Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 13 and 16 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The general robustness of the Jack Russell Terrier is average to good. It is an enduring and dynamic dog, but this sturdiness does not exclude vigilance regarding certain hereditary conditions and dental follow-up.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
A serious selection in breeding and regular veterinary follow-up are important in this breed, in particular to detect early the orthopedic, ophthalmic and neurological conditions that may appear in some individuals.
Cerebellar ataxia: Neurological condition that impairs coordination of movements and balance.
Cataract: Clouding of the lens that can gradually reduce vision.
Lens luxation: Displacement of the lens, painful, which may constitute an ophthalmic emergency.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: Condition affecting the head of the femur that can cause pain, lameness and locomotor discomfort.
Myasthenia: Neuromuscular disease causing weakness and abnormal fatigability.
Deafness: Hearing loss that may be present from a very young age in some individuals.
Glaucoma: Increase in intraocular pressure that may damage vision.
Patellar luxation: Displacement of the kneecap that can cause discomfort, lameness or intermittent pain.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Jack Russell Terrier's tolerance to cold as well as heat is average. It adapts to temperate conditions, but requires caution during marked weather episodes.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Jack Russell Terrier’s tendency to gain weight is average. Sufficient daily activity and a ration adapted to its lifestyle help maintain a balanced physical condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the knees and eyes monitored during veterinary check-ups.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar.
- Check the eyes and ears frequently.
- Trim the nails when they become too long.
Vaccination
Jack Russell Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Jack Russell Terrier need? Like all dogs, Jack Russell Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Jack Russell Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Jack Russell Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Jack Russell Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Jack Russell Terrier
Monitoring of the knees and eyes is particularly relevant in this breed. Regular dental follow-up is also recommended in order to limit tartar and associated complications.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
