Everything you need to know about Jack Russell Terrier puppies

Jack Russell puppies are adorable little fur babies, but it’s important to know what to expect from this dog breed before introducing a new furry family member to your clan. We get our paws into all of the details, from how big your pup will get to finding the perfect home for a Jack Russell puppy.

Jack Russell Terrier history

Jack Russell puppies are little working terriers that originated in 19th-century England. Sporting enthusiast Reverend John Russell (nicknamed “Jack” - you can see where this is going) began breeding white terriers with enough stamina and wit for fox hunting.

These dogs were eventually categorised into three different terrier breeds: the Russell Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America was founded in 1976 as the American Kennel Club refused to recognise the breed, while the Parson Russell Terrier was registered by the AKC in 1997, followed by the Russell Terrier in 2012.

Jack Russell puppy size 

These little fellas average at around 10-15 inches when they’re fully grown, and weigh 13-17 pounds depending on their size.

Jack Russell Terrier characteristics 

Jack Russell Terrier puppies have small but athletic bodies which make them ideal little hunters. Their coats are predominantly white, with tan, brown or black markings often around the face and “v” shaped ears.

Their coarse, dense fur (otherwise known as a broken coat) makes them prone to shedding, so be sure to get into a good grooming routine with your Jack Russell. They have keen brown eyes, a long-ish muzzle, and short tails which are constantly wagging.

Jack Russell Terrier exercise

We know Jack Russells seem more like toy pups than working dogs, but don’t let their cute looks fool you! Their fox-hunting instinct means they have high energy levels that won’t be quenched with just a quick run around the garden.

They need at least one hour of exercise per day, and they suit families that have the time and energy to get out on long walks as often as possible. Keep an eye on your Jack Russell when letting them off the lead as they will be off in a flash if they catch a whiff of something interesting.

If you’ve got a backyard, make sure your fence is jump and wriggle-proof, as Jack Russells are notorious for squeezing through tight spots and clocking some serious air time. They are also enthusiastic diggers, so grassy lawns, piles of laundry and even bins can fall victim to these little bulldozers. While these energetic habits are typical for Jack Russell pups, keep an eye out for signs your pooch needs more exercise.

Jack Russell puppy training

As they were bred to be working dogs, Jack Russells should be trained and socialised from an early age to ensure their hunting instincts don’t lead them astray.

They are intelligent pooches but can be easily distracted, so short, fun training sessions using treats as positive reinforcement work best for Jack Russell pups. Be consistent with your training to make sure it doesn’t go in one ear and out the other, and keep your four-legged friend entertained with problem-solving activities, games, and agility courses.

Jack Russell Terrier temperament

What Jack Russell Terriers lack in size they certainly make up for in personality! They are confident, fearless, and even a little boisterous, which can sometimes lead them into sticky situations with bigger furry friends. They are often on high alert and should danger (or an interesting smell) cross their path, they’ll be sure to let you know about it.

Some Jack Russell pups can be nervous or even suffer from anxiety, and excessive digging or chewing on furniture may be signs your pooch is unhappy. 

Jack Russell Terriers and children

Despite being adorably affectionate with those they love, Jack Russells can find children a little bit too much. In fact, the Jack Russell Terrier Club does not recommend this breed for children under eight, explaining that they are better suited to families with children who are old enough to understand how to respect their pup’s boundaries. 

Jack Russells and cats

Jack Russells can be a bit “terrier-torial” and may not always get along with other furry friends. Due to their hunting instincts, smaller fur babies like cats can be seen as prey for Jack Russells, so it is generally not recommended to have the two in the same household.

What to feed a Jack Russell puppy

Newborn Jack Russell puppies get all the nutrients they need from their mother’s milk. But what happens when they come home with you?

When the puppy is ready to be separated from its mother (no earlier than eight weeks old), it should eat a small amount of protein-rich dog food twice a day. Puppy food will provide them with all the vitamins and minerals they need to stimulate healthy bone growth and brain development. As they grow older, Jack Russells should eat a mixture of dry kibble and high-quality wet food, with treats as a reward for good behaviour. As with all dog breeds, it’s best to follow a diet approved by your vet at every stage of your Jack Russell's life.  

Jack Russell Terrier life span

Jack Russell Terriers typically live 12 to 14 years. 

Jack Russell Terrier breeders

If you’re thinking about becoming a pooch parent to this energetic breed, why not give it a trial run as a dog sitter? Or check if you’ve got what it takes with the Jack Russell Terrier Profiler, which takes into consideration where you live, whether you have children at home, and what type of lifestyle you lead.

If your mind is made up, next, you need to decide whether you want to adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder. If you choose the latter, it’s important to go to a responsible breeder who prioritises the health and welfare of our four-legged friends. An ethical breeder should introduce you to the pup’s parents, have genuine paperwork and certificates, and won’t allow the puppy to part with its mother before eight weeks old. Both the UK Kennel Club and the AKC can put you in touch with reputable breeders, but be aware of online scams and never, ever buy from a puppy farm. 

Adopting a Jack Russell

Far too many dogs end up in shelters, so before you head to a breeder, it’s a good idea to look into Jack Russell puppies for adoption. While you may not always be able to adopt a young pup, it can be just as rewarding to give a doggie with life experience a second chance at finding a loving home. Adopting means saving a life, and dogs that come from shelters will usually be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, so they are well-prepared to settle right into their fur-ever home.   

We know, it’s a lot of information! But if you’ve fallen head over tails for these little working terriers and you want to find out more, read our ten facts about Jack Russells.