How long do Jack Russells live?

Jack Russells often live to be 16 years old, and stay active right up until the end of their lives. One Jack Russell living in California is 17 years old, and her owners claim she has as much energy as she had when she was a puppy.

How long do Jack Russells stay puppies?
Some people say that Jack Russells never grow up! They remain active and full of energy long after they reach adulthood, which is two years of age. The primary difference between an adult Jack and a puppy of the breed is that adult Jack Russells have honed their hunting skills and have become more assertive and sometimes even more aggressive.

How active are Jack Russell Terriers?
They are extremely active, possibly more so than any other breed of dog. They never stop moving, are always looking for something to do, and are constantly on the hunt. In fact, Jack Russells are so active and aggressive about finding prey, they often drive their owners crazy and kill or injure other pets. Jacks who don’t have an outlet for all their energy often become destructive and will dig up the yard, chew up furniture and bark incessantly.

Jack Russells are the canine equivalent of the Energizer Bunny. They keep going and going and going. A Jack Russell may eventually crash on the couch at the end of the day, but that is only if he has spent that day hunting, running outdoors, chasing balls and generally moving nonstop
almost the entire time.

The activity level of the average Jack Russell Terrier is about 10 times that of the average Labrador Retriever, for example. Labs like to run and have fun, but eventually they do sack out on the living room floor. A Jack Russell has to work long and hard before he will have the urge to lie down and sleep for an extended period of time.

Labs also like to take time out to smell the roses. They will kick back and sit at their owner’s sides, watching a sunset or gazing at the birds flying overhead. Jack Russells, on the other hand, are hard pressed to sit still for very long. They aren’t fans of watching sunsets, and would just as soon catch and eat the birds flying overhead instead of gazing at them.

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our Jack Russell, Scooter, is 2 months shy of 15. He goes for a walk everyday and still barks and
jumps at the door when we leave. His eyesight is poor, but he makes up for it with his nose. He still has many of his puppy mannerisms which make us laugh every day. The vet told us he is in excellent health, alert and active. We hope to have him around for a while yet.

Meowfarm said...

One of my 3 jacks; Erik, is eleven this month & is nearly as fit as when he was a puppy! He has had hours of exercise daily all his life & is solid muscle still. Keeping fit is second nature to this breed, & if they are given the opportunity can live a very long time. Erik's dad is nearly 21, & i hope Erik will last at least that long. By the way, my 3 live with 3 cats & have learned the hard way to respect them, but do chase any others!

Anonymous said...

thankyou all for your advise. We are picking up our first jack rusell in a few weekstime from a pound. We are told he is about 2, we had a west highland terrier for seven years, we got him when he was 5 he had a very big attitude, this time getting a younger dog we hope to be able to train him before he gets to set in his ways.

Anonymous said...

Our Jack Russell "Sandy" is around 20 years old, she's been very active and healthy all her life but recently has slowed down some.

Unknown said...

My Jack Russell, Axel, turned 15 on February 1st this year. He was diagnosed with CCD/CDS 4 months ago. I have had him on the Hills BD and also a herbal suppliment since he was diagnosed. I have never experienced this in a dog before and it is heartbreaking. I was hoping he would live a few more years but I think his time is nearly up. This last week has seen him go down hill very quickly. His breath has a terrible odor, he is hardly eating, and generally looks sad. He is unsteady on his feet too. I am with him 24/7 and just cuddle him constantly... and he loves that. I was hoping he would get his wings peacefully in his sleep but think now I will have to have him PTS after this weekend. It is so sad to see such a cheeky active dog get lost in his own surroundings. Forget to eat and drink... not even bark at the doorbell anymore. He has forgotten nearly everything even tail wagging. Except cuddles... he is content and falls asleep when cuddled. It's just devastating to see him like this.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen
I am feeling really sad reading your comments about Axel. I too am facing the same sought of heartache with my Jack Russell (Russell) Rus is 16 years and 8 months. A farm dog most of his life except for the last 6 years. He has always loved his walks to the beach and swims as well as FOOD. Rus has gone downhill recently and last week had a turn that lasted the day unable to walk. He has come good and still loves a shorter walk but finds it harder to get around. I have to think for him now as he will forget to come inside when raining etc. I love him to bits and pray that love will see he has a peaceful end. It is nice to see others with as much compassion. thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I have a 16 year old Jack. He turns 17 in June of 2014 and he is perfectly healthy. Still chases cats and actively kills rats. His eyesight is little bad but sense of smell is oustanding and we call him the energizer dog, keeps on ticking and ticking.

