Understanding the Health and Care of Your Jack Russell Terrier

Quick answer

Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and intelligent dogs that require consistent training and significant daily activity to thrive. While they are generally robust, they are prone to specific genetic health concerns involving their joints, eyes, skin, and hearing. By staying observant of your dog's movement, vision, and skin health, you can address these issues early and ensure a high quality of life for your pet.

Patellar Luxation

This condition involves the kneecap slipping out of its normal groove. You might notice your dog skipping or holding a back leg up while walking or running. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Your vet will physically manipulate the knee to check for stability and may use X-rays to confirm the severity. Urgency is determined by how much pain the dog is in and whether they are refusing to use the leg. The most common mistake owners make is ignoring the occasional skip, assuming it is just a quirk, which can lead to long-term cartilage damage.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This is a hip joint disorder that affects the head of the thigh bone. You will likely notice your dog limping or showing signs of discomfort when moving their hindquarters. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. A vet will perform a physical exam and use X-rays to look for changes in the hip joint. If your dog suddenly stops putting weight on a hind leg, this requires prompt attention. Do not delay seeking help, as early intervention can prevent chronic pain.

Deafness

Deafness is particularly common in predominantly white dogs. You may notice your dog does not respond to your voice or household sounds. This is well recognised in the breed. A vet will perform a hearing test, such as a BAER test, to confirm the extent of the hearing loss. While there is no cure for congenital deafness, you can adapt by using hand signals and vibration-based training methods to communicate with your dog.

Primary Lens Luxation

This condition involves the displacement of the lens within the eye. You might notice your dog squinting, rubbing their eyes, or showing signs of cloudiness or redness. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. A veterinary ophthalmologist will use specialized equipment to examine the internal structures of the eye. Sudden redness or a change in eye appearance is an emergency that requires immediate care to prevent permanent vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause cloudiness in the lens of the eye, which can impair vision. You may notice your dog bumping into objects or appearing hesitant in low light. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. A vet will use a light source and magnifying lens to examine the eye. If you notice a milky or opaque appearance in your dog's pupil, schedule an exam to determine if the condition is progressing and if it is causing secondary inflammation.

Myasthenia Gravis

This is a neuromuscular condition that interferes with the signals between nerves and muscles. This is well established in the breed. You might see your dog struggling with muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or excessive fatigue. How this passes down is not settled. A vet will perform specific blood tests to detect antibodies or use specialized nerve conduction studies. This condition is serious and requires immediate veterinary management to support your dog's breathing and swallowing functions.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a skin condition that results in dry, scaly skin and is present from birth. You will notice your dog has flaky, thickened, or crusty skin patches. How this passes down is not settled. A vet will likely perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. While it cannot be cured, you can manage it with medicated shampoos and moisturizers recommended by your vet to keep your dog comfortable.

Dermatophytosis

Commonly known as ringworm, this is a fungal infection of the skin. You might notice circular patches of hair loss, redness, or crusting on your dog's skin. Jack Russell Terriers appear to be predisposed to dermatophytosis, though how this passes down is not settled. A vet will use a specialized light or perform a fungal culture to confirm the presence of the infection. It is important to treat this promptly, as it can spread to other pets and humans in the household.