---
title: "Jack Russell Terrier Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/jack-russell-terrier-breed/
description: "Jack Russell Terrier: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Jack Russell Terrier: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Jack Russell Terrier at about 25-30 cm tall and 4-6 kg, living over 10 years. It suggests at least 1 hour a day, and lists 5 health problems to watch, including luxating patellas and primary lens luxation. Minimum running cost: at least £50 a month after buying and setting up, and over £8,900 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Small |
| Average height | 25-30 cm |
| Average weight | 4-6 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 10 years |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour a day, split into a couple of walks plus off-lead time in a secure area |
| Grooming | A weekly brush for short coats; rough coats may need hand stripping; sheds more in spring and autumn |
| Cost | At least £50 a month after buying and setting up, and over £8,900 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Jack Russell Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/jack-russell-terrier).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)
- primary lens luxation
- late onset ataxia
- spinocerebellar ataxia
- Legg-Perthes disease

Source: [PDSA, Jack Russell Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/jack-russell-terrier).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, split into a couple of walks plus off-lead time in a secure area. Grooming: a weekly brush for short coats; rough coats may need hand stripping; sheds more in spring and autumn. Source: [PDSA, Jack Russell Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/jack-russell-terrier).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as lively, confident, loyal and clever; excitable, barks readily and has a high prey drive. PDSA says they can develop separation anxiety, should not be left alone for more than four hours, may suit older children better, and need a secure garden as they dig and squeeze through gaps. Source: [PDSA, Jack Russell Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/jack-russell-terrier).

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## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £50 a month after buying and setting up, and over £8,900 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Jack Russell Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/jack-russell-terrier).

## Questions people ask

How long do Jack Russell Terriers live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 10 years.

How much exercise does a Jack Russell Terrier need?

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, split into a couple of walks plus off-lead time in a secure area.

What health problems do Jack Russell Terriers have?

PDSA lists luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps); primary lens luxation; late onset ataxia; spinocerebellar ataxia; Legg-Perthes disease.

How much does a Jack Russell Terrier cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £50 a month after buying and setting up, and over £8,900 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Jack Russell Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/jack-russell-terrier), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Bernese Mountain Dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/bernese-mountain-dog-breed/)
- [Great Dane: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/great-dane-breed/)
- [How Much Does a Siberian Husky Cost? What Drives the Bills](https://pawmultiverse.com/siberian-husky-cost/)

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