they are compatible with their lives
What you need to know
- Average lifespan: 12-16 years
- Size: Small (4-8kg)
- Time: You’ll need to provide plenty of exercise and play to keep Jack Russells happy. If yours is long-haired, plan on weekly brushing to prevent matting.
- Committed training: You'll need to dedicate plenty of time and effort to training. Without this they can be prone to barking and may struggle with recall, making walks stressful.
Behaviour, training and exercise
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You’ll need to be physically capable and prepared to give your Jack Russell plenty of exercise.
A full-grown, healthy Jack Russell needs at least an hour a day. Without enough daily exercise they can quickly get bored and start digging, chewing and barking.
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You’ll need to dedicate lots of time and effort to training from a young age.
Jack Russells have a strong chase drive, so consistent recall training is important to allow for safe off-lead time. Keeping a Jack Russell on lead may result in excessive barking, but lead training can help with this.
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You’ll need to socialise and train your Jack Russell to help them become familiar with different people, places and sounds.
Without this they can become reactive to new situations, such as other dogs or new people.
Good to know
While a dog’s breed may influence how they behave, their behaviour will be shaped by all kinds of things, from their age to their life experiences.
Health
Jack Russells can develop problems that affect their bones or joints, including kneecap dislocation (patella luxation). These can occur from an early age and cause varying degrees of pain and arthritis over time.
Treatment and costs
Bone and joint problems need lifelong care and treatment. This can include regular vet visits and medication to manage mobility, pain and quality of life. Expensive surgery or hydrotherapy/physiotherapy may also be needed.
Jack Russells can get an eye condition called lens luxation. This is an inherited condition that can cause painful inflammation of the eye, which can lead to blindness if not treated.
Treatment and costs
Managing lens luxation can be expensive, and in some cases, removing the eye is needed to prevent ongoing pain.
Good to know
Some reputable breeders will screen parents for certain health issues to reduce the chance of puppies developing them.
Costs to consider
The cost of owning and keeping a dog healthy and happy is a long-term financial commitment. For a breakdown of how much it costs to own a Jack Russell, check out this calculator from the RSPCA.
As there are common medical issues associated with Jack Russells which can be expensive to treat, it’s important to consider how you would fund this. Pet insurance doesn't always cover all medical treatment, so you may need to pay some costs yourself.
Good to know
If you're considering getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to choose a reputable one. Check out this helpful guide on what to look for in a breeder and questions to ask.
