Learn more about Jack Russell Terriers to help you choose the dog that’s right for you and your family.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless, energetic little dog with a strong hunting instinct. It is named after Reverend Russell who bred this type in Devon, England in the mid-1800s. The dog’s job was to flush out foxes during hunts by relentless barking while never killing its prey. In the UK, the longer-legged version of the Jack Russell Terrier is known as the Parson Russell Terrier.

The Jack Russell is a compact dog that stands approximately 25-35 cm tall and weighs between 6 and 8 kg.  It has a double coat that is either smooth and short, broken with some trace hairs or rough with coarse, longer trace hairs. Its coat is white or white with black or tan markings.

Jack Russell Terriers are happy dogs that love companionship and absolutely need to be given things to do every single day. With their strong will and hunting instinct, it is crucial they are trained well from a young age.  

Because they are so alert and vocal, Jack Russells make good watchdogs. They may not get on so well with other dogs or house pets and may not tolerate babies and toddlers, but should be friendly and playful with older children.

With its unequivocal urge to hunt and explore, this active dog needs plenty of exercise, so it’s best off at a home with a large, fenced yard. If given a chance to escape, you can bet that it will. The Jack Russell enjoys going on long walks and playing fetch for as long as you’ll agree to keep going. This is definitely not a dog for the couch potato.  Sadly many terriers get left in pounds as people do not give them the training and stimulation they require, and they can end up being a bit unruly without proper attention.

The Jack Russell is a hardy breed with few health problems that typically lives for 14-15 years.