Jack Russell Terrier
A fox hunter on a pogo stick.
- Weight
- 11–17 lbs
- Height
- 10–15 in
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
In short
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, tough terrier from England, bred by Reverend John Russell to bolt foxes from their dens, weighing 11–17 lbs and living 12–15 years. It packs intense energy, prey drive and a talent for escape into a small body.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a small dog with big energy
- enjoy dog sports or earthdog
- have a secure, dig-proof fence
Think twice if you…
- have cats, rabbits or rodents at home
- want a quiet lap dog
- can't give it 90 minutes a day
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 90–120 min a day
- Training
- 3–5 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 45–55 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityQuick study8.5/10
EnergyAthlete9.5/10
Calm at homeSettles well6.0/10
SheddingSheds seasonally6.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Compact, flexible chest
Small enough to follow a fox underground, which also makes them great escape artists.
-
02
Mostly white coat
Bred white so hunters could tell the dog from the fox.
-
03
Relentless energy
They are built for hunting, so they need real outlets every day.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 14–17 lbs | 13–16 lbs |
| Height | 10–15 in | 10–14 in |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | |
| Coat | Smooth, broken or rough coat, mostly white with tan or black markings | |
Personality
Jack Russells are bold, clever and fearless. They are always looking for something to chase, dig or solve. They bond closely with their people but have strong opinions.
With kids
Good with older, respectful kids; may nip if handled roughly.
With other pets
Can be scrappy with other dogs and will chase cats and small pets.
With strangers
Alert and vocal, making them good watchdogs.
Alone time
Don't tolerate long hours alone and dig or bark when bored.
Training
Jack Russells are very smart but independent. They learn fast when training feels like a game.
-
How often
3–5 short sessions a day of 5–10 minutes each.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8 and 16 weeks, focus on other dogs and small animals, so prey drive and scrappiness stay manageable.
-
Self-control
Teach a strong 'leave it' and recall around small animals, and practice on a long line.
-
What it works for
Toys and chase games are huge rewards. Small, high-value pieces work for new skills, with treats kept within 10% of daily calories.
Exercise
Jack Russells need fast, active play and mental work, not just walks.
Exercise a day
90–120 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Fetch or flirt pole
- Agility
- Running or hiking
Brain work
- Earthdog trials
- Barn hunt
- Puzzle toys
Best home
A house with a secure fence; apartments only with lots of exercise.
Watch for Their prey drive overrides recall, so keep them on leash or in a secure fence.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Jack Russell Terrier (11–17 lbs) lands around 425–525 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 525–650 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 55–65 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- about 3 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 425–525 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 45–55 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 575–725 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 60–75 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 3–4 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 375–450 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 40–45 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- about 2 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 525–650 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 55–65 kcal | about 3 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 425–525 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 45–55 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
| Active / Working | 575–725 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 60–75 kcal | 3–4 pieces |
| Senior | 375–450 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 40–45 kcal | about 2 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Jack Russells are generally hardy, with eye disease, luxating patella and deafness as the main concerns. Choose a breeder who screens.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Primary lens luxation | PLL DNA test | Once, in parents (ask the breeder) |
| Inherited eye disease | CAER eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist | Yearly in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Luxating patella | OFA patella exam | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Deafness | BAER hearing test | Once, at puppyhood (ask the breeder) |
Health tests to ask for
The Jack Russell Terrier has no CHIC program of its own, so ask for the tests the OFA requires for each parent breed.
Russell Terrier parent
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
- Hearing test (BAER)
Parson Russell Terrier parent
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
- Hearing test (BAER)
Grooming Moderate year-round
Brush weekly, and hand-strip broken or rough coats a few times a year. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.
History
1800s
Parson's terrier
Reverend John Russell bred a white fox-working terrier in Devon, England.
1900s
Working terrier
The breed spread as a hunting and farm terrier in England and beyond.
Late 1900s–today
Breed split
In the US, the AKC recognized the Parson Russell Terrier and later the shorter Russell Terrier, while 'Jack Russell' is used more broadly for the working type.
Questions owners ask
Are Jack Russell Terriers easy to train?
Moderately. They are smart but independent, so keep training short and fun.
Are Jack Russell Terriers good with kids and other pets?
Sometimes. They do well with older kids, but can be scrappy with dogs and will chase small pets.
How much exercise does a Jack Russell Terrier need?
Plan on 90–120 minutes a day of active play and mental work.
Do Jack Russell Terriers shed?
Yes, moderately. Weekly brushing, plus occasional hand-stripping for rough coats, keeps them tidy.
What health problems do Jack Russell Terriers have, and how long do they live?
They typically live 12–15 years. Eye disease, luxating patella and deafness are the main concerns.
Is a Jack Russell Terrier good for apartments or first-time owners?
Sometimes. Their size fits apartments, but their energy and prey drive suit experienced owners.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Jack Russell Terrier needs only 2–3 pieces a day, well inside the 45–55 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Jack Russell Terrier ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
