Learn what to expect from owning a Jack Russell Terrier, including temperament, exercise, health issues and costs.
Jack Russell Breed Facts
- Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Size: Small (4kg to 8kg)
- Daily care needs: High – consistent training, plus regular grooming if wire-haired
- Exercise needs: High – at least one hour a day, and they can get bored quickly without it
- Costs: Ongoing vet care
Are you the right match for a Jack Russell?
Jack Russells are clever dogs that are full of energy. Small dogs, big personality. Active households suit them best, especially where there's time for daily training and exercise.
Owners hoping for a laid-back lapdog will find this a demanding breed to live with. Their instincts for chasing, digging and barking take ongoing management.
Temperament and behaviour
Jack Russells were bred to work alongside foxhounds, using their determination and tenacity to drive foxes out of their dens. Those traits are still common in the breed today.
They're highly toy-motivated and love a good tug game, but they need appropriate outlets for their energy and instincts. Without enough exercise, training and mental stimulation, they can become frustrated, which may lead to strong reactions around other dogs, people or wildlife.
They're also very smart and highly trainable. Without enough to do, Jack Russells can become destructive. Digging is a particular favourite, since it's genuinely rewarding behaviour for a breed bred to do exactly that.
They can be vocal too, especially when frustrated or unsettled, and may whine or bark more when they feel restricted (like on a lead).
Jack Russell Terriers are bold, friendly and intelligent little dogs who enjoy being active and on the go all the time. Owners frequently underestimate the amount of exercise they need as they are small dogs, but exercise and play are essential for a happy dog.
Are Jack Russells good with other dogs?
Jack Russells can find some interactions with other dogs challenging. Their bold and determined nature can make them very forward in their interactions, and they may be quick to react if they're feeling frustrated or uncomfortable.
Their confident body language can also put other dogs on edge, even when they're not looking for trouble. Careful, positive socialisation from a young age can help manage this.
Living with children and other pets
Jack Russells can be playful, energetic family dogs. Because they're active and quick-thinking, they may use their mouths and nip when they're excited or frustrated if they haven't learnt appropriate impulse control. Early training and socialisation can help them learn how to stay calm.
They are better suited to children that are confident around lively dogs.
Can Jack Russells be left alone?
Jack Russells may bark or dig if bored or unsettled. Building up alone time gradually, alongside meeting their exercise needs, usually helps.
Not sure a Jack Russell matches your lifestyle? Try Woodgreen's Pet Explorer Tool to find out what breed is right for you.
The calmest, quietest dog at home, he soon showed his terrier instincts when out. He was completely unreliable off the lead with a strong prey instinct. He remained high spirited and obsessed with trying to catch things until he was about ten.
Jack Russell health issues
Bone and joint conditions
Jack Russells can develop problems affecting their bones or joints, including patella luxation (where the kneecap moves in and out of place). These can occur from an early age and cause varying degrees of pain and arthritis over time. Treatment needs lifelong care, including regular vet visits and medication, with surgery or hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sometimes needed.
Balance and coordination
Jack Russells can inherit conditions such as spinocerebellar ataxia and late-onset ataxia, which affect balance and coordination. These conditions get worse over time, there is no cure, and they can shorten a dog's lifespan. Genetic testing is available and can help breeders reduce the risk of passing them on.
Eye conditions
Jack Russells can develop lens luxation, an inherited condition that can cause painful inflammation of the eye and lead to blindness if untreated. Managing this can be expensive, and in some cases the eye needs to be removed to prevent ongoing pain.
Jack Russells are typically fairly healthy dogs. However, they are prone to some common health issues that are worth knowing about and considering before you choose this breed.
Costs to consider
Owning a Jack Russell is a long-term financial commitment, with health conditions common to the breed potentially leading to high vet bills. RSPCA estimate costs of £62 - £209 a month.
How to find a Jack Russell responsibly
Choose a breeder who health-tests both parent dogs and can talk openly about temperament in their lines.
Adopt a Jack Russell
People often underestimate the complexities of the breed, which is why they’re often given up. Adopting gives them a second chance, with our team by your side.
Find the right breed for your lifestyle
Choosing a dog is a big decision. Woodgreen's Pet Explorer helps you discover which breeds suit your home and routine, in just a few minutes.
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