The humble Jack Russell; a trustworthy, hardy and energetic little dog that has been one of Britain’s favourite breeds for generations.
There is a common myth that Jack Russells ‘don’t break’. They have a reputation for being able to come out of infinite sticky situations unscathed, whether that be tearing through undergrowth or bouncing back from what looks like a spectacular tumble.
But how true is it? Are Jack Russells really as indestructible as they seem? Whether you’re already the proud owner of one or thinking about whether this bold breed is the right one for you, it’s good to know what they’re all about. Let’s explore what makes Jack Russells so tough and why, even for this seemingly unstoppable breed, caution still matters.
More about the breed
Originally bred in the early 19th century for fox hunting, a Jack Russell’s job was to navigate underground burrows and keep up with horses and hounds over long distances. Around two hundred years later, they certainly haven’t lost any of that vigour and continue to keep their owners on their toes! The Jack Russells of today still show the same bold, fearless and energetic traits that made them excellent working dogs all that time ago. Owners will often observe their dog jumping from impressive heights, sprinting at full speed or seemingly shrugging off knocks and bumps. It’s easy to see how the idea that they ‘don’t break’ took off.
The average lifespan for a Jack Russel is around 13-16 years which is very impressive, especially for a purebred dog. Plenty of veterinary staff will tell you how they’ve seen them reach even greater ages than this too.
What makes Jack Russells so tough?
There are some genuine reasons why Jack Russells appear a little more robust than some other dog breeds:
1. Compact, muscular build
Small but solid, their muscular bodies and relatively low centre of gravity can help them absorb impact better than their taller, longer-legged counterparts.
2. Exceptional agility and coordination
Jack Russells are natural athletes and their quick reflexes and coordination often allow them to react quickly and avoid injury.
3. Boundless energy and drive
Thanks to their working origins, their enthusiasm for any activity can give the impression of invincibility. A Jack Russell that keeps running after a fall might look fine, even if something is wrong.
4. High Pain Tolerance
With their hardy approach, like many other working breeds, Jack Russells may not immediately show signs of pain. This doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain, it just means they don’t show it that obviously.
Yes, things can go wrong
The reality is that, like virtually every other animal, they can indeed ‘break’ and despite their reputation, Jack Russells are not indestructible. There are plenty of injuries that can come about as a consequence of their mischievous personalities as well as a few health concerns associated with the breed.
Eye problems
Eye conditions such as hereditary cataracts can be common in Jack Russells. They can suffer from primary lens luxation which is a hereditary condition where the lens of the eye becomes dislocated. This can eventually lead to glaucoma or blindness if left untreated and can be very painful.
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Jack Russells may also be predisposed to developing Cushing’s disease. This caused by the body producing too much cortisol, a stress hormone. Symptoms include increased drinking and urination, panting and a pot-bellied appearance.
Joint problems
Not all bone injuries are a result of trauma; some are influenced by genetics too. Jack Russells can be prone to developing problems with their joints such as Legg Calve Perthes disease and luxating patellas. A luxating patella is a kneecap that pops out of place, causing a ‘skipping’ type lameness. Whereas Legg Calvé Perthes disease is a disease of the hip joint commonly affecting small breed dogs, involving painful loss of blood supply to the hip joint, resulting in crumbling of the bone. Symptoms include limping and stiffness that exacerbates with time, loss of muscle in the hindlimbs and pain.
Injuries and trauma
Jumping off furniture, walls and the like can result in broken bones and soft tissue injuries like ligament damage. Strains, sprains and muscle injuries are common in highly active dogs like Jack Russells. They might enjoy a good chew on a stick or a stone, or even love playing tug-of-war, but this can lead to worn or broken teeth and oral trauma.
Signs your Jack Russell might be injured
If you’re already a pet owner or are hoping to be one soon, it’s so important to be aware of the ways your dog might be trying to tell you they are in pain. They can’t talk to us, so it’s our job to try and listen to them as best we can. A painful animal will rarely vocalise, especially if the pain is chronic, so even if your dog Jack Russell remains active, look out for subtle changes. These might include:
- Stiffness, limping or reluctance to exercise
- Difficulty or reluctance climbing stairs, jumping into the car or onto furniture
- Behaviour changes (such as withdrawal or irritability)
- Excessive attention to or licking of a particular limb or area on the body
- Reduced energy
- Decreased appetite
If you notice any of these signs, or just think something isn’t quite right with your pup, it’s best to consult your vet as soon as possible.
How to keep your Jack Russell safe
They’re the type of dogs that want to get stuck into everything and you can’t wrap them in cotton wool, but some sensible precautions can go a long way.
If your Russell is one that wants to jump of every surface, no matter how high, try to control this and don’t allow them to jump from a height. Consider using a ramp or a step where appropriate. Regular exercise is also essential, but try to avoid repetitive high-impact activities, especially on hard surfaces and allow them a rest in between sessions.
Playtime is an essential part of pet ownership, but be mindful of the types of toys you provide your dog with. Very hard or brittle chews like rawhide and certain bones can splinter and damage teeth or the inside of their mouth. Try not to encourage excessive tug-of-war as this can cause mouth injuries or even back and neck problems.
Check their weight…
Jack Russells were bred to be fit and nimble dogs, yet so many of our pets today are actually overweight. Obesity can lead to a number of secondary health issues including joint disease. Take care to check the feeding guide on your dog’s food and measure out how much food they should be getting for their target weight. Giving your four-legged friend the occasional treat is an important part of your bond with them, but try not to overdo it and avoid titbits as these can really rack up the calories.
If you’re struggling with controlling your pet’s weight, your veterinary practice is there to help and can provide plenty of support with weight loss and management.
Routine health checks and veterinary visits can help to detect any issues early, even those that your dog isn’t showing obvious signs of.
Don’t forget to provide extra care for senior dogs – every dog is different! Older dogs are more likely to have reduced strength or underlying arthritis which increases their risk of harm. There are so many ways to help support our older pets, just ask your vet or vet nurse for advice.
So… Fact or Fiction?
It’s probably no surprise the idea that Jack Russels ‘don’t break’ is ultimately fiction. While they are undeniably resilient and tough little dogs, they are still vulnerable to injury and health issues like the best of us – sometimes more so due to their fearless nature! Their toughness should be expected, but not taken for granted.
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