Anonymous said...

My jack russell turns 17 this summer, he sleeps a lot and cant be bothered to wee outside, he smells and his fur is falling out! He also chases the cats if he sees them has a go at anyone who comes to the house eats like a horse and we love him.

Anonymous said...

My Jack Russell is over 15 yrs old and currently poorly had to leave her at the vets could not bear to get her put to sleep just praying she pulls through has been a marvellous dog and my best friend

Anonymous said...

My Jack Russell Digger has been with me since 1996, He is such a great dog like his name, a champion, 18years old and still going strong ,dose not look slowing down, my wife will be sad though when the time comes, they go everywhere together.

Anonymous said...

Just lost my jack Russell had to put her to sleep devastated was hoping she would pull through hardest decision I have made RIP my best mate will miss you x

Anonymous said...

My JR Cooper is near on 15. He has a collapsing trachea. I am heartbroken his life is ending this way. He has been my true companion and little boy rolled into one. We have him on lots of meds and making him comfortable. I love him so much and its very hard to think of life without him. We hope to get him stable with his meds and enjoy the time we have left. He is an awesome happy fearless dog. I have always loved that about him. XO Coopers Mum

Anonymous said...

My dog turned 17 a few weeks ago. A beautiful, sweet, kind and quiet dog. Her name was Daisy. We rescued her in 2000 (she was two years old at that point), her owners had bred her twice and they were going to put her down for no reason. She was beaten and when we finally got her, she never really barked, hid away from everyone, especially my dad. The vet told him to sneak her pieces of food and when he began to do that, she perked up and became his best friend. He died when I was a freshman in HS and over 7 years later, Daisy joined him. Today was heartbreaking. She began running into objects, forgetting where she was, falling, barking for no reason, crying, couldn't see, and had really bad arthritis... It was her time to go. I loved her so much, Jack Russell's are absolute sweethearts. She was a sweetheart up until the end of her life.

Anonymous said...

We have a jack Russell named Freckles he is 15 1/2 years old he's blind and death but his nose still works loves to eat and cuddle, but I'm not sure if he'll make it to his 16th birthday in 4 months, I think we will go without a dog for a while but when we decided to get another dog it will be another jack Russell terrier.

Anonymous said...

My previous JR lived to 18, even after a tumour and chemo at 10. Her brother also lived to 18. Just recently rescued Tigger, a 10 year old JR and she is even healthier at that age than mine was before the big C. i would not be surprised if Tigger makes it to 20 given her condition! :)

Anonymous said...

I had HOLLY for 16+ years and had to put her down just last Friday 2/5/16... she was the very best friend I could have ever wanted in my life.. had a wonderful LAB mix back in the 90's and she was my BEST FRIEND BACK THEN...
HOLLY was very healthy and active up to 15. she developed the blindness in her right eye but was still active when we went out... she developed a disease called IDOPATHTIC...PRETTY SAD... but up until then she ate everything and was treated like a PRINCESS.. her last 7 years, she got either baked chicken or salisbury steak @ night. 2 times a month, she'd get T BONE steak bones w/ a lot of steak on it... OCCASSIONALY, she'd even eat cookies & ice cream with me.... my vet was shocked and even amazed at what she ate for so long and was still as healthy as she was... still had a strong heart and spirit to the end...could she have lived another year or two had she ate better her last years...MAYBE... MAYBE NOT... she was my queen and was treated with that much LOVE. Of course I couldn't give her the amount of love she gave me.... miss you and LOVED you dearly HOLLY

Snoopy fool said...

I have a JRT that will be 17 in July. He's still like the energizer bunny but does sleep a lot. He's hearing is not what it used to be & occasionally trips going up the steps but had been healthy. Training is a must when they're young because they can get aggressive. Especially when bored. I can't imagine life without this bundle of energy. Not a good dog for a couch potatoe. I'm hoping we get 20 years from him.

Jackie M. said...

I have a question. My Jack Russell is 12 years old. Recently he has lost considerable weight, become listless and sleeps a lot. He has always been a happy little dog and "princely" in his manner. Not so, at this point. He's starting to wobble and is walking with his tail down. Any suggestions?

Please feel free to respond. Thank you..Jack's mom.

Anonymous said...

