Jack Russell Terrier
Also known as Terrier Jack Russell, Jack Russell
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 30 cm
- Weight
- 5 to 6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Great Britain (developed in Australia)
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A small, sturdy, agile working terrier full of personality, with a supple body slightly longer than it is tall and a mostly white coat, the Jack Russell Terrier is lively, bold and fearless. An excellent companion for active owners, it needs plenty of exercise, things to do and consistent training to channel its energy and prey drive. Its coat can be smooth, rough or “wiry.”
History and origins
It owes its name to the Reverend John “Jack” Russell, a Devon parson and keen hunter, who in the 19th century bred a strain of fox terriers able to keep up with the foxhounds and then bolt the fox from its earth. Two breeds come from this strain: the Parson Russell Terrier, taller and squarer, and the Jack Russell Terrier, shorter in the leg, whose type was established in Australia, the breed’s country of development according to the FCI. Provisionally recognized by the FCI in 2000, then definitively in 2003 (standard no. 345), it has become very popular in France, with 1,641 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 13 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Primary lens luxation
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Congenital deafness
- Spinocerebellar ataxia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: white and black, white and tan, tricolor (white, black and tan).
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Jack Russell Terrier FAQ
How big does the Jack Russell Terrier get?
The Jack Russell Terrier stands 25 to 30 cm at the withers and weighs 5 to 6 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Jack Russell Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Jack Russell Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Jack Russell Terrier need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Jack Russell Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 13 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are primary lens luxation and patellar luxation.
