He is small, nimble and inspires with his droll nature: The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming clown and extremely smart. This should not hide the fact that the little dog needs consistent training and an experienced owner – there is a thoroughbred hunting dog in every Jack Russell Terrier! If he is kept according to his character, however, he can develop into a balanced family dog.

The hunter from the parsonage

The Jack Russell Terrier bears its name after its first breeder: The British priest John Jack Russell was a passionate fox hunter and bred fox terriers. In 1890 he bought the “Trump”, which became the progenitor of the Jack Russell Terrier. After foxes were settled in Australia around 1850, hunting terriers were also needed on the new continent and breeding continued. The characteristics of the Jack Russell Terrier, especially the physique, adapted to the local conditions. The British variant, correctly Parson (“Priest”) Russell Terrier, is somewhat more high-legged compared to the low-legged Australian line. The term Jack Russell Terrier is commonly used for both types.

ProfileSteckbrief Jack Russell Terrier

How big is a Jack Russell Terrier?

The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the small dog breeds and reaches a height of 25 to 30 centimetres when fully grown and a

Weight of five to six kilograms. Its external appearance is unmistakable. Its body is longer than it is high, the tail hangs and should stand up in motion. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped and have a penetrating expression, the ears are V-shaped and folded forward. The coat of the Jack Russell Terrier is short, weatherproof and can be smooth, rough or prickly-haired. The coat color is white with black and/or tan markings in all shades.

Character and character of the Jack Russell Terrier

Fearlessness and self-confidence, up to slight megalomania, characterize the character of the Jack Russell Terrier. The agile four-legged friend cannot hide his origin as a fearless hunter with a lot of temperament and is after everything that moves, from squirrels to neighbor’s cats. With play units and retrieving, however, you can steer the hunting instinct into regulated channels. But be warned: The Jack Russell Terrier is a ball lover who enthusiastically stays on task for hours. Alert and clever, Jack Russell Terriers are also well suited as guard dogs. The question “Is a Jack Russell very affectionate?” can be answered with a clear “yes”: They are very affectionate and constantly seek contact with their owner. The owner is also courageously defended and other dogs or strangers are resolutely barked. In fact, the Jack Russell Terrier is very communicative and brash.

Is a Jack Russell hard to raise?

The education of the Jack Russell Terrier needs consistency and impulses through stimulating activity. If the dog gets too little of it, it tends to mischief and also likes to dance on its owner’s nose. Jack Russell sometimes try to challenge the social hierarchy in the family pack. Then you have to confidently make it clear to the dog that you are the leader. Jack Russell Terriers love to dig for their lives and do not stop at well-kept flower beds. With good training, however, they obey, can be called and adapt their activities to their owner.Our top products for training with your Jack Russell TerrierRetrieveEducational assistanceThrowing toys

Can you keep a Jack Russell in the apartment?

Basically, you can live with your Jack Russell Terrier in an apartment as long as he gets enough exercise and activity. The little bundle of energy needs a lot of exercise and, ideally, a property that he can guard and defend. In addition to activities in the fresh air such as walks, hide-and-seek, playing frisbee or tracking games, Jack Russell Terrier also enjoys games in the apartment. Here, educational exercises can also be trained without distraction and in peace. Intelligence toys and food balls offer another activity for your Jack Russell. For example, you can also hide treats in the apartment and let your Jack Russell look for them. So even rainy days in the apartment can be filled with fun and games.

Is a Jack Russell Terrier a beginner dog?

Basically, Jack Russell Terriers feel comfortable with active people who dedicate a lot of time to them and romp with them. The dogs need consistent training, which is why they are well suited for experienced owners. The Jack Russell is only suitable as a beginner dog if you get to grips with the breed and its upbringing in advance. If necessary, the support of an experienced breeder or dog trainer is also required so that beginners do not feel overwhelmed when training their Jack Russell. With the right training, however, you will be rewarded with a lovable dog as a companion.

Is a Jack Russell suitable as a family dog?

Although the Jack Russell was originally bred as a hunting dog, with the right upbringing, it is also suitable as a family dog. He quickly establishes a connection with all family members and wants to be integrated into family life around the clock. In addition, Jack Russell Terriers are very fond of children and like to cuddle. Thus, the animals are usually well tolerated with older children. Living together with other pets such as cats should be approached carefully. The Jack Russell Terrier always wants to protect his family and does not shy away from larger conspecifics.

