Jack Russell Terrier
Compact, fearless and tireless. A working terrier in a small package — not a toy dog.
Bred by Reverend John Russell in 19th-century Devon for fox hunting, the Jack Russell is a true working terrier — fearless, athletic and intensely driven. They are NOT toy dogs despite their size. JRTs need real exercise, real training and a tolerant owner; they reward all of it with one of the most charismatic and long-lived dog experiences you can have.
Temperament
Bold, energetic, alert, independent. Jack Russells are famously feisty — they don't back down from larger dogs and are determined hunters of small animals. Loyal but not endlessly cuddly.
Exercise needs
60–90 minutes of vigorous daily activity. They thrive on agility, terrier racing (terrier-go), flyball and hide-and-seek games. Without enough exercise they dig, bark, escape.
Grooming
Three coat types: smooth (weekly brush), broken (twice a week + occasional hand-strip), and rough (weekly + regular hand-stripping). All are low-maintenance compared to long-coated breeds.
Common health issues
Generally extremely healthy and long-lived (often 15+). Watch for: patellar luxation, lens luxation, deafness in some white-headed lines, Legg-Calvé-Perthes (small breeds).
👍 Best for
Active singles, country homes, sport handlers, owners who can be firm and patient.
👎 Not best for
Households with small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs) — prey drive is high. Quiet households.
Products for Jack Russell Terrier owners
