Jack Russell Terriers are a special breed of dogs. By nature, they are hunting dogs, which makes them full of high energy and in need of regular, adequate exercise. Without sufficient activity, they are prone to destructive behavior, and it can also lead to health concerns.
When deciding to adopt this breed, it’s crucial to ask about any problems that exist in the dog. This will help in ensuring that your dog lives for long. If unexplored, you can always do a dog DNA test to be more careful. It can also help in finding out potential health risks.
Continue reading to find out how you can make your JRT live longer!
The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers
This breed is well known for their long and healthy lives of about 16 years. Yes, that’s right! This is because breeders have protected their gene pool, which prevents any direct in-line breeding.
However, some health issues can affect your Jack Russell. Generally, this can be due to recessive genes of certain lines of the breed. Some of them are –
- Inherited eye disease
- Deafness
- Legg Perthes, a disease in the hip joints
- Dislocation of the knee caps
A healthy Jack Russell Terrier’s life expectancy averages up to 13 to 16 years, perhaps even longer. Thus, before getting yourself a Jack Russell, we recommend you to understand the breed’s most normal cause of death. When you work that extra mile towards maintaining and protecting them, a little caution can go a long way.
Additionally, the lack of activity can also shorten their quality and span of life. So make sure you give them their daily dose of high energy activities.
If you see your Terrier suffering from a sickness, then please don’t ignore it. This could affect your dog severely and can alter its general lifespan.
For instance, if your Jack Russell has a dislocated kneecap, we recommend limiting their exercise. If you don’t, it could seriously damage their bodies and cause further problems, including depression.
How can I make a Jack Russell Terrier live longer?
The Jack Russell Terrier is a very stubborn breed of dog. Not only by nature but also in terms of their lifespan. They are one of those special breeds that live very long! This fearless, dynamic, vocal dog breed can live up to 16 years of age. But with proper care and nourishment, they may get to live a few more years!
A healthy and quality diet can affect your dog’s well being in a much bigger way than you think. First of all, Russell Terriers need high-quality dog food. Whether homemade or commercially manufactured, you should make sure that they are fed with A grade food and nothing less.
A good way to go about this is to first visit a reputed veterinarian and ask for their supervision.
Another worthwhile way to increase your dog’s life expectancy rate is by including a daily, high octane exercise regime. Jack Russells have a jumpy, excited, and an overall hyperactive personality. Thus, bringing them to an open space and engaging in charged activities will bring out all of their pent up energy.
In fact, studies show that a regular stimulating exercise routine in a Terrier’s life not only improves their performance as a family dog but also maintains their health and well being for the best.
Summing up
Russell Terriers are energetic dogs and find themselves comfortable in surroundings that can keep up with their enthusiasm. So, if you are into exercising and follow an athletic routine on a normal basis, then the high energy Jack Russell Terrier is a good fit for you, and it can eventually lead them to live a longer life!
If you own a Russell Terrier, you need to remember that they can get depressed if not taken proper care of. So all you have to do is show your dog a lot of affection, and it is bound to live a long and happy life.