Tips for caring for the Jack Russell Terrier

Grooming is easy for smooth-haired Jack Russell Terriers: a brush and comb are quite sufficient. Regular brushing not only serves the purpose of helping him change his coat, but also to reduce the hair flying around the apartment. Rough-haired animals, on the other hand, will have to be trimmed occasionally. This involves removing dead hair from the fur. A technique that you can also learn yourself if necessary. For example, you can have a dog groomer show it to you. Get your dog used to regular checks of claws, eyes and teeth at an early stage. With regular nail trimming and dental care, you often notice diseases earlier. Jack Russell Terriers, for example, are somewhat susceptible to tartar; you can prevent this with appropriate chews or brushing your teeth. If your Jack Russell’s hair around the eyes is too long and may irritate the eyes, it makes sense to trim it at regular intervals. However, terriers are also at risk for Cushing’s syndrome, a metabolic disease in which there is an increased release of the hormone cortisol.

A Jack Russell Terrier usually does not need to be bathed, unless it has become very dirty while romping in nature or has rolled in a stinking pile. Then it is important to rinse your dog in the tub with lukewarm water. You can buy a special shampoo for dogs that has a moisturizing effect, for example, from pet stores or veterinarians. However, shampoo for humans is not suitable for your four-legged friend, as it removes fat from the fur and then no longer protects the coat from cold and wet. When showering, however, make sure that no water runs into his ears, eyes or nose. After showering, dry your Jack Russell thoroughly. In winter, do not let him go outside again until he is completely dry.

How much does a Jack Russell Terrier puppy cost?

How much a Jack Russell Terrier puppy costs cannot be answered in a general way. The price depends, for example, on whether you get your dog from a shelter or from a breeder. While you only pay a nominal fee of a few hundred euros at the shelter, the prices for pedigree dogs vary between 1,000 and 2,500 euros from a reputable breeder.

Buying a Jack Russell Terrier: What you should consider

More important to you than the price should be the origin of your Jack Russell Terrier. Only get your puppy from a reputable source. A responsible breeder pays attention to the health of his animals and is also available to answer any questions you may have about your new dog and its upbringing even after the purchase. After all, it is also very important to him that your little Jack Russell is doing well and that he feels comfortable and secure with you. For this reason, the breeder may ask you some questions about your everyday life and your living situation before buying. Don’t let this unsettle you. After all, such conversations serve to ensure that the later coexistence with your four-legged friend is as harmonious and happy as possible. If you have decided to buy a Jack Russell Terrier, you can also look around at animal welfare. Animal welfare rescues various dogs and other animals, including Jack Russell Terriers, that are in need and then places them in responsible hands. If it doesn’t necessarily have to be a purebred dog, a Jack Russell terrier mix might also be something for you.

Rasseportrait: Jack Russell Terrier

“The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming clown, a lively little guy and a really sweet buddy. But he has it thick behind his ears! Originally bred as a hunting dog, he needs consistent training with a lot of activity and exercise. When he is satisfied and balanced, he is a real treasure. In our breed portrait you can find out everything about the popular Jacky.”

Also check out these smaller terrier species:

• Cairn Terrier: The Scots have a heart for terriers and bred the Cairn Terrier in addition to other breeds. The dog should be versatile, attentive, courageous and yet friendly to its own family. The fuzzy Scotsman meets all these requirements and convinces with a successful mix.
• Manchester Terrier: The Manchester Terrier is considered one of the most original British dog breeds. His passion and task was rat hunting. To this day, this hunting instinct is in his blood, which is why the elegant, black-brown terrier needs a very good education.
• Norfolk Terrier: The Norfolk Terrier makes an incredibly sympathetic first impression with its wavy, long fur and funny face. It lasts just long enough until the terrier discovers a cat and rushes away chasing away despite all calls.
• Norwich Terrier: The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest terrier breeds. In recent decades, it has developed from a hunting dog to a family and companion dog. Nevertheless – the terrier heritage cannot be denied: The Norwich Terrier is up for any fun.
• Patterdale Terrier: With a Patterdale Terrier by your side, life with a dog never gets boring! The lively four-legged friends bring all their energy and joie de vivre into an active everyday life. After a long day in the fresh air and lots of exercise, they enjoy time with their family.
• Welsh Terrier: The Welsh Terrier is one of the rarest terrier breeds in the world. Its roots could go back to the Celts. In recent decades, its task has changed from hunting to companion dog. The intelligent small dogs are lovable family members.
• West Highland White Terrier: In the 1990s, the West Highland White Terrier became a fashion dog. The snow-white fuzzy head with the button eyes became a popular family companion. But hand on heart: It’s also hard not to fall in love with the Westie.
•  Yorkshire Terrier: Cute button eyes flash out from under the bow that don’t miss anything. That’s how you know the Yorkshire Terrier from TV. You could think of him as a cuddly toy, but far from it: The Yorkshire Terrier is an agile action dog with a strong character.