Jack Russell Terriers have become popular thanks to a variety of films featuring dogs of this breed. She was bred artificially, so for people who plan to keep such a pet, one of the most pressing questions is how long the pet will live.
A bit of history
This dog hails from Great Britain, where he was bred by a priest and a scientist, an ardent hunting enthusiast by John (Jack) Russell in 1818. Then at the peak of popularity was such entertainment. That is why breeders are actively engaged in work on the breeding of the ideal assistant for such a pastime. To achieve the goal, three breeds of dogs were crossed: the Fox Terrier, Border and Leyland.
After many experiments and hard work of Russell, a hardy, energetic and fearless dog was born, to which he gave his name. She also got along well with people, other animals.
It took a lot of time before this breed became known throughout the world and took its place in the list of existing dogs.
But only in 2001 the international association of cynologists approved its standards.
What determines longevity
The life span of a dog is a very important issue that worries every single owner. Let's talk about what depends on the longevity of the Jack Russell Terrier dog.
The main factors that have a tremendous impact on the pet's longevity are the following.
Heredity
This is one of the most important factors that affects the development of the animal. It is she who gives start and certain inclinations for growth. Good genes are the key to long life.
Conditions of detention
Despite the fact that the Jack Russell Terrier can feel great both in an apartment and in a private house, There are certain requirements for the room in which he lives.
- It is very important to monitor the air temperature in the room. Strongly low and high temperatures should not be allowed - this can have a bad effect on a pet's health and health. Even a heart attack can happen from the wrong temperature in the dog. The optimal temperature for a dog in the room is + 22–24ºС.
- If the animal lives in the apartment, try as often as possible to walk it on the street.
Nutrition
For a Jack Russell Terrier, proper and balanced nutrition is very important. The diet should be varied and rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which are so necessary for good health and good health.
The dog can be fed:
- beef, duck;
- rabbit, turkey;
- offal;
- fermented milk products - kefir, ryazhenka;
- sea fish - boiled and deboned;
- rice, millet, buckwheat and oatmeal porridge;
- bananas, peaches, pears and apples;
- pumpkin, cabbage, carrots;
- zucchini, tomatoes, herbs and beets;
- eggs - exclusively boiled and no more than 1 time per week.
There is also a list of products that are strictly prohibited for use:
- pork;
- White bread;
- chicken bones;
- sweets, smoked meats, pickles;
- grilled meat;
- canned food;
- onion, garlic, hot pepper;
- grapes, spices, spices;
- mushrooms, legumes.
Proper care
He is not much different from caring for other breeds of dogs.
- Comb wool at least 1 time in 10 days.
- Wash the dog if necessary, and even better - 1 time per month.After each walk on the street, be sure to wash the paws of the animal.
- Using a cotton pad that was previously wetted in tea, wipe your eyes to remove natural excretions.
- Using a special toothbrush or thread for dogs, three times a week, clean your teeth from tartar and plaque.
- Care for the auricles. Remove sulfur and dirt with a damp cloth.
- A couple of times a month you need to cut the nails. This can be done both at home and in special salons for dogs.
- Arrange the bed so that the pet is not in direct sunlight or in a draft.
- Since the Jack Russell Terrier is an active dog, daily walks are important for it.
average life expectancy
It has already been mentioned above that, like for any other artificially bred dog breed, none of the specialists take to assert about the life expectancy of the Jack Russell Terrier. All data available to date has been achieved and determined empirically.
Scientists claim that such dogs live on average 13–16 years, and it does not matter whether they are domestic or street. It was also empirically found that bitches live significantly less than males. This is connected with the bearing of offspring, and with diseases that are peculiar to the exceptionally weaker sex.
How to increase the years of life
Every owner who cares and loves his pet wants and seeks to extend the life of the animal in all possible ways. Jack Russell Terrier is quite a hardy, strong dog in terms of health, but due to its characteristics it is prone to various diseases, especially infectious, and the most frequent are:
- ophthalmic - cataract, glaucoma;
- articular - Arthritis, pain in the knee caps and hip dysplasia.
In order to prolong the life of a pet, you must follow these guidelines.
- Follow all the rules and regulations of animal care and maintenance.
- Visit the veterinarian regularly.
- Perform prevention of worms and parasites. To do this, you need to give the animal special preparations that must be certified, high-quality and prescribed by a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to make a decision on the appointment of the drug.
- Be sure to do all the vaccinations.
As for vaccination, it is certainly necessary. It is vaccination that provides proper growth and protection of the body against infectious diseases.
Vaccination is done:
- in 1-1.5 months - from plague, enteritis;
- in 3–9 weeks - from the plague of carnivores, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, hepatitis, enteritis;
- in 3 months - revaccination of vaccinations, which were made earlier, vaccination against rabies;
- in 6–8 months - revaccination from plague, parainfluenza, hepatitis, leptospirosis, enteritis.
Repeated vaccinