Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
A Jack Russell Terrier needs about 14,000 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.
- Energy Level
- Very High
- Weight
- 6 kg
- Height Range
- 25–38 cm
- Life Span
- 10–15 years
Daily goal, in context
Dog steps are shorter than yours — 14,000 steps for this breed is about 40 minutes of walking a day, split over 3 outings. Your own dog's goal is personalised.
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Exercise by Age
Puppy (under 1 year)
5 min per month of age, twice a day
Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.
Adult (1-11 years)
14,000 steps
Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.
Senior (11+ years)
9,800–11,200 steps
Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.
Exercise Needs
A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.
Facts about the Jack Russell Terrier
Exercise
High prey drive + high energy — 30 min vigorous play plus a real walk keeps terriers balanced.
AKC
Behavior
Independent and stubborn — short training sessions with high-value treats beat long drills.
VCA
Health
Terriers are prone to early dental issues — brush teeth 3+ times weekly to prevent tooth loss.
VCA
Training
Early socialization with cats and small pets is critical — their prey drive can be redirected if started young.
ASPCA
Did You Know
“Terrier” comes from Latin “terra” (earth) — most terriers were bred to hunt vermin underground.
AKC
Exercise
Jack Russells need 60+ min of HARD activity daily. Bred for all-day fox hunts — under-exercised = destructive and neurotic.
AKC
Health
Generally robust. Watch for patellar luxation, lens luxation (eye), deafness (in piebald/white-heavy lines).
VCA
Behavior
Fearless, stubborn, high prey drive. Don't trust with cats, rabbits, small pets — they were bred to kill vermin.
The Kennel Club UK
Did You Know
Developed by Reverend John "Jack" Russell in 1800s Devon, England, for fox hunting. Still active working terriers today.
AKC history
Frequently asked questions
- How much exercise does a Jack Russell Terrier need?
- A Jack Russell Terrier needs about 14,000 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.
- How big does a Jack Russell Terrier get?
- Adult Jack Russell Terriers typically weigh 6 kg and stand 25–38 cm at the shoulder.
- How long do Jack Russell Terriers live?
- A Jack Russell Terrier usually lives 10–15 years.
Calculate your Jack Russell Terrier's exact daily goal
Pawmi uses peer-reviewed breed science to create a personalized plan based on your dog's breed, age, weight and health conditions.
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