Jack Russell Terrier: The Quick Wit

Small, spry, and quick-witted, the Jack Russell Terrier never stops going, even when their eyes are closed (trust us, that little mind is still racing). These white tufts of energy are always down to play, dash around the house, or follow their nose to new adventures. Their history as fox-catchers has given them unworldly agility and determination, while their personalities and adorable features have helped them wag their way onto the list of most popular dog breeds.

At Happy Paws, we’re dedicated to helping all dogs, from purebreds to certified mutts, live their happiest, healthiest lives. We’ve designed our dog supplements to target a range of trouble spots in your dog’s health—many of which include common issues for a Jack Russell Terrier. 

In this article, we’ll explore the history of this energetic furball, provide some information and advice on how to care for them, and help you decide which supplements are best for your new companion, the Jack Russell Terrier. 

Quick Facts

Origin: England

Size: Small

Breed Group: Terrier 

Lifespan: 13–15 years

Coat: Short hair—weekly grooming recommended

Temperament: Peppy, quick-witted, scrappy & loyal

Exercise Needs: The Jack Russell Terrier is small and full of energy, so you’ll need to carve out time in your day to exercise them. If you don’t, your Jack Russell’s energy may spill over into mischievous behaviors. 

Training: Most, if not all, dogs thrive under a routine training program, and Jack Russell puppies are no different. This dog breed was once a quick-witted, fox-catching dog, following commands and waiting for just the right signal. Those instincts are still intact. You can tap into that keen intelligence with mentally involved obedience training—your Jack Russell Terrier will undoubtedly love it!

Dog Health: Small dogs, like the Jack Russell Terrier, are susceptible to unique health conditions, like joint problems, dental dilemmas, digestive woes, and more.

Happy Paws for a Jack Russell Terrier

Enrich your Jack Russell Terrier’s health with high-quality, tasty supplements like these!

Popular Supplements for a Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are tenacious, spirited dogs that don’t need much to keep going. And yet, like all dogs, Jack Russells can face several unique challenges that dampen their health, affect their mood, and impact their overall well-being. Help restore that little pupper’s glow with healthy, tasty treats!

Our high-quality dog supplements use an array of all-natural, organic ingredients to enrich your dog’s physical and mental health. Here are a few dog supplements to help you care for your Jack Russell Terrier.

Calming Dog Chews: Made with naturally calming ingredients, like tryptophan and chamomile, these Calming Dog Chews rely on healthy, high-quality elements to help settle your Jack Russell’s nerves. It doesn’t take much to get this breed wired, so a simple, daily calming chew is all they need to relax and tap into their inner couch dog. 

Skin & Coat Dog Chews: Our Skin & Coat Dog Chews help keep the sheen in your Jack Russell’s fur. These vegan, chicken-flavored soft chews use a blend of skin-supporting ingredients, like biotin and coconut oil, to restore dermal health and replenish your dog’s coat.

Dental Dog Chews: Like all dogs, Jack Russells are prone to smelly, unpleasant dog breath. Our Dental Dog Chews combine the refreshing aroma of spearmint with an enzyme blend to neutralize dental bacteria and curb stinky breath. 

10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews: Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews use multiple essential nutrients to strengthen your dog’s daily health and give them a well-rounded supplement. One vegan, lamb-flavored dog treat introduces ten critical nutrients to keep your dog healthy, happy, and active. 

Hip & Joint Dog Chews: Soothe the symptoms of joint dysplasia with our Hip & Joint Dog Chews! Packed with a blend of joint-friendly ingredients, this dog supplement helps reduce inflammation and support joint health, thanks to compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.

Probiotic Dog Chews: Made with powerful antioxidants, probiotics, and superfoods, our Probiotic Dog Chews help strengthen your dog’s digestive system, while supporting their gut and bowel health. 

Common Health Concerns for Jack Russell Terriers

Compared to other smaller dog breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier is susceptible to unique health conditions like these:

Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap slips out of the joint. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help manage the condition, while joint-friendly supplements can help, too. If you believe your dog has patellar luxation, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian about first steps.

Digestive Issues: Digestive problems can develop in any dog at any age. Symptoms can include diarrhea, bloating, gas, low appetite, lethargy, and more. The issue can stem from the dog’s diet, lifestyle, or genetics. 

