Long-haired Jack Russell is a fascinating breed that is quickly gaining popularity among dog lovers all over the world. These little dogs are popular for their adorable appearance, playful personalities, and energetic temperament.
The long hair on their body is what sets them apart from the traditional short-haired Jack Russell Terrier breed. If you are considering getting a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier, there are a few important things that you should know. We will look closer at the long-haired Jack Russell Terrier breed and explore everything that makes them special.
We will delve into their history, temperament and health concerns to help you decide whether they are the right dog for you. Whether you are a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent, this post will provide all the essential information you need to know about long-haired Jack Russell Terriers.
History Of Long-Haired Jack Russell
The Long-Haired Jack Russell Terrier is a variant of the short-haired Jack Russell Terrier. The breed originated in England in the 19th century when Reverend John Russell, a parson and hunting enthusiast, began breeding terriers for fox hunting. He aimed to create a small, agile dog to chase foxes and other small prey out of their dens.
Over time, the breed became highly popular due to its excellent hunting skills and friendly disposition. The long-haired variant of the breed was not recognized until much later. The long-haired gene was first observed in the 1980s but was not widely recognized until the 21st century. Today, some organisations recognise the long-haired Jack Russell Terrier as a separate breed. However, others still consider it a variant of the short-haired Jack Russell.
Characteristics And Care Of Long-Haired Jack Russell Terriers
Long-haired Jack Russells are an amazing breed of dog that is highly sought after by many dog lovers. They are small, energetic and intelligent dogs that make for great companions. One of the main reasons why Long-Haired Jack Russells are so popular is because of their long hair.
Unlike the short-haired variety, Long-Haired Jack Russells have longer, softer hair that is often wavy or curly. This gives them a unique and adorable appearance that many people find irresistible. Another important reason why Long-Haired Jack Russells are so popular is because of their temperament.
They are highly intelligent dogs that are very loyal to their owners. They are also very playful and active, making them great pets for families with children. Long-haired Jack Russells are also very adaptable dogs in various environments, from small apartments to large houses with backyards.
Long-haired Jack Russells are an amazing dog breed that many people value. They are popular for their unique, adorable appearance and friendly and loyal temperament. Here, explain about long-haired Jack Russell terriers.
At A Glance Of Long Haired Jack Russell Terriers
Feature | Description |
Size | Small |
Height | 10 to 15 inches |
Length | 18 to 22 inches |
Weight | 14 to 18 pounds |
Coat | Long, rough, straight, double |
Colour | White with black or tan patches |
Eyes | Dark, almond-shaped |
Ears | V-shaped, folded forward |
Tail | Docked or natural, carried high |
Legs | Muscular, Straight |
Feet | Round, compact |
Appearance
A long-haired Jack Russell Terrier is a type of Jack Russell Terrier with a longer and rougher fleece. The fleece can be smooth or rough and grows in different directions, giving the canine a messy look. The fleece is generally white with black or tan patches or both.
The hair length is between 1 and 2 elevations and covers the entire body. The long-haired Jack Russell Terrier has a water-resistant double fleece that protects it from rainfall. The following table summarizes the appearance of the long-haired Jack Russell Terrier.
Size And Weight
A long-haired Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog that can reach its full size and weight by the age of one year. Factors such as diet, health, and genetics can affect its growth rate, so that each dog may vary slightly. The height and length measured from the ground to the top of the head and from the nose to the base of the tail, respectively. The weight measure using a scale.
There is no significant difference between males and females in size and weight. A long-haired Jack Russell Terrier is a compact and muscular dog with a long, rough, straight coat covering its entire body. The average size and weight of a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier are as follows:
Feature | Measurement | Weight |
Height | 10 to 15 inches | 13 to 17 pounds |
Length | 18 to 22 inches | |
Weight | 14 to 18 pounds |
Lifespan
The lifespan of a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier can vary widely depending on several factors. On average, they can live between 12 to 16 years. Some may live longer than this, while others may have a shorter lifespan. One factor that can affect a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier’s longevity is genetics.
Dogs from a long line of healthy ancestors are likelier to live longer than those with a history of health problems. Proper nutrition and regular exercise can also significantly affect their lifespan. Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet and taking them on walks or runs regularly can help keep them healthy and fit.
