The feisty and spirited Jack Russell Terrier is famous for its boundless amount of energy. People all around the world love the Jack Russell because of its lively personality. Over the years, JRTs have garnered a dedicated following among dog enthusiasts and pet parents. But how much a Jack Russell Terrier price is? Should you expect any more expenses following the initial cost?
Today, we will look at all the expenses you will have by owning a Jack Russell terrier puppy. Let’s take a look.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
The average Jack Russell Terrier price ranges from $800 to $1,500. That depends mostly on where you get your puppy from. A Jack Russell puppy from a reputable can cost a bit more.
Another important factor is whether you want a show-quality puppy or a regular puppy. If you want to use your Jack Russell for shows, then the price is always higher. Reputable breeders can charge up to $2,500 for a show-quality Jack Russell puppy.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at all the factors that contribute to the price of your pooch.
Factors that Can Influence the Price
Before we begin, we have to note that the American Kennel Club recognizes the Jack Russell as a separate breed. But they are recognized as a Russell Terrier, not a Jack Russell Terrier. The American Kennel Club also recognizes the Parson Russell Terrier.
The difference between the two is that the Jack Russell is smaller in size but more muscular. The Parson Russell Terrier has longer legs and a leaner body. Now let’s take a look at factors influencing pricing:
- Supply and demand is a classic economic aspect. The appeal of the Jack Russell Terriers is a big one. The AKC has it among the 100 most popular breeds in the world. The demand in some areas might exceed the available supply
- Breeder reputation is another aspect. Some reputable breeders specialize only in Jack Russell Terriers, and they demand higher prices for their puppies. You are paying for their commitment to breeding healthy and well-socialized dogs
- The lineage and pedigree of your puppy play a role as well. A dog that has championship pedigree and lineage will cost significantly more than a regular Jack Russell terrier puppy
Ongoing Expenses with a Jack Russell
As we said in the beginning, the initial Jack Russell Terrier price is between $800 and $1,500. Yet, that is only the first bundle of expenses you will have to pay for your puppy.
Jack Russells are low-maintenance dogs, but they can cost quite a lot. Here is a breakdown of other expenses you should expect.
The cost of food and treats is not a huge problem, since Jacks are a small dog breed. They do not eat as much, and they are not greedy eaters like Golden Retrievers, for example. Food shouldn’t cost more than $30 to $50 per month. And that is with buying premium food
- Initial vet appointments and regular vet checkups should cost between $50 and $100 per year
- Now where you might spend a bit more money is on toys. Jacks are notorious chewers and destroyers of every toy you throw at them. They will rip apart any ball, no matter how strong. And if you want to keep your dog interested in playing and training, you have to provide new and new toys. This is where most of your money will go
- If you want to sterilize/neuter your Jack puppy, that can cost between $100 and $200, depending on the vet. But Jacks are cheaper to neuter since they belong to the small dog breed group
- Grooming shouldn’t cost a lot, and you can do it at home. There is no need to take your Jack Russell puppy to a professional groomer for bathing and brushing. Brush your dog once per week and that will be enough
Is the Jack Russell a Healthy Dog?
As we said before, Jack Russell belongs to the low-maintenance dog group. According to breed standards, they are healthy dogs that live between 13 and 16 years. In fact, Jacks are among the longest-living dog breeds.
Yes, there are some health concerns and issues, but generally, this dog will live a long and prosperous life. Some of the health issues you might encounter with your Jack Russell terrier dog include obesity, epilepsy, heart disease, allergy, liver problems, luxating patella, and cataracts.
Pet Insurance for Jack Russell
Given that Jacks are among the healthiest dogs in the canine world, pet insurance shouldn’t cost a lot. If you get one from a reputable breeder, make sure to look at the health history and lineage. Get a healthy dog, and you will get better health insurance.
With that in mind, pet insurance costs for a Jack Russell dog shouldn’t be more than $30 or $40 per month. Most companies require you to purchase add-on policies to cover yearly visits and tests. But do not worry, they reimburse money for accidents and illnesses.
The trick is you will not get money back for pre-existing illnesses. This is why it is important to screen your dog before getting pet insurance.
Can You Get One for Free?
Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to bring a Jack Russell into your life for free. Rescue centers, families rehoming their dog and more can help you find a Jack Russell rescue.
There are plenty of groups on Facebook about Jack Russells, and many of them help people find one for free or rescue one. While Jacks are amazing dogs, there will always be families trying to rehome their pets.
Or you can visit the local adoption center and rescue shelter. Adopting a Jack Russell rescue will cost you between $200 and $500. But it is still cheaper than getting one from a breeder.
When you adopt a dog from a shelter, the price covers initial veterinary procedures like vaccination, deworming, and spraying/neutering surgeries.
