Jack Russell at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 25–30 cm
- Weight
- 4–6 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Jack Russell right for you?
Like every breed, the Jack Russell is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You have cats or other small pets.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Jack Russell fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Jack Russell
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, hardy terrier with a short or rough coat that is mostly white with black or tan markings. It is often described as a big dog in a small body: lively, confident and always on the go, with a strong love of chasing.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed takes its name from the Reverend John Russell, who developed his working terriers in England in the early 1800s to go to ground after foxes and keep up with horses. He favoured mostly white dogs, which were less likely to be mistaken for quarry. Russell cared more about temperament and working ability than the show ring, which is partly why the breed was recognised so late.
Many small working terriers were exported to Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, and it was there that the Jack Russell was first developed as a show dog. The Royal Kennel Club officially recognised the breed in 2016. Alongside the pedigree breed, many unregistered dogs are also called Jack Russells, and these vary a great deal in size, leg length and coat.
Jack Russell temperament
Jack Russells are typically confident, clever and very loyal, and often pick a favourite person. They love people and usually want to be involved in whatever you are doing.
They are true terriers: quick, impulsive and keen to chase anything that looks like fun. They are not always tolerant of being fussed or prodded, and their impulse control may need work. They are also known for being vocal, and tend to bark when excited or when they spot anything they think is suspicious.
Size and appearance
Jack Russells are small dogs. Adults typically stand around 25–30 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 4–6 kg, although some sources give a little more.
The coat is short and may be smooth, broken or rough. Breed standard colours are white with black markings, white with tan markings, and white with black and tan markings.
How much exercise does a Jack Russell need?
Jack Russells usually need at least an hour of exercise a day, split into a couple of walks with time to sniff and explore, plus off-lead running in a secure area. Taller, more robust dogs may happily do up to two hours.
They also need plenty of play and training to keep their busy minds occupied, as a bored Jack Russell is more likely to get into mischief. Many do well at canine sports such as flyball and agility.
Training a Jack Russell
Jack Russells are clever and usually pick up new commands easily, but they respond best when training is fun and rewarding. Trying to force them tends to backfire, and without consistent guidance they may simply do as they please.
- Use positive, reward-based training from a young age.
- Make sure the whole household follows the same rules.
- Socialise early with different people, dogs and experiences, and with cats and livestock if you live in the country.
- Work hard on a reliable recall and a "stop" cue, as their prey drive is strong.
- Teach them gradually that it is fine to be alone, as they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Jack Russell grooming
A weekly brush is usually enough for a smooth coat. Rough or wire-coated Jack Russells need more frequent grooming and may benefit from hand stripping a couple of times a year to keep the coat neat.
They do shed, more so in spring and autumn. It is sensible to check paws and ears for debris after walks.
Living with a Jack Russell
Well trained and socialised Jack Russells can make good family pets. They can be less tolerant of younger or boisterous children, though, and may show frustration by nipping, so they are generally better suited to families with older children who understand how to behave around dogs.
Learn to read your dog's body language so you can stop stressful situations early. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Jack Russell health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Jack Russell is generally considered a healthy breed, but some inherited conditions are recognised in it. Choosing a puppy whose parents have had the recommended health tests reduces the risk.
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
A painful eye condition that can cause blindness. A DNA test is available, and the Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends it before breeding as a minimum standard.
Late onset ataxia (LOA)
A condition that causes loss of balance and coordination, which gradually gets worse. A DNA test is available and is part of the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice testing.
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)
A disease in which the spinal cord degenerates. A DNA test is available and is part of the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice testing.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.
Legg-Perthes disease
Listed among the conditions the breed may develop. Ask the breeder about the health history of the parents.
Eye testing
The Royal Kennel Club also recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme for breeding dogs.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Jack Russell home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Jack Russell cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Jack Russell home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Jack Russell
If you have decided the Jack Russell suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Jack Russell
Jack Russells do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Jack Russells looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Jack Russell adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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View breed guide
Jack Russell FAQs
Is the Jack Russell good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Jack Russell live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Jack Russell need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Jack Russell shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Jack Russell need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Jack Russell easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Jack Russell be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Jack Russell bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Jack Russell good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Jack Russell live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Jack Russell get?
Adults typically stand 25–30 cm at the shoulder and weigh 4–6 kg.