Other factors affecting a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier’s lifespan include their overall health, underlying medical conditions, and the quality of care they receive. Regular visits to the veterinarian for check-ups and preventative care can help catch any health issues early on and ensure they are treated promptly.
Health Issues
Long-haired Jack-Russell Terriers are a type of small, energetic dogs that have a longer coat than the standard Jack Russell Terriers. They are generally healthy, but they can suffer from common health problems affecting their eyes, ears, joints, skin, and teeth. Some of these problems are:
Health Issue | Prevention | Treatment |
Eye problems | Eye exams; screening of parents | Surgery; medication; eye drops |
Ear infections | Cleaning ears; keeping ears dry | Antibiotics; antifungal; anti-inflammatory |
Joint problems | Screening of parents; avoiding excessive exercise or weight gain | Surgery; medication; physiotherapy; weight management |
Skin problems | Avoiding allergens; using hypoallergenic shampoos; applying flea and tick prevention. | Antihistamines; steroids; antibiotics; topical creams |
Dental problems | Brushing teeth; providing dental chews or toys | Scaling; polishing; extraction; filling |
Temperament
The long-haired Jack Russell Terrier is popular for its energetic and playful personality. They enjoy meeting new people and are popular for being great with children. They may be wary of strangers and may require some socialization to become comfortable around new people.
Personality Trait | Description |
Happy and energetic | Have a strong desire to work and play; need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. |
Fearless and assertive | Brave and confident dogs who are not afraid of anything can be vocal, make good watchdogs, and may not tolerate other animals or young children. |
Stubborn and smart | They have a mind of their own and may challenge their owners; they are very intelligent and can learn quickly; they need consistent and firm training. |
Loyal and loving | Devoted to their family and can be affectionate and playful with them; may bond more with one person than others; need companionship and attention |
Exercise
A long-haired Jack Russell Terrier is a high-energy dog breed that requires daily exercise and physical activity to maintain its physical and mental well-being. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, but it’s important to note that each dog’s needs may vary based on age, weight, and health condition. Some suitable activities and games to keep your long-haired Jack Russell Terrier fit and happy include:
- Walking: Take your dog briskly around the neighbourhood or a nearby park. This provides physical exercise and allows your dog to explore new sights and smells.
- Running: If your dog is young and healthy, you can take it for a run. This is a great way to burn off excess energy and improve cardiovascular health.
- Agility Training: Set up an agility course in your backyard or take your dog to an agility class. This can help improve your dog’s coordination, balance, and mental stimulation.
- Fetch: Playing fetch is a great way to give your dog exercise and mental stimulation. Use a ball or a frisbee and have plenty of space to play.
- Tug of War: A game of tug of war can be a fun way to give your dog exercise and bonding time. Use a sturdy toy and teach your dog to release the toy on command.
Diet
A long-haired Jack Russell Terrier needs a well-balanced diet that provides enough energy and nutrition for its active lifestyle. The diet should contain high-quality ingredients like meat, vegetables, fruits, cereals, and seafood. The amount of food that a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier should eat daily depends on age, weight, activity level, and health condition.
A general guideline is to feed about 1.5% to 2.5% of the dog’s body weight daily, divided into two or three meals4. A 10-pound adult dog would need about 2.4 ounces of food per meal or 7.2 ounces daily. However, this may vary depending on the dog’s individual needs and the food quality.
Diet Aspect | Description |
Food Type | High-quality ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, fruits, cereals, and seafood |
Food Quality | No artificial additives, fillers, allergens, or excess mercury |
Food Amount | 1.5% to 2.5% of the dog’s body weight per day, divided into two or three meals |
Food Adjustment | Monitor the dog’s body condition and adjust the food portions accordingly |
Cost
The cost of purchasing or adopting a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier can vary depending on several factors, such as the breeder’s location, pedigree, age, and physical characteristics. Generally, the price range for a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier puppy can be anywhere from $500 to $1,500. Adopting a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier from a shelter or rescue organization can cost less, typically from $50 to $300.
When considering getting a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier, it is important to consider additional expenses such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and training. These expenses can add up over time and should be factored into your budget.
Long-haired Jack-Russell Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and clean, costing around $50 to $75 per grooming session. They also need high-quality dog food, which can cost around $20 to $50 per month, depending on the brand and size of the dog.
