Jack Russell Terrier: how to recognise one
Mostly white, small, bright-eyed and always on the move: the Jack Russell is a classic, but its proportions decide whether it is a Jack, a Parson or a mix. Upload a photo to compare.
Also known as: Jack Russell, JRT, Russell Terrier, Jack
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About the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier descends from the fox-working terriers bred by the Reverend John Russell in 19th-century England, and the modern FCI breed was developed largely in Australia. It is a small, tough, intelligent terrier built to follow a fox underground, with a strong prey drive and a lot of stamina. The FCI recognises the shorter-legged Jack Russell and the taller Parson Russell as two breeds; the AKC calls the short-legged type the Russell Terrier. Jacks are bold, playful and loyal, but they need firm training and plenty to do.
At a glance
- Type
- Pedigree breed
- Size
- Small
- Adult weight
- 5–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 years
- Exercise
- High
How to recognise a Jack Russell Terrier
- Predominantly white coat with tan, black or tan-and-black markings, usually on the head and around the base of the tail.
- Three coat types: smooth, broken (smooth with longer hair on the face) and rough; all are harsh and weatherproof.
- Slightly longer than tall, with a flexible chest small enough to be spanned by two hands behind the elbows.
- Button or drop ears folding forward towards the eye, tips pointing down; never pricked and never hanging low.
- Almond-shaped dark eyes with dark rims, a black nose and a flat skull narrowing towards the eyes.
- Tail set high and carried upright when moving; docked or full length depending on the country.
Photo tip. Take a side-on photo with the dog standing, so leg length and body length can be compared. That ratio separates a Jack Russell from a Parson Russell.
Jack Russell Terrier or look-alike?
Parson Russell Terrier
Square and longer-legged, standing taller for its length, with a more elegant outline. If the body looks longer than the dog is tall at the shoulder, it is more likely a Jack Russell.
Fox Terrier (Smooth or Wire)
Bigger and more upright, with a long, narrow, brick-shaped head and a straighter, stand-up front. A Wire Fox Terrier’s dense, crinkly coat is also fuller than a rough Jack’s.
Jack Chi (Jack Russell × Chihuahua)
Smaller and finer, with large upright or semi-erect ears, a rounder head and bigger, more prominent eyes. Colours range beyond white with patches, often fawn or black and tan.
Jack Russell Terrier mixes
The Jack Russell is one of the most common terriers in mixed breeds, crossed with Chihuahuas (Jack Chi), Beagles (Jackabee), Poodles (Jackapoo), Pugs (Jug) and countless farm dogs. The white base with tan or black patches, the folded ears and the compact, busy body survive well. For a small white-and-tan mix, the identifier often lists the Jack Russell alongside a second breed; a DNA test gives percentages.
Health and care
- Primary lens luxation and spinocerebellar ataxia are known in the breed and can be DNA-tested; ask the breeder for results on both parents.
- Patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease occur. Deafness is linked to the white coat, so a BAER hearing test for the puppy is worth asking about.
- Very high energy and prey drive: daily running, games and training, a secure garden and a reliable recall before any off-lead freedom.
- Feed to body condition, as training treats add up fast in a small dog. Brush weekly and look after the teeth regularly.