Jack Russell

A quick history lesson!

The Jack Russell can be traced back to the 1790’s in Great Britain where a man called John Russell choose a small white and tanned dog as part of a breeding programme to develop a small hunting breed that would have high stamina and good hunting skills. This breed of Jack Russell became a well known hunting dog and its reputation grew throughout the country and became known and was breed in other countries. Although the Jack Russell is not always used as a hunting dog today, it is still a popular breed to won in family homes.



The Jack Russell has a short coat that is usually white in colour with an array of patterns of black, tan and reddish colourings. The Jack Russell has a small head with ears that usually flop forward on both sides and positioned high up on the skull. They have a small to medium length snout with a black nose and usually almond shaped dark eyes.


The Jack Russell is from the terrier group which in turn means they were breed for hunting and sniffing out their prey. The Jack Russell in particular was a great breed for hunters to use as they were small enough to carry up on a horse and still great hunters. They are known as great companions to their owners but also have a reputation as being quite mischievous and seem to always get into things they shouldn’t, because of their great sense of m=smell this can be expected. Jack Russell’s are happy little dogs that will usually have a spring in their step; those who aren’t may need to approach with caution.


A jack Russell is a lively dog considering the size of him and a gentle walk a day where the curiosity can escape in a positive manner. They would not require a large garden and would fit into apartment living but exercise on a daily basis would be essential in these circumstances. Jack Russell’s require minimal grooming and light brushing should be all that is required. They can be a little difficult to train but they are highly intelligent and with a firm but fair trainer/ owner they will fit into almost any family. Jack Russell’s make excellent companions to those living alone as they devote all their time to their owners and are very affectionate to those looking after them.

The jack Russell is a small breed and would normally be around 5 -8 kgs when fully grown.



The Jack Russell puppy should appear bright eyed and have a good clean furry coat. A Jack Russell puppy should come across as friendly and very playful as this is their character as an overall breed.

Good solid bodies, not too fat and not thin as this could indicate worms or incorrect feeding or both. They should look overall clean and be in good condition. Where they have been kept should also be clean. A bright clean and happy puppy with a wagging tail is best but don’t necessarily dismiss the pup that shy away as he may just be an observer.

On the side of caution – acquire your puppy from someone who is close by with a good reputation. It is always a good idea to view both parents and their registered papers. Inquire about their vaccinations and worming tablets but also get your own vet to look at the puppy once you have brought it home.



The Jack Russell is a small breed that has energy of a much larger dog. They are highly intelligent and love to play with both people and other dogs. Jack Russell stands at about 12 inches but can jump at least five feet above it’s own height and would normally be around 5 -8 kegs when fully grown. They should have a strong build even though they are small in height and be quite muscular as they should be quite athletic.

A Jack Russell would normally live about 15 years or more and would usually reach adulthood at around two to three years of age.

• Legg Perthes (Hips)
• Eye disease (Eyes)
• Deafness (ears)