Veterinary care is another expense that should be considered, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and unexpected medical emergencies. Setting aside around $500 to $1,000 per year for veterinary expenses is recommended.
Finally, training is important to owning a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier to ensure they are well-behaved and socialized. The cost of training programs can vary depending on the trainer but typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour.
Training Tips
Training your Long-Haired Jack Russell is essential to help them develop good behaviour, build confidence, and ensure they are healthy and happy. By providing consistent training and socialization, they can learn to behave appropriately in different situations, making them better companions. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with Basic Obedience: Teach your dog basic commands like sit, stay, come and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise and playtime to encourage your dog to follow your commands. Consistency is key in training your dog, so practice these commands daily.
- Socialize Your Dog: Socializing your long-haired Jack Russell is important to help them become well-adjusted and friendly with others and pets. Take your dog to the park, on walks, and to dog-friendly events to help them adapt to different environments and stimuli.
- Train for Specific Behaviors: Once your dog has mastered basic obedience, you can move on to more specific behaviours such as crate training, potty training and leash training. Again, use positive reinforcement techniques and be consistent in your training.
- Exercise Regularly: Long-haired Jack Russells are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to run and play in the backyard or on walks.
- Be Patient: Training a long-haired Jack Russell takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t learn a new behaviour immediately. Keep working with them, and eventually, they will get it.
Caring For A Long-Haired Jack Russell Puppy
Caring for a long-haired Jack Russell Terrier puppy is essential for their health and well-being. These puppies have beautiful fur that needs to be maintained regularly to prevent matting and tangling. Neglecting their fur can lead to skin problems and infections, so keeping them clean and grooming is important.
One of the most important things you can do for your long-haired Jack Russell Terrier puppy is to brush their fur regularly. This helps to prevent matting and tangling, which can be uncomfortable for them.
- Grooming: Long-haired Jack-Russell Terriers have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming. Brush your puppy’s coat at least once a week to prevent matting and tangles. You may also need to trim their hair around the ears, paws, and bottom. It’s also important to keep their nails trimmed and their ears clean.
- Exercise: Jack Russell Terriers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise. Take your puppy for walks, runs, and play sessions to keep them active and engaged. Ensure you provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained when you’re not around.
- Training: Start training your puppy early to establish good habits and prevent bad ones from developing. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behaviour. Consider enrolling your puppy in obedience classes to help with socialization and training.
- Nutrition: Feed your Long-Haired Jack Russell Terrier puppy a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Ensure to follow the feeding instructions on the package and always provide plenty of fresh water.
Conclusion
Long-haired Jack Russells are a unique and rare breed that has gained popularity in recent years due to their distinctive appearance and temperament. Through careful breeding and selection, breeders have produced dogs that are not only visually stunning but also possess all of the endearing qualities that make Jack Russell Terriers such beloved pets.
With their playful and energetic nature, Long-Haired Jack Russell makes excellent companions for families and individuals of all ages. Their long, silky coats require regular grooming and maintenance, but the effort is well worth it for those who appreciate their beauty. Overall, the success and popularity of Long-Haired Jack Russell Terriers can be attributed to their unique combination of physical and behavioural traits, making them a one-of-a-kind addition to any household.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Long-Haired Jack Russell Terrier?
A Long-Haired Jack Russell Terrier is a variation of the Jack Russell Terrier breed with longer hair than the short-haired variety. They have a double coat of medium length, with a soft undercoat and a coarse topcoat.
Are Long-Haired Jack Russells Good With Children?
Long-haired Jack Russells can make great family pets, but they are better suited for families with older children who understand how to interact with dogs. They have a high prey drive and may chase small children or animals.
Does Long-Haired Jack Russell Shed A Lot?
Long-haired Jack Russells do shed, but their shedding is moderate compared to some breeds. Regular grooming and brushing can help keep their coats healthy and reduce shedding.
Are Long-Haired Jack Russells Good Apartment Dogs?
Long-haired Jack Russells can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are small enough to live comfortably in smaller spaces but still need plenty of opportunities to play and explore.
How Long Does Long-Haired Jack Russell Live?
Long-haired Jack Russell has a lifespan of around 13-16 years, with proper care and nutrition. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help ensure your pet’s long and happy life.