Dental Dilemmas: All dogs are prone to stinky breath. Without the proper dental care, Jack Russell Terriers can experience plaque build-up and odorous breath, which can lead to a number of issues down the road. 

About Jack Russell Terriers

Ages ago, bobbing and weaving through the English countryside, bound for a once uncatchable predator, the Jack Russel Terrier was once a determined fox-catcher. This dog’s small stature and fearless tenacity made this breed highly motivated and impossible to outrun. Today, those traits remain, all wrapped inside a cute, affable little furball. Jack Russell Terriers are quick to run and even quicker to come back, showcasing their impressive lightning speed and fierce loyalty.

Interestingly enough, the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize the Jack Russell Terrier. Instead, the AKC recognizes two similar breeds: the Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier—two breeds with striking similarities and minor differences. Both breeds are often confused with one another, and both are commonly called Jack Russells.

Jack Russell Terrier’s Temperament

Because of their “need-for-speed” ancestry, the Jack Russell Terrier can be a wired little fella. These dogs are intelligent and quick-witted. They have a certain level of independence that lets them run a few hundred yards out, but their unwavering loyalty convinces them to come back, probably with a ball in their tiny jaws. 

Because of their high energy, Jack Russell Terriers are best suited for active families or single pet-parent households. These dogs are the perfect running companion, hiking buddy, or backyard entertainer. If you get them properly worn out (good luck with that!), they become the quintessential couch cuddler.

How to Care for a Jack Russell

Most of our tips for Jack Russell care revolve around wrangling in their boisterous personalities. Though they may be fun, they can be mischievous, so tapping into their intelligence with training will be the key to managing their strong, fox-hungry will. 

Behavior Training

Behavior training in dogs consists of basic to advanced commands, like “sit,” “place,” “paw,” “wait,” and “down.” This training also teaches a dog what is appropriate behavior. Even though they may be small, Jack Russells can jump high, which isn’t ideal around small children or elderly folk. Basic behavior training helps Jack Russells learn to manage their emotions and act appropriately when they (not you) have guests over—let’s be honest, their personable nature will win over so many friends; prepare for playdates!

Early & Often Socialization

That’s where socialization comes in. Socialization is when you introduce your dog to other dogs and people at a young age, as early as seven to eight weeks. This helps your Jack Russell meet new faces and get comfortable around strangers. Make socialization a weekly habit to keep your Jack Russell calm, cool, and relaxed around new friends.

Plenty of Exercise

Daily exercise will help run your dog’s battery out—hopefully. The Jack Russell Terrier was bred to go and go and go, so you may need to develop a few unique, tiring activities. These dogs do great in the outdoors. You can take them on hikes, long nature walks, or even camping. Their small stature makes them easy to take with you and even easier to carry back, just in case they finally zonk out. 

Happy Paws: High-Quality Dog Supplements

Keeping your dog happy, healthy, and active shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. At Happy Paws, we’ve designed our dog treats with the best ingredients and flavors possible (our dogs definitely approve!). We’ve made sure these treats are certified organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, letting you spoil your dog easily with healthy, tasty dog treats. 

FAQ

Is Jack Russell a good family dog?

Jack Russells can be a good family dog for the right family and with the proper training. These are pretty high-energy dogs, so they do best in active families who carve out time for adequate training and exercise. 

Are Jack Russells high maintenance?

Jack Russells don’t have major breed-related health issues or a long, flowy coat that needs daily brushing. But they do have a limitless energy battery. So, get ready to never see your couch again. But be honest, you wanted to go outside, too!

Do Jack Russells shed a lot?

Jack Russell Terriers have short, wiry hair that sheds almost year-round. While they don’t shed a ton of hair, you will notice little strands here and there. 

Can a Jack Russell stay home alone? 

Jack Russells are high-energy and a little dependent, so they may not prefer being left home alone. You can use certain training tricks to help quell separation anxiety, plus all-natural calming dog treats can help settle their nerves. 

How do you give a Jack Russell health supplements?

You can give your dog a Happy Paws health supplement in several ways. First, we’ve designed these supplements as dog treats, so you can give them to your pupper as a reward for good behavior. Or, you can add it to your dog’s kibble; they make a pretty tasty topper, too.