A Jack Russell Terrier’s price from reputable breeders ranges from $800 to $1500. You can also adopt one for around $175 to $650 from a local dog rescue.
There are also show-quality Jack Russell Terriers starting at $2,000. Either way, the expenses won’t stop at the adoption fee since the breed requires firm training and adequate healthcare.
3 Factors That Affect the Jack Russell Terrier Price Range
All in all, Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) are affordable compared to other breeds, such as the designer Cavachon.
However, there are a few factors that could affect the adoption price.
1. Location
Places like North Carolina have an abundance of breeders registered with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA).
So, you can expect the price to be a bit more affordable there than in other states.
2. Coat Type
The Jack Russell Terrier breed comes in three different coat types: rough, smooth, and broken.
The broken coat is more popular because it’s the most unique of the three—it’s a combination of smooth and rough fur.
With that said, a JRT with a broken coat can be more expensive than others. So, smooth coats could cost around $1200, while broken coats might go over $1800.
3. Coat Color
The Jack Russell is primarily white with brown or black markings.
Back in the day, the blended coat served as a way for people to recognize the dogs during fox hunting.
Yet there are also unique colors, such as the rare pure white Jack Russell Terrier. So, if you want a JRT with a rare coat color, you should expect to pay more than the usual price.
Average Annual Cost for the Jack Russell Terrier Breed
Overall, you can expect to pay an average ownership cost ranging from $3,580 to $7,200 annually.
That number might sound shocking at first.
However, you can definitely bring the cost down if you’re willing to save on things like dog sitting and grooming. You just have to be willing to do these chores yourself.
Let’s see how this cost breaks down so you can start budgeting for your JRT.
1. Food and Treats
Ideally, a Jack Russell Terrier should eat twice a day. However, he’ll mostly need only one and a half cups of high-quality, wet or dry dog food.
So, the cost can be around $30 to $60 monthly or $360 to $720 annually.
Keep in mind that the price can increase if you also buy several treats. Generally, you should opt for dog food made with chicken, beef, and lamb for the best nutrition.
2. Health Care
A trip to the vet at least two times a year is essential for your Jack Russell Terrier.
The breed can be prone to different health issues such as deafness, hip and elbow dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes.
A vet visit typically costs $65 to $170, but it still depends on your location.However, the price will increase if you include the cost of different vaccines and primary examinations for your JRT pup.
3. Grooming
A visit to the groomer costs $35 to $50 monthly.
Realistically, you don’t have to bring your Jack Russell Terrier to a professional groomer every month because his coat is short.
That said, when a JRT’s broken coat around his head gets too long, it could get all tangled up. So, you’ll still need to groom him yourself every now and then.
4. Insurance
As mentioned earlier, the JRT breed is susceptible to diseases such as degenerative myelopathy, spinocerebellar ataxia, and primary lens luxation.
So, getting health insurance for your little buddy can help you save money on vet bills if he becomes sick.
Keep in mind that the average monthly cost for a dog’s health insurance plan with decent coverage is $20 to $45.
5. Toys
Since Jack Russell Terriers are hyperactive dogs, they always need to exercise to burn off energy. Letting them play with their toys can be an excellent outlet for this extra energy.
Plus, JRTs are intelligent dogs who know how to get your attention by nagging. So, you’ll need a whole lot of toys to divert their attention.
However, dog toys usually cost around $20 to $50, depending on the brand and its type.
6. Training
Aside from being energetic dogs, Jack Russell Terriers are naturally assertive. As a result, there could be instances where they won’t tolerate children and other dogs in your house.
This can lead to extreme aggressiveness, such as biting and excessive barking. Luckily, JRTs are highly trainable because they love working.
The price of obedience training ranges from $200 to $600 per week. So, if we presume that your pup will undergo six sessions, it’ll cost you $1,200 to $3,600.
Of course, the price can increase or decrease depending on your area and the trainer you’ll hire. The good thing is that you’ll only pay for training during the first year with your JRT pup.
7. Dog Sitter
If you’re always away from home for work, you’ll need to hire a dog sitter.
Jack Russell Terrier pups need to maintain an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, that’s not only because they’re energetic, but it’s also because they’re also prone to obesity.
Keep in mind that the average weight should be around 11-13lbs. Anything above that can put your dog at risk of various joint and limb diseases.
With that said, a dog sitter usually charges $350 to $400 per week or $1,400 to $1,600 monthly.
You can also try letting your dog stay at a pet boarding facility. However, there’s a chance that they won’t give the little fellow their full attention.
8. Vitamins and Supplements
To prevent joint pain and arthritis, you might need to buy supplements for your Jack Russell Terrier.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can be a good choice, especially for adult dogs. That’s because they heal inflammation and prevent further damage.
A bottle of glucosamine (around 100 tablets) could cost $20 to $50. However, you’ll still need to consult your vet about the best supplements for your JRT.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.
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