If dogs were measured by the spirit and energy they possessed, Jack Russell Terriers would be one of the biggest dogs around. These spunky little dogs are best suited for energetic people with a good sense of humour and lots of patience. These are high spirited dogs who do not sit still much. However, when they finally do relax they are quite affectionate and loving.

Jack Russell Terriers like to be active and are happy doing any number of things, from being all-purpose farm dogs to playing fetch, participating in agility trials, hunting vermin or even running beside a horse. They are intelligent dogs, who will constantly amaze their owners with their versatility and ambition.

Jack Russell Terriers are best for someone who has had dogs before and knows what they are doing. They require early training, socialization and lots of activity to keep them under control. Do not be fooled by their cute appearance, they are definitely not lap dogs. They are alert and courageous, making them good barking watchdogs. They can be very enthusiastic barkers and due to his terrier heritage, they can be quite the diggers. People who own these sturdy little dogs and do not exercise them enough can end up with moody destructive dogs.

CHILDREN: Some Jacks are good with children, especially when raised with them, but others cannot tolerate the rough handling of little ones. They can snap if pushed too far.

OTHER ANIMALS: Most well socialized Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs, horses and livestock. Some can get along well with the household cat as long as they have been raised with them. Most Jacks will chase and kill rodents and other small animals.

EXERCISE: Like all terriers, they are highly active dogs that need at least a couple of hours of exercise daily. Too much confinement will have them going stir crazy and causing lots of trouble. Care should always be taken when allowing them off lead, they are quick independent chasers who can be off and gone in moments. There is many fun things that an owner can do with their Jack, everything from rollerblading, bicycling, and jogging, going to ground trials, agility and obedience trials, scent hurdles, flyball, therapy work and conformation shows.

HEALTH: Jack Russell Terriers are usually a healthy long-lived breed, some dogs living into their late teens or even early twenties. Congenital dwarfism, cataracts, congenital deafness, patellar luxation, von Willebrand disease and allergies are moderately common problems. They are also more sensitive to skunk spray than many other breeds and as they are notorious chasers, Jack owners need to be extra careful. If sprayed there are treatments available to help flush the toxins from them.

APPEARANCE/ COAT CARE: Jack Russell Terriers are between 12-15 inches in height and weigh around 10-18 pounds. Their coat comes in a smooth and a rough variety and is mostly white with a few black and/or tan markings. Coat care is relatively easy with only a quick brushing weekly needed.

Profile Photo (at top of page) used with the permission of Rebecca MacLary. Tyler, Jack Russell Terrier.