Animal Talk

breed profile

DOGTA LK

Jack Russell Terrier

Mission: to hunt

T

his dog’s energy levels are off the

chart. He is a real busybody who can’t

sit still for too long and makes the

ideal candidate to play games with. The Jack

Russell Terrier is also a people pleaser and a

hunter – so playing fetch with him could go

on for hours.

His intelligent mind needs stimulation

when he is not outside playing and he has a

strong desire to work. With a high craving

to dig, watch out that this active dog doesn’t

recreate your garden. A digging patch filled

with toys will help him to get rid of built-

up energy.

In short, this sturdy dog is tough, brave

and feisty and not easily manipulated. His

braveness and big personality might outweigh

his actual size. He is a true Terrier at heart

with a strong, independent character who

needs guidance from his owner.

Hunting instinct

This dog is not for everyone, especially if you

1 | Short legs

2 | Long, pointed muzzle

3 | Sturdy body

4 | Powerful jaw

5 | Small v-shaped ears

Energy level
Drool probability
Snore probability
Bark probability
Digging

Low Medium High

(short-legged)

The Jack Russell Terrier comes in

three coat types: smooth, broken

and rough (pictured here).

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have other small pets like hamsters and cats.

He might view them as prey and will chase

them around the house. Remember, he has

lots of stamina, which your cat and hamster

may not have.

His urge to explore and his hunting drive

might assist in him getting lost. Therefore, a

fenced and secured yard is fundamental. He

also needs lots of space where he can get rid

of all the energy.

Coat

All three coat types are short, easy to

maintain and waterproof. The coat type

must be predominantly white with black, tan

or brown markings.

Background

Since the early 1800s, the Jack Russell Terrier

had been bred to hunt and to flush out foxes,

but has never been a killer. His steady barking

is part of his hunting skills, which is another

trait that comes with this dog.

There are two types of Jack Russell

Terriers in South Africa – the short-

legged Jack Russell Terrier who is

registered by the Kennel Union of

South Africa, and the taller Jack

Russell Terriers, registered by the

Jack Russell Terrier Club

of South Africa.

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FACT FILE
JACK RUSSELL
TERRIER
Great Britain
Needs lots of space with a fenced yard
13 -15 years
Weight: 4-5kg; height: 25-30cm
Eager to please, but needs early socialisation
Gets along with other dogs and children when
socialised early
Adults need regular exercise with outdoor
playtime
Easy to maintain coats