The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively and courageous dog with a lot of self-confidence, which is at home in many American families. You can find all the information about its history, care, and maintenance in this profile.

History of the Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier evolved about 150 years ago in England from the Fox Terrier. Reverend John (Jack) Russell enjoyed hunting in his spare time and bred a specific type of Fox Terrier for this purpose. He wanted a small working terrier that could locate and pursue the fox fleeing into the burrow ahead of the hounds. While studying at Oxford in 1819, he purchased his first rough-coated bitch named Trump, who is now considered the foundation dam of the breed. Several years later, the English introduced the red fox and, along with it, some Fox Terriers for hunting in Australia.

By 1880, the first dogs arrived in Australia that were direct descendants of John Russell’s small terriers. These dogs were preferred for their small size, and in 1972, the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia was founded. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Australian Kennel Council recognized the short-legged Jack Russell Terrier as a distinct breed. In 2000, the breed was finally internationally classified into the FCI Group 3, Section 2 “Small Terriers.” The larger built dogs constitute a separate breed and are referred to as “Parson Russell Terriers.” Today, the Jack Russell Terrier enjoys great popularity in the United States, especially among equestrians.

Nature and Character

The Jack Russell Terrier is an intelligent and lively dog that is absolutely loyal to its owner. Jackies are trainable, fearless, and despite their small size, athletic and enduring. Due to their original purpose as hunting dogs, they prefer to spend their time in nature. However, when walking, you should be careful to ensure that the little rascal doesn’t disappear into the underbrush.

Most Jackies have a pronounced hunting instinct, but you can manage it through consistent training. A typical Jack Russell Terrier also loves to play and gets along great with children. They usually get along well with other dogs. In case of disagreements, the little terrier has a low threshold and can react quickly and loudly.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Acquisition of a Jack Russell Terrier

What should I consider when purchasing?

Anyone interested in this attractive terrier should be aware that it is by no means a small lapdog. The Jack Russell remains active until old age and needs a lot of stimulation. They can often live to be 15 to 18 years old. Therefore, the purchase of a Jack Russell Terrier puppy should be carefully considered. They need an active person who has enough time to physically and mentally stimulate them.

Ideally, a large house with a garden would be suitable, but they also feel comfortable in an apartment with proper stimulation. If you are sure that the Jack Russell is the right dog for you, you need to find a reputable breeder. Many breeders charge around $1,000 for a purebred puppy with papers and vaccinations. You have the choice between a smooth or rough-haired puppy in white with black or brown patches.

A good alternative to a puppy from a breeder is, of course, a Jacky from an animal shelter. For a small fee, you can give a innocent animal in need a new chance with you.

Development and Training of the Puppy

The little terrier has a mischievous streak and needs consistent training so that he doesn’t run circles around you. The Jack Russell Terrier likes to test his boundaries, especially in his early years, and requires strict rules. Jackies have a strong hunting instinct, which you should manage before allowing them off-leash for walks. Force won’t get you far with a Jack Russell Terrier, as he’s quite headstrong. You’ll need to show him through rewards and positive reinforcement that it’s worthwhile to obey. It’s best to start showing the puppy what’s allowed and what’s not from the very first day.

How to Care for a Jack Russell Terrier?

Activities with the Jack Russell Terrier:

The Jack Russell Terrier needs plenty of exercise and sometimes wants to really let loose. It’s particularly important to ensure that the Jacky gets enough mental and physical stimulation until he’s well-exercised. Long walks in nature, dog sports like agility, and even tracking work are especially enjoyable for terriers. He has a special fondness for digging, so you’d better secure your garden well.

When out for a walk, never let the little hunting dog out of your sight to prevent him from digging up strangers’ gardens or chasing wild animals into burrows. Of course, he should also be mentally stimulated at home to stay active. A bored Jack Russell can quickly come up with mischief and seek his own entertainment. The four-legged friend learns small tricks with joy and loves challenging games for memory and scent.

Health and Grooming

With his smooth or rough coat, the Jack Russell Terrier is generally easy to care for. Nevertheless, you should take the time to brush your four-legged friend occasionally. For a rough-haired terrier, it’s recommended to regularly trim the coat. It’s best to get your dog used to regular checks of eyes, teeth, and claws early on. Since terriers are generally somewhat prone to tartar buildup, you should regularly provide chew items for your four-legged friend.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

Jack Russell Terriers in Film and Television:

Some of these cute terriers have also made a name for themselves as film and television dogs. The male Uggie gained great fame in the silent film “The Artist” alongside Jean Dujardin and in the film “Water for Elephants” with Robert Pattinson. The active terrier was given up by his first two owners because he was too wild. Fortunately, he met dog trainer Omar Von Muller, who took him in and made him famous. Another famous canine actor is Jack Russell Terrier Moose, who became known as Eddie in the US series “Frasier,” where he appeared in a total of 192 episodes.

Do you also have a Jack Russell Terrier or plan to get one soon? Tell me more in the comments!