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JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

Breed Group:Ā Terrier

For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel ClubĀ or American Kennel Club ("Russell Terrier")

Average height: 25.4 - 38.1 cms (10 - 15 in)

Average Weight: 4.5 - 11.3 kgs (10 - 25 lbs)

Coat Length: XShort

Life Span:Ā 12 - 20+ years

Colours: White with tan, brown, black, cream, tri-color markings

HISTORY

Reverend John Russell created this breed to be a very capable fox hunter in the 19th century in England.Ā Eventually, they evolved into various shapes that gave them an advantage in different kinds of hunting, but all were meant for hunting varmints. During recent times, their work has been more aligned with hunting rats in urban environments, where they discovered, flushed, and killed large quantities of rats efficiently.

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L.E.G.S.

Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self. 

Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.

Shedding

minimal <> considerable

Grooming

minimal <> likely to need professional grooming

Barking

relatively quiet <> very vocal

Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock

low<>high

Response to strangers

happy to greet everyone <> very wary

Affectionate with family

not at all<>very cuddly

Playful

serious<>very playful

Focus on handler (bond)

independent thinker<>very biddable

Excitable/Impulsive

very calm<>easily aroused

Motivated

laid back<>obsessive

Easy to care for

suitable for inexperienced<>challenging

Exercise needs

minimal<>hours daily

Off-lead exercise needs

happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom

Enrichment needs

basic<>needs challenges

WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

  • They are dynamic, independent, and always ready
  • They are fearless, extremely intelligent, and funny
  • Jacks will make you laugh. They're optimistic, generally happy, and have a creative sense of mischief
  • They're masters at snuggles (when they're in the mood) and extremely devoted
  • They are total charmers when they want to be; people put up with all sorts of horrible behavior because they're just so dang cute and they seem so happy doing it (and they probably are)
  • When you establish a good bond, they'll love you with every fibre of their turbo-charged little being
  • They're not picky about WHAT you do together, which, in some ways, makes them really low-maintenance. They just want to go do fun stuff with you
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WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH

  • They have a one-track mind, got a thing for little critters, and they are hyperactive
  • They are super big alarm barkers
  • They can be extraordinarily stubborn
  • That one track mind thing is VERY true. If you DON'T establish a good relationship with them, they can be hard to appreciate

YOUR JACK RUSSELL TERRIER PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS

To follow ...

YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:

  • House soiling (males)
  • Leash reactivity
  • Issues with other dogs
  • Inter-household conflict
  • Resource guarding
  • Touch sensitivity (biting/snapping when they don't want to be bothered)
  • Mischief and general trouble making
  • Digging

YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY

To follow

UPBRINGING

Take care to socialize your Jack Russell Terrier with careful supervision especially to small animals and other dogs. Experiences with other dogs should be positive, and any bullying or snarky behavior should be addressed proactively. Additionally, extra attention should be given to training around handling and touch, as well as providing consistency with house training and continuing obedience classes past puppy kindergarten is a really good idea. These dogs are smart and responsive. Often Jack Russell Terriers are consistently under-socialized and under-trained.

LIFESTYLE

While this dog is flexible in regard to lifestyle, they need mental and physical exercise. If you fail to provide this, they will figure it out for themselves and they can be very creative in the options they comes up with. Few of these options may be things you like.

INTERESTS & HOBBIES

To follow

EDUCATION

Jacks are among the smartest and most versatile of the terriers but they're also arguably the most difficult to handle. Proactive training is essential to a harmonious relationship.

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