Russell Terrier

also known as Jack Russell terrier, Parson Russell terrier

Pros History


The Russell Terrier, also known as the Jack Russell Terrier, is a small and energetic breed of dog that is believed to have originated in England. The breed has a long and storied history that is intertwined with the history of England and its culture.

The origins of the Russell Terrier can be traced back to the early 19th century in England, where it was developed by the Reverend John (Jack) Russell. Reverend Russell was an avid fox hunter and he set out to create a small, energetic dog that could be used to hunt foxes and other small game. He bred the White English Terrier, the Fox Terrier, and the Beagle to create the Russell Terrier.

The breed's name, "Russell Terrier," is in honor of the Reverend John (Jack) Russell, who developed the breed. The breed is also known as the "Jack Russell Terrier," which is a nod to the breed's origins and the man who created it.

The Russell Terrier quickly became popular among fox hunters in England, and it was also used as a companion dog by farmers and other rural dwellers. However, the breed's popularity began to decline in the early 20th century, as a result of the rise of other small breeds such as the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Despite a decrease in popularity, a group of dedicated breeders took efforts to maintain the existence of the breed. As a result, the Russell Terrier has been successfully re-established and is now recognized by various kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) which recognized the breed in 2000, The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom and other international kennel clubs. The breed is highly valued for its uniqueness and considered as a unique and valuable breed by these kennel clubs.

Breed Information


Type

Is Russell Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Russell Terriers originally used for?

Hunting small game

Lifespan

How Long Do Russell Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Russell Terrier? How long can Russell Terriers live?

12-14 years

The average Russell Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Russell Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Russell Terrier?

What is the average height of a Russell Terrier? How big is a Purebred Russell Terrier height? Russell Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 9-15 inches (22.9 - 38.1 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm)
Female 8-14 inches (20.3 - 35.6 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Russell Terrier? How much should Russell Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 13-18 pounds (6 - 8 kg) 3.5 pounds (2 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg)
Female 11-17 pounds (5 - 8 kg) 3.5 pounds (2 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Russell Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Russell Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Russell Terriers come from?

England

Ancestry

What are Russell Terriers descended from?

Wire Fox Terrier, Beagle

Date of Birth

When were Russell Terriers first bred? How old is the Russell Terrier breed?

1800s

Russell Terrier Appearance


Litter Size

How many puppies can a Russell Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Russell Terrier have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Russell Terrier can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Russell Terrier Health Issues


Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Russell Terrier?

Patellar Luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Russell Terriers?

Deafness
Lens Luxation
Mast Cell Tumors

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Russell Terrier breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood
Knee
Hearing
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Russell Terrier Needs and Activities


Past times

What do Russell Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Russell Terrier busy?

Walking, Petting, Running, Playdate, Go to Park, Walk, Run, Road trip, Tug-of-war, Hike, Play, Nap, Chase, Fetch, Brushing, Dog Parks

Costs


Russell Terrier Characteristic


Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Small size
    Easy to take care of and live in small spaces, making it a great choice for apartment living or for people with limited space.
  • Affectionate and loving
    A loving and affectionate companion.
  • High energy and playful
    Enjoys playing, making it great for active families or individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle.
  • Highly trainable and intelligent
    Easily learn tricks and commands.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Russell Terriers may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Need consistent training and socialization
    Can become aggressive if not properly socialized and trained