How Much Is a Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russell terriers are loyal and affectionate dogs that will alert you when an intruder enters your home and give you companionship when going for exercise. However, you might be wondering how much it will cost to adopt a Jack Russell terrier. So, how much is a Jack Russell terrier?

How Much Is a Jack Russell Terrier?

The price of adopting a Jack Russell terrier (JRT) from a reputable breeder ranges from $600 to $1500 while adopting a Jack Russell terrier from a reputable rescue center ranges from $300 to $800.

In most cases, the dog will be more costly in the rescue centers that specialize in Jack Russell Terriers than in general animal shelters.

Cute JRT dog feeling the sunlight

The price can still vary significantly depending on the dog’s age, source, health condition, and the individual breeders’ and rescue centers’ operational costs. Whether buying a puppy or adopting an adult dog, the following factors will impact the overall cost of owning a JRT.

Source

The cost of adopting a JRT primarily depends on the source. However, the source can significantly impact your dog’s personality traits and health, so don’t rush to the cheapest option. Some of the places you can source a JRT include:

Breeders

JRT breeders specialize in mating purebred Jack Russell’s parents to produce puppies. In most cases, breeders will have papers showing the ancestral history of the dog, vaccinations, and feeding program.

Although there are high chances of getting a healthy, purebred puppy from breeders, they are quite expensive, with the puppy going from $600 to $1500.

Specialized Jack Russell Terrier Rescues

Specialized JRT rescues are rescue facilities for JRTs only. Since rescue centers deal with neglected, abused, or abandoned dogs, there are higher chances you’ll get more adults than puppies.

You might also not know the ancestral history, health status, and vaccination records of the dog you want to adopt. In most cases, JRTs from specialized rescue centers range from $300 to $800.

General Animal Shelters

General animal shelters are rescue facilities that host different dog breeds. In most cases, JRTs from general animal shelters are not purebred and might have weird personality traits due to interaction with other dog breeds.

Jack Russell Terrier in the roadside grass

Although JRTs from general animal shelters also range from $300 to $800, they are mainly on the lower side of the price spectrum.

Setup and Supplies

Adopting a dog means you will have to feed and maintain it in your home, so you need to buy some supplies, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. Some of the additional costs you might have to meet before or immediately after you adopt the dog include:

  • Initial setup: The initial setup needs for your puppy include dog bowls, collars, and a crate to help you in crate training. On average, this will cost you $310 to $515.
  • Dog food: Whether you have adopted a puppy or an adult dog, you may need to purchase dog food. Keep in mind that purchasing cheap and low-quality food can lead to allergies and other health problems that might be expensive to treat. In most cases, high-quality dog foods will cost you $10 to $12 per month.
  • Grooming: JRTs require regular grooming, especially if the dog has a wire-haired coat. Some grooming requirements include daily brushing, dental care, nail trimming, and occasional baths. On average, you can expect to use $10 per month on grooming.
  • Pet insurance: When you adopt a JRT, it is advisable to get a pet insurance cover, especially if you’re a new dog owner. Depending on the policy, the insurance company will compensate you for any damages the dog does, if the dog is stolen, gets lost, or dies. They can also cover veterinary treatment costs in case of injury or sickness. In most cases, pet insurance cover will cost you $31 to $47 per month.
  • Entertainment: JRTs are energetic dogs and need exercises to help use excessive energy. The hyperactivity nature of JRTs makes them develop destructive behaviors when bored. It’s advisable to purchase interactive toys to keep your dog occupied. On average, toys will cost you $15 to $30.
  • Healthcare: It can be challenging to determine how much you will spend on healthcare as you might not know the underlying health conditions of your new dog. However, you can expect healthcare costs to range from $66 to $134 per month.
JRT dog dressed in red stripes playing the snow

Related Questions 

Is Microchipping My Jack Russell Terrier Expensive?

The average cost of microchipping a JRT ranges from $25 to $60. Keep in mind that these costs can be inclusive or exclusive of the registration fee. If the cost is exclusive of the registration fee, you might need to pay an additional $20.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Vet Check a Jack Russell Terrier Before Adopting?

Most vets will charge you $60 to $150 to evaluate the health condition of the JRT you intend to buy. Keep in mind that some breeders and rescue centers might not allow independent vets to carry out tests on their puppies, so you will have to accept the test conducted by the in-house vets.

Final Thoughts

The overall cost of a Jack Russell terrier depends on where you source it and the supplies you will need to feed and maintain the new dog. Although dogs from breeders are more expensive, they have undergone the necessary vaccinations and treatments, and you won’t spend more on health-related issues.