How Long Does a Jack Russell Live?

How long do Jack Russells live?

As a reasonably healthy breed, Jack Russell’s typical lifespan can be anywhere between 13 to 16 years. Therefore, Jack Russell Terriers have longevity and are among the healthiest dog breeds. Recent research suggests that the Jack Russell is the most long-lived dog breed, with a life expectancy of 12.7 years

A small breed of dog with relatively few health issues, the Jack Russell Terrier is a hardy dog who lives to hunt down its favorite squeaky toys and bury balls in the yard. However, how long can you expect them to remain as this boisterous hunter, and how long does a Jack Russell live overall?

In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more. So, read on if you want to know more about this feisty, yet adorable hunter, that is the Jack Russell Terrier:

What is A Jack Russell’s average lifespan?

Typically, a Jack Russell Terrier life span is anywhere from 13 to 16 years. However, in Somerset, Britain, there was once a Jack Russell who reached the grand old age of 25! His name was Yentl, and he only died in 2014. This is a record age for a Jack Russell Terrier.

Factors That Impact The Lifespan Of A Jack Russell

Fortunately, the Jack Russell Terrier is one of the healthiest breeds. Indeed, the breed has a relatively low risk of developing genetic diseases or disorders. However, this doesn’t mean Jack Russells are entirely exempt from everything that could shorten their lives.

Like all dogs with a white coat, the Jack Russell is predisposed toward deafness and ear infections. Though they do not have the same long, floppy ears as a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel or Bassett Hound, harmful bacteria can still easily enter your Jack Russell’s ears and cause painful infections. If left untreated, ear infections can cause more significant health problems in Jack Russells, such as vertigo and balance issues.

Then there’s Jack Russell’s immense need for physical activity. The Jack Russell is a somewhat hyper dog who needs to get out for a long walk every day, even if all they do is bark at all the other dogs and pull your arm off! Then, to prevent weight gain, boredom, destruction, and behavioural issues, top this off with plenty of play (though they’re not going to bring the ball back).

Did you know that the Jack Russell is also prone to various eye problems? For example, some Jack Russells carry the genes for lens luxation, a condition that can arise when a Jack is between 3 to 8 years old. If left untreated, lens luxation can eventually lead to total blindness. Fortunately, surgery to remove a dislocated lens is usually successful. As well as this, Jack Russell Terriers are typically screened for conditions like this before being bred.

When is the Jack Russell considered an adult?

Since the Jack Russell Terrier is a small breed of dog, this Terrier stops growing at a younger age than some other dogs. In fact, at around only one year a Jack Russell is fully grown and can be switched to adult food.

What are some common health issues that affect the Jack Russell Terrier?

Most Jack Russells you will see have a lovely white coat. But did you know that deafness can be associated with the white coat color gene in all dogs? This makes deafness from birth a common issue in Jack Russell Terriers, so it’s something you should be aware off. Then there’s patellar luxation or “slipped stifles”, something commonly seen in many small breeds.

With slipped stifles, a Jack Russell Terrier’s patella, tibia, and femur do not line up properly, resulting in an unusual hopping or skipping gait, or even complete lameness in one leg or more. A Jack Russell’s patellar luxation is always present at birth, even if the actual luxation or misalignment doesn’t rear its head until way later. But, the rubbing associated with patellar luxation can lead to arthritis in your Jack Russell later on.

Another major small breed issue, common in Jack Russell Terriers, is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. This is a deformity of the ball in your Jack Russell’s hip joint. The condition is often confused with hip dysplasia, since, similarly, it too causes arthritis and wear in your Jack Russell Terrier’s joints.

But thankfully, after surgery and with rehabilitation therapy, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease has a good prognosis! Some issues can affect Jack Russell’s eyes, too. One of these common problems is lens luxation, where the ligament that holds the lens of your Jack Russell’s eye in place deteriorates, which causes the eye’s lens to become displaced.

Sometimes, Jack Russells’ lens luxation can be treated with medication or surgery. But in more severe cases, your Jack Russell’s eye may need to be removed. Then there’s glaucoma, a disease in which your Jack Russell’s eye experiences abnormally high pressure. Under normal circumstances, a Jack Russell Terrier’s eyes constantly produce and drain a certain fluid called aqueous humor.

But when a Jack Russell has glaucoma, this fluid doesn’t drain correctly, resulting in increasing pressure inside their eye. The resulting high pressure then creates damage to the Jack Russell Terrier’s optic nerve, which leads to vision loss and even total blindness.

However, none of these health issues inherently shorten a Jack Russell’s lifespan, though they can become severe. So, if you are thinking of adopting a Jack Russell from a breeder, it’s a good idea to ask the breeder for health clearances for both of the parent Jack Russells.

They’ll both have to be over 2 years old for this, so try to find a breeder who doesn’t breed their Jack Russells until the dogs are over two years old.

Common Causes For Death In Jack Russells

Though a generally long-lived pooch, unfortunately, some diseases can affect them, shortening their life span and impairing their quality of life.

Jack Russells, like all dogs, are prone to several bacterial or viral infections. As a result, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper are all things to look out for. Fortunately, all these infections are things your Jack Russell can be vaccinated against, depending on how common they are where you live.

There are parasites like hookworms, heartworms and whipworms. They vary in prevalence depending on where you live. Allowing your Jack to drink from unclean water or be bitten by insects is a common cause. Bring water on long walks, and use preventative worming medication regularly.

Being overweight is also becoming a leading cause of early death in Jack Russells. After all, when they sit, lie down, and roll over, they deserve a reward, right? But your leftovers can contribute to the development of heart disease and joint issues. So instead, give your Jack a cuddle, play with them, or offer them a piece of carrot or apple. You never know; they may love this plaque-busting treat!

