Jack Russell puppies are adorable, and very popular with people. They grow into small, smart dogs, so it’s no wonder that they’re high on many people’s lists when looking at dogs.
However, as with any breed, it’s important to do your research when getting a Jack Russell. They have their own needs and specific traits, and you should know what you’re getting yourself into.
Here’s everything you need to know about your potential new puppy!
Where To Get Jack Russell Puppies
If you’d like to adopt, you can call around shelters and ask them to notify you when they have some Jack Russell puppies. The only caveat is that you may be waiting for a while if you specifically want a purebred puppy. You’d have more luck with shelters if you’re willing to adopt a mix, or a slightly older dog. Gwennie…
Other than shelters, you can buy your Jack Russell puppy from a breeder. People are often wary about buying from breeders because they might be unethical backyard breeders, but if you do your research, you should be fine.
Ethical breeders will have the following green flags:
- Health checked parents of puppies
- Papers for the puppies, if they’re purebred
- A spay/neuter contract in place
- An agreement to take the puppies back if it doesn’t work out
- Openness to questions
You might be tempted to buy from a backyard breeder because the price is cheaper, but these puppies didn’t cost much to raise. They likely haven’t been socialized or had vet checks, which can cost you a lot down the line.
It’s much better to pay more now and not face those unpredictable vet bills.
The Cost
So, how much does a Jack Russell puppy actually cost?
On average, you can expect to pay around $1000. This could go higher, but anything much lower is a red flag. VIP Dog…
Appearance And Temperament
Jack Russells are small dogs with a white coat has black and tan markings. They may be small, but they’re very muscular and athletic.
Intelligent, lively, and active, the Jack Russell will keep you on your toes! Despite their high energy, they’re very devoted dogs who will bond with you quickly.
That being said they can be a little stubborn and rowdy, which can make them hard to deal with for first-time dog owners. If you’ve never owned one before, you should be prepared to do your research and train them well from the start.
Jack Russell Puppies – Training
When it comes to training, those who’ve never owned a Jack Russell before might want to consider working with a professional trainer, or at least taking them to puppy classes. They’re stubborn but the good news is, they’re clever, so you can expect them to catch on quickly.
You should reinforce behavior you want by giving them a treat, and ignoring behavior you don’t. Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train dogs. JackCoffee…
Toilet training can take a little longer with small dogs, as they have smaller bladders and can’t hold it for very long as puppies. You should remain patient, clean up any accidents as they happen without a fuss, and reward them heavily for going outside.
Diet
Diet can be a controversial topic amongst dog owners. Some people feed their dog raw food because they say it has more health benefits. If you do this, you should be prepared to feed them a diet prepared by a veterinary nutritionist. Dogs are omnivores, so they have complex dietary needs, and making up your own food can be dangerous in the long run.
If you choose to feed them kibble, make sure it’s not grain-free, which can lead to heart disease in dogs. If your dog is allergic to grains, speak to your veterinarian.
Not all dry food is created equal, so make sure you do your research and check out all the ingredients in the food you choose.
Veterinary Needs
Like a lot of purebred dogs, Jack Russells have some health conditions they are prone to. Getting pet insurance with a comprehensive policy can help cover them against this. Some examples of their health conditions include the kneecaps slipping out of place, blindness, and deafness. Gwennie…
You should keep up with your Jack Russell’s health from the start. Puppies need shots every three weeks from around eight to sixteen weeks old to protect them against parvovirus and other nasty diseases. They also must be vaccinated against rabies, and you should consider optional vaccines like bordetella.
After that, your puppy will only have to visit the vet once a year if all is well. The vet will administer booster shots and check them over to make sure they’re still healthy.
Jack Russell Puppies – Grooming
All dogs need their teeth brushed and ears cleaned frequently, as well as their nails trimmed when they get too long. As a general rule, if the nails are tapping on the floor, they’re too long. Volstan…
You can do this by yourself or let the vet or a groomer do it, but the key is to introduce them to a Dremel or nail clippers at a young age. This will desensitize them.
Jack Russells specifically are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming because of their short coat.
So, if you’re looking at Jack Russell puppies, congratulations on your new dog! These small dogs are intelligent and active, and will provide you with hours of fun. Just make sure to get started on training and socialization early.
Jack Russell Puppies – Photos