Hi, my Jack Russell, Tessa, turns 17 years old tomorrow (25th April) and as she has been a part of the family since she was 6 wks old, it is only fitting that we are having a Birthday party for here. A special cake for Tessa, a human cake, lolly bags for the grand children etc. She does sleep a far bit, but when she is awake, she is just like she was when she was a puppy. Crazy running around, playing, jumping. She is the best. :) Maryanne

Nikki said...

My Jack Russell is 16. She has slowed down considerably, due to bad eye sight (cataracts) and bad hips. She walks instead of runs. She does fall down some. She still has a appetite, but sleeps ALL DAY. I'm torn on putting her to sleep since her quality of life is so diminished. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Scott said...

Everytime I think about getting a dog I read comments like all these sad ones and I'm afraid to get one. Louie CK once made the joke, "we just got a puppy, let the countdown to tears begin" Sad but true.

Unknown said...

My Jack Russell Otis is 13 1/2 years old. Just last week I noticed him becoming more weak. His hearing and eyesight have diminished over the last two months. Today he doesn't want to eat or drink. As we part ways, I have never felt the love I felt from that dog.he was raised with my two sons who are 16 and 17 and is like one of my children. The pain is horrible that I feel in my heart. May he rest in peace

Geri said...

Our boy Flash is 17 this July 5th! He is still very active when he is awake, but he does sleep a good portion of the day and loves to sun himself and nap in the back yard. He is in great health, but we can tell he has trouble getting off the bed. He has lost his hearing, and he's getting very white. We will be devastated when it's his time, he's been a loving, dedicated companion. My kids are 24 and 20, so he's grown up with them, we will be losing a family member. I hope he still has some time.

Anonymous said...

Scruffy lived to be 23
Before hind legs gave out

Kez pyne said...

Our jack russell Benny is 16 years 8 months old he is completely deaf and his sight is starting to go, however he is still very active and often plays like a young puppy.
Were ever I go in the house he's under my feet always follows me around he's been such a loyal loving family pet we couldn't imagine him not being around .
I'd definitely recommend a jack russell, loving loyal and very funny pet to have .

faith said...

My jack Faith is 14 last April she is my world.. this is my second jack my other was Chase and was 14/15.. makes me nervous. Faith lost her hearing this year. My sister in law who was head of a humane society told me that when ur dog has to put under anesthesia many times in a lot of cases she witnessed loss of hearing in small dogs. Well that's the case in mine. We have only done in emergency situations lik when she was spayed and had to have teeth cleaned..Faiths ears are healthy otherwise they say. She breaths hard. She's not overweight. She is a runt only weights 11lbs.. she has has slowed up. I get worried she hides under bed sometimes. I think she started this when her hearing started.. but not sure if that's her reason or ?? Never had my other jack do that. All her blood work comes out good and when I thought she had sesuize I ran and had series's of blood work. But all came back good. Her head was shaking abit and she was confused. That was in June. Vet told me to video if I see again and bring back.. I've been blessed so far.. it's nice seeing so many Jacks living long life's. Hope I am blessed with Faith for a few more years. Thanks everyone...

Anonymous said...

CJ was 17 1/2 when we he got so bad we had to send him off peacefully(blind, deaf and lost smell in the end also started aimlessly wondering) . he was my best friend in the world and supported me thru 5 duty stations spanning Europe to Japan. he was the most mellow JRT I have ever known(except when hunting) He rarely barked and always stood by my side. I did not know how I would feel when deciding to put him down and now believe it was absolutely the right decision. will be a while before I get another dog but cannot see myself getting another breed!

Scott said...

so sorry about CJ. I love dogs so much and I am alone that I don't know if I could bare to have to one and get so close and then lose them.

faith said...

So sorry about your best friend CJ.. I know it was the hardest decision. The life you shared together is one you will treasure.. I know I’ve had dogs all my life. My Faith has been the one who has been closest to me. Joined at the hip. She can’t be out of my site.. that being said I love dogs... I may not jump into another JR as Faith.. or wait awhile. But I always see so many dogs in need of love and I know my dogs have love. I hate seeing abused neglected dogs. This blog shows we all love our JR. Faith is still with me and I take ea day a gift. Bless you all..

Scott said...

I know it's unbelievably hard but it's time to end her pain and suffering. I believe you could arrange to have the vet come to your house. I feel so bad for you and the dog but your own words tell you it's time.

Anonymous said...