Spaying or neutering is another brilliant thing you can do for your Jack Russell Terrier. Having your Jack Russell’s reproductive organs surgically removed dramatically decreases the risk of ovarian, uterine, or testicular cancers and eliminates complications from unwanted pregnancies or wandering and getting lost when in heat.

On top of this, you can also identify and resolve other health concerns while your Jack Russell gets spayed or neutered. For example, have they still got any remaining puppy teeth? Maybe they could do with an x-ray? While they’re under anesthesia anyway, now’s your chance to deal with other problems.

When does a Jack Russell become a senior?

As a small dog, Jack Russell is thought of as being a senior as soon as they reach 11 or 12. At this stage in their life, you might have noticed that they’ve slowed down quite a bit.

They may still be happy and excited about going on walks, but can’t manage walking quite as far, or they may no longer want to play the same games. So, don’t expect them to play those fetch games they loved with quite as much enthusiasm.

When your Jack Russell Terrier gets to this age, whether they seem to notice that they are a senior or not, it is a good idea to start feeding your Jack Russell food for senior dogs, and to think about joint supplements, if your Jack Russell exhibits joint pain. An older dog needs a good thick comfy mattress for their naps too as compared to a younger dog and they will sleep more.

Here are the best ones I found you can order online.

• Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
• Bedsure Large Dog Bed for Small, Medium, Large Dogs

Lots of cuddles and petting are appreciated at this stage, as opposed to boisterous games and long walks. Being a small dog, though, they can still accompany you on treks in a dog backpack or carrier bag attached to your torso, or a kangaroo hoodie.

Jack Russell’s Lifespan Compared to Other Terriers

Jack Russel Terrier	13-16 years	Parson Russel Terrier	14-15 years
Yorkshire Terrier	12-16 years	Russkiy Toy	11 years
West Highland Terrier	12-15 years	Staffordshire Bul Terrier	12-14 years
Wire Fox Terrier	15 years	Cairn Terrier	12-17
Bull Terrier	10 – 12 years	Rat Terrier	15-23 years
Maltese	12-15 years	Smooth Fox Terrier	12-15 years
American Staffordshire Terrier	12-16 years	Dandie Dinmont Terrier	11-13 years
Boston Terrier	11-15 years	Toy Fox Terrier	15 years
American Pit Bull Terrier	8-15 years	Miniature Fox Terrier	12-18 years
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier	12-16 years	Tenterfield Terrier	12-14
Airedale Terrier	12 years	Scottish Terrier	11-13 years

How To Extend The Life Of Your Pet Jack Russell

So, the Jack Russell has the potential to live for a total of over 16 years! But how can you guarantee this?

One way to make sure that your Jack Russell stays healthy is to give them a high quality diet. Avoid dubious dog food if you don’t know what is in it, and look for high quality ingredients. Feed your Jack Russell regularly, giving them two meals a day.

If your Jack Russell has escaped from its crate or figured out how to climb up on your table, you already know what an intelligent dog the Jack is! However, their high intelligence means that it is imperative to play interactive games with them. This prevents boredom and destructive behaviors. Try hiding your Jack’s food under egg cartons, in toys, or in other places. Look for puzzle solving toys to keep your Jack Russell occupied for a long time.

You should also keep your Jack Russell physically active. Take your Jack for a walk every day and play plenty of dynamic games with them. As small dogs, make sure they don’t overexert themselves too often, like jumping up on the couch or walking too far.

What should I look out for with a Jack Russell Terrier?

Socialization is paramount with a Jack Russell Terrier! Jack Russells are extremely prone to developing aggression towards most other dogs, especially those of the same sex.

So, from a very early age, you really must make sure that your Jack Russell knows how to interact properly with fellow dogs and other animals, or they will never get to experience any off-leash freedom.

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to override a Jack Russell’s strong prey drive, which will make them chase down the birds in your garden, the neighborhood cats, and other smaller animals, with the full intention to kill.

Even larger animals, like German Shepherds, cows, and horses are not off-limits, to a feisty Jack Russell Terrier’s mind.

So, if your Jack Russell Terrier is going to be spending a great deal of time around these animals, you must introduce your Jack Russell to the animal in a secure way, on their leash, or in a crate, before you trust your Jack Russell around them.

Jack Russells also love children, but are unlikely to tolerate being played with or picked up in a remotely rough way, and won’t think twice about snapping at a child if this occurs. We must be even more aware of these possibilities as Jack becomes a senior.

Which lives longer – male or female Jack Russells?

It seems that across all dog breeds, female dogs live longer. For example, the average male dog lives 11.1 years, while a female dog lives four months longer. However, neutered male dogs have an 11.49-year life expectancy, while a spayed female dog lives for 11.98 years.

Signs of Jack Russell getting old

How do you know when your Jack Russell is starting to get old? One big sign is that your Jack Russell may start to sleep more. An elderly Jack Russell Terrier generally starts to sleep more – around 14 to 16 hours. So your Jack Russell will have shorter active periods since they’re sleeping longer.

Your Jack Russell’s mood may also change. Previously alert or frenetic, your Jack Russell may become more silent and moody, more patient and gentle. But, of course, they may be a bit grumpy in the morning, too.

Health issue-wise, older Jack Russells are prone to dental issues, obesity, blindness and deafness. They are also prone to epilepsy and diabetes.

What Is the Oldest Living Jack Russell?

According to Guinness World Records, the oldest Jack Russell was Willie, reaching age 20 in 2014. The oldest dog ever lived is held by an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey who died in 1939 aged 29. Only 9 years older than the oldest ever Jack Russel.

If the oldest Jack Russel was 20 years old then he would be 96 years old in Human years.

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