The Ultimutt Jack Russell Handbook

Short muscular bodies are mixed with either smooth or rough coats, which are generally white with either black or tan markings. Their origins can be traced back to the early 19th century. Reverend John ‘Jack’ Russell, as a hunting enthusiast in Devon, England, developed this breed to assist in fox hunting. He aimed to create a dog with enough courage, speed and intelligence to chase foxes out of their dens without harming them. Carefully selecting the dogs to suit the qualities he desired, the white colour was intentional so as to clearly distinguish them from foxes.
Their strong hunting instincts and boundless energy made them popular for hunting not just foxes, but rabbits too. Of course, over time, the Jack Russell became more popular as a companion dog due to its lively temperament and affectionate nature. It was increasingly domesticated in households in the UK and the US. Owing to its strong prey drive and working background, however, it is still a breed that requires plentiful exercise and mental stimulation. They’re a heroic breed too. George, a Jack Russell, saved children from two aggressive Pitbulls and was posthumously granted several awards.

A distinct trait of Jack Russells is their endless energy. They very much prove that energetic things come in small packages. They love running, playing and exploring. As they were originally bred for hunting, their powerful prey drive means they’re fairly relentless in chasing small animals. This can make taking them off the lead in areas with wildlife more challenging. They’re also incredibly smart dogs and innovative problem-solvers, to the point of out-smarting their owners. This brainy gift can also make them more stubborn though! 

Also, traits harking back to their hunting pedigree, this breed has a natural instinct to dig and is fearless. With proper training, this isn’t a problem, though without that training it can mean they may pick fights with bigger dogs that they’re unlikely to win.

Patellar Luxation, which involves the kneecap slipping out of place, is a condition that is common in small dog breeds, Jack Russells included. Signs include lameness or abnormal gait. In more severe cases this will require surgery. Another condition Jack Russells can be more prone to is primary lens luxation (PLL), an eye disorder where the lens of the eye becomes displaced. This can cause vision problems and lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s important to maintain regular eye check-ups for early detection and management.

Jack Russells require at least 60-90 minutes of exercise each day to burn off their high energy levels. They love to run and it’s a great way to exhaust them, so if they can be off the lead in a secure area or a dog park, this is beneficial. Two or more daily walks are necessary, particularly for stimulating them mentally with new smells and interactions. Incorporating games play to Jack Russells' strengths given their intelligence and hunting heritage. Games like fetch will tap into their instincts, tire them out and engage their mind. You will likely get bored of fetch before they do! You may also discover you’re the proud owner of a show dog. 

 

Jack Russells have great ability and intelligence, so exercises like an obstacle yard or a local agility class can be a great energy outlet and a chance for them to show off their abilities. Finally, Jack Russells' can be territorial with other dogs. Regular play sessions and socialisation with other breeds from a young age will encourage the development of positive social behaviours.

The short Jack Russell coat makes grooming fairly straightforward. As with any breed, regular brushing will help make their coat shiny and remove loose hairs. For short-haired Jack Russells, this can be as regular as once a week, and rough-coated Jack Russells can benefit from more regular brushing (2-3 times a week). A soft bristle brush is good for smoother coats, and a slicker brush for rough coats. As a breed, they’ll shed moderately all year round. Regular brushing will help remove the loose fur. 

 

Additionally, bathing once a month with a gentle dog shampoo can reduce shedding - but don’t bathe more than that as it can dry out their skin. Less regular bathing is also fine, just bathing when they’re particularly dirty. As with many breeds, ear cleaning is advisable to prevent ear infections. Use a cotton ball with a vet-recommended ear cleaner to remove any dirt or wax. Be sure only to clean the upper portion of the ear, and don’t put any cleaner into the ear itself unless your vet has suggested an ear cleaner for deeper cleaning. If your Jack Russell has a rough coat, it may require hand-stripping every few months. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, it’s best performed by a professional.

A balanced diet that provides all necessary nutrients is imperative for the health and well-being of your pooch. High-quality animal proteins (i.e. chicken, beef, fish) should be central to their diet, and avoiding food that contains fillers (corn, soy, wheat) - these provide little nutritional value but can cause digestive problems in some dogs. Jack Russells will get overweight in time if they’re overfed, so proper portion control is a must. Puppies typically need around 200-300 calories a day, divided into 3-4 meals. Adult Jack Russells require 400-600 calories a day, divided into two meals. These are rough guidelines, as exact calorie requirements will depend on a variety of factors like age, activity level and neuter status. You should feed consistently as this will help your dog’s weight as well as their digestion. Regular meal times, at the same time each day, will allow for a routine. Leaving food out all day, or ‘free-feeding’ can lead to overeating and weight gain. As for any dog, ensure fresh water is available throughout the day, particularly after exercising or meals.