The True Cost of Owning a Jack Russell Terrier in 2024

Jack Russell Terrier Characteristics

Named after Reverend Jack Russell who developed this breed, the Jack Russell terrier is a fox-hunting breed. Sometimes confused with Parson Russell Terriers, these dogs are smaller than them. The Jack Russel Terrier is a sub-breed of the short-legged Russell Terrier. This breed can also be called the English Jack Russell Terrier or the Short Jack Russell Terrier.

This breed is a working one and thus highly energetic and active. This trait of theirs is often very attractive when it comes to playing games with them or training them for agility. With their high energy comes high athleticism, fearlessness, and vocal nature. And also, because of this high energy, they can be easily bored if their energy is not utilized. They can even scare bigger dogs with their loud barks, fearlessness, and high energy.

Some of you reading this may have heard about a masterpiece called ‘His master’s voice’ by Francis Barraud, where the dog is looking and listening to a phonograph. If not, then you may have noticed it on the logo of HMV, a British music company. The dog in the painting is none other than the Jack Russell Terrier.

What is the price of a Jack Russell Terrier? 

Now that you know that this breed is like a celebrity in at least the music industry let us dig down to understand how much it can cost you to own and maintain one. We will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses. According to Rover and the OVMA, here are the average costs of puppy ownership in Canada.

Adoption: $100 – $300  

The Jack Russell price will depend on whether you buy one from a private breeder, a puppy farm, or a rescue shelter. The price of an adult Jack Russell Terrier can range from $800-$2000. The price for Jack Russell puppies can be around $1000 on average. Some factors that may affect the cost include coat color, the breeder’s reputation, the papers of the dog, and age. Wire-haired Jack Russell Terriers for sale may cost you around $1200.

If you’re looking for a Jack Russell for less, adoption may be a good option for you. There are many rescue shelters that may have JRTs for around $100-$300. There are some specialized JRT rescue shelters as well that you can check out. With some rescue shelters, you may not get to find very specific details about the dog, especially if the dog was a stray dog vs. an owner surrender, but you can feel good about the fact that you gave a dog a new home.

Monthly costs for a Jack Russell Terrier

Diets: $50-$80

It is essential that you feed your JRT good quality and vet-recommended food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. You can try small packets of different brands initially to understand what your pet likes. You may also need a good amount of treats for them. Basic food and treats could cost you around $50-$80 per month. If there is any specific diet requirement prescribed by your vet to help treat a health condition, the cost can vary.

Grooming: $60-$80

Grooming a JRT has minimal requirements. If you decide not to use a professional groomer, you purchase a grooming kit for at-home maintenance. The cost of a grooming kit can vary and may be about $60-$80, including brushes, nail clippers, and teeth and ear cleaners. If you decide to take your dog to a professional groomer, these grooming sessions can cost around $80-$100 per session.

Medical Costs: $700-$1200

During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests, among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.

One-time costs for a Jack Russell Terrier

Initial Costs: $300-$400

This small dog will need a bed, a small crate, and toys to help keep them entertained. You’ll also have to get other supplies like food and water bowls, leashes and collars, and gates if you want to restrict your pet’s access to the house. Altogether, the cost could be around $300-$400.

Microchipping: $50-$70

The average cost of microchipping is around $60 but may vary depending on where you live. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks. Spot pet insurance highly recommends every pet parent get all their pets microchipped as it can increase the chances of finding a lost pet.

Vaccinations: $280-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that a Jack Russell Terrier would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.

There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Jack Russell Terrier. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.

Miscellaneous $200-$250

There should always be a sum of money kept aside for miscellaneous expenses like dog sitting, park visits, trips that you could take with your dog, and dog walkers. These expenses could cost around $250 annually.

Lifetime Jack Russell Terrier Cost

Adding the buying/adoption cost, initial set-up costs, monthly expenses, and other fixed and miscellaneous expenses, you can expect to pay around $15,000-$20,000 in this breed’s lifetime. This estimated cost does not include the cost of medical emergencies, should they happen to your pet.

Conclusion

Jack Russell Terriers can be a hyper breed, but they can win the hearts of all family members, including small kids and even strangers. The cost will depend on many different factors, as explained above, but however much the cost, their beautiful personalities can make it worth it. So go ahead and get that Jack Russell Terrier home!

Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!