How long do Jack Russell Terriers live and what does it depend on?

Jack Russell Terriers have become popular thanks to many films featuring dogs of this breed. It was bred artificially, so for people who plan to keep such a pet, one of the most pressing questions is how long the pet will live.

This dog hails from the UK, where he was bred by a priest and scholar, a passionate hunter John (Jack) Russell in 1818. Then at the peak of popularity was such entertainment. That is why breeders are actively engaged in work on the development of the ideal assistant for such a pastime. To achieve the goal, three dog breeds were crossed: Fox Terrier, Border and Leyland.

After many experiments and hard work of Russell, a hardy, energetic and fearless dog was born, to whom he gave his name. She also got along well with people, other animals.

Quite a lot of time passed before this breed became famous all over the world and took its place in the list of existing dogs.

The life expectancy of a dog is a very important issue that excites absolutely every owner. Let’s talk about what the longevity of the Jack Russell Terrier breed depends on.

The main factors that have a tremendous impact on the longevity of a pet are the following.

This is one of the most important factors that affects the development of the animal. It is she who gives the start and certain inclinations for growth. Good genes are the key to the long life.

Despite the fact that the Jack Russell Terrier can feel great both in the apartment and in a private house, There are certain requirements for the room in which he lives.

• It is very important to monitor the room temperature. Extremely low and high temperatures should not be allowed - this can have a bad effect on the well-being of the pet and its health. The dog may even have a heart attack from improper temperature. The optimum temperature for the dog in the room is + 22–24ºС.
• If the animal lives in the apartment, try to walk it on the street as often as possible.

For a jack Russell Terrier, proper and balanced nutrition is very important. The diet should be varied and rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which are so necessary for good health and good health.

The dog can be fed:

• beef, duck;
• rabbit, turkey;
• offal;
• fermented milk products - kefir, fermented baked milk;
• sea ​​fish - boiled and cleaned of bones;
• rice, millet, buckwheat and oatmeal;
• bananas, peaches, pears and apples;
• pumpkin, cabbage, carrots;
• zucchini, tomatoes, herbs and beets;
• eggs - exclusively boiled and not more than 1 time per week.

There is also a list of products that are strictly prohibited for use:

• pork;
• White bread;
• chicken bones;
• sweets, smoked meats, pickles;
• grilled meat;
• canned food;
• onion, garlic, hot pepper;
• grapes, spices, spices;
• mushrooms, legumes.

It is not much different from caring for other dog breeds.

• Comb hair at least once every 10 days.
• Wash the dog if necessary, and even better - once a month. After each walk on the street, be sure to wash the animal's paws.
• Using a cotton pad that has previously been moistened in tea, wipe your eyes to remove natural secretions.
• Using a special toothbrush or floss for dogs, clean your teeth from tartar and plaque three times a week.
• Take care of your auricles. Remove sulfur and dirt with a damp cloth.
• A couple of times a month you need to cut your nails. This can be done both at home and in special dog salons.
• Position the bed so that the pet is not in direct sunlight or in a draft.
• Since the Jack Russell Terrier is an active dog, daily walks are important to her.

It has already been mentioned above that, like for any other artificially bred dog breed, none of the experts undertakes to accurately state the life expectancy of the Jack Russell Terrier. All data available to date, have been achieved and determined empirically.

Scientists claim that such dogs live an average of 13–16 years, and it does not matter if they are domestic or outdoor. It was also experimentally established that bitches live significantly less than males. This is due to the bearing of offspring, and with diseases that are peculiar exclusively to the weaker sex.

Each caring and loving owner of the pet wants and strives to extend the life of the animal in all possible ways. Jack Russell Terrier is a pretty hardy, healthy dog. but due to its characteristics, prone to various diseases, especially infectious, and the most common:

• eye - cataract, glaucoma;
• articular - arthritis, pain in the patella and hip dysplasia.

In order to extend the life of a pet, you must follow these recommendations.

• Adhere to all the rules and regulations of specialists in the care and maintenance of the animal.
• Visit a veterinarian regularly.
• Perform the prevention of worms and parasites. To do this, give the animal special preparations that must be certified, high-quality and prescribed by a doctor.It is strictly forbidden to take a decision on the purpose of the drug.
• Be sure to do all vaccinations.

Vaccination is done:

• in 1-1.5 months - from plague, enteritis;
• at 3–9 weeks - from plague of carnivores, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, hepatitis, enteritis;
• at 3 months - revaccination of vaccinations that were made earlier, vaccination against rabies;
• at 6–8 months - revaccination against plague, parainfluenza, hepatitis, leptospirosis, enteritis.

Repeated vaccinations are done in order to strengthen the immunity, the level of which was achieved after the first vaccination.

Among dogs, as among people, there are long-livers - record holders who, despite all the statistics and living conditions, were able to live long lives.

The most famous dog of the Jack Russell Terrier breed was a girl named Daisy from the English city of Tewkesbury, who lived to be 22 years old. If you translate this age into human age, you get a whole century! Mistress Daisy claims that the key to the long life of a pet was proper and high-quality nutrition, as well as long and constant walks.

All about the Jack Russell Terrier dog breed in the next video.