I know. But there's one more factor. My son is in USMC boot camp, will be home Nov 22. The only dog we have had in our family, and he was 3 when we got her. He's been gone 9+ weeks. I just hate so badly to not let them see each other again.
She does have some good moments, so I'm just taking it day to day right now. I honestly don't know if she will make it, or if we will make a decision prior to him getting home.
Thank you.

Scott said...

it depends on the person I guess. For me it would be so much easier to NOT have to see them like that and then put them down. But you know what is best for your family and I am probably different than most ppl. I hope and pray your snickers will have as many good moments as possible. I try to put myself in the place of the animal and remember times when I was sick and know that your dog may feel a lot worse than that. I was with my mom when she died. It is something I will never forget. she suffered a lot. It is really hard to let a loved one go and hard to see them suffer a lot. I just said prayer that you will know what to do.

Anonymous said...

My Jack Russell is 15 years old. I got her when she was 6 weeks old and she has been the most amazing best friend. She has moved with me to different states and been through a very interesting life with me. She is alert, intelligent and very loyal. I love her and believe she has been the best dog ever. Her coat is still beautiful and she is healthy. She does shake alot and has little fatty tissue spots. She still chases birds, cats although she gets along if they don't move too fast and she tries to own the door!

Scott said...

I'm glad your JR has been such a joy for you and still lively at 15. I have a cat that has feline aids and kept getting hot spots and sores on his back. I give him salmon oil daily. I squirt it on his food. This might be good for your JR too, any JR as a good nutritious supplement to their diet. I also feed my cat a natural cat food.. at least I think it is. He is in wonderful condition now. It's amazing how well he has done. The cat food is made by INstinct. they probably have dog food too. and the oil is from purepaws. I also give my cat distilled water and sometimes put a little liquid minerals in it.

Unknown said...

My gorgeous Jack russ is called Crumpet and she is the most amazing little dog, she's 13 and a half and still walks miles with me 😊we recently walked up Pen y Fan in the Brecon beacons and she absolutely loved it! She will happily walk 10 miles with me, I'd be lost without her so I'm hoping she will keep going for a good few more years ❤️really can't imagine life without her 😢

Lynn said...

My Jackie Boy,17yrs 9mos, passed away suddenly in October,2018. My heat aches for him BUT we had all those years together. SO glad that I retired last year and had the time spend with him. Walking along the bay,crying,sobbing, I looked up into the sky and saw my JACK in a clould formation of his face! Took a pic of him! I get it Jack! Love you!
Lynn

Scott said...

Lynn, I'm sorry your Jackie Boy died. I don't believe in Doggy heaven but I hope it can be true. I just think God is so much bigger and greater than any pet that it won't matter if we get there. Your Jackie Boy's essence has gone back to the creator. Know that God sent him to you to give you some small joy during this life. He thinks of even the smallest things like that for us. I do love dogs so. So loving and wonderful creatures. God Bless you. I'll say a prayer for you now

erica said...

My wonderful little 15 year old Jack Russell 'Gus' died on Friday. it was all very sudden, taking ill on Thursday morning. Up until then, despite becoming virtually blind and also deaf over the last 2 years, he still had amazing energy and excitement when it came to going out for walks and 'food'. He was such a character but not at all agressive. It was worrying to see him tearing around and bumping into furniture - in his excitement about going out. if anything he had become more enthusiastic than ever. We are in despair over losing him. He was my constant companion - came everywhere with me and my home seems so empty without him. In time I may look for another Jack Russell but no-one can ever replace him.

Scott said...

So sorry Erica. That's one reason why I don't have a dog. I don't know if I can handle the eventual loss

granny said...

I cry when I read all these messages my girl is 12 still loves to chase squirrels and sleeps with me since 8wks I have had dogs before but this sweetie is special (maybe sentimental) I also have a Maltese (I adopted her for my bro n law and 3 cats (2 girls and 1 boy brothers and sisters sorry just rambling I will probably go into depression when my girl decides to go to puppy heaven ��������

Unknown said...

I'm crying as I read these tonight while I lay with my 17 yr old Jack Russell His name is Baby Jack I call him my right hand guy he's been through it all with me .. he lost his sight about 8 months ago along with his hearing he has a tumor on his hind leg and has dementia off and on . He worries about where I am so I stay close I think this is our last night together my heart is broken

Unknown said...

I have a 17 yr 4 mos old jack, Daisy and I wanna know if I can give her a col oz of ouopy replacement milk? A friend gave to m, after opening, and couldnt use, don't want to waste it...can she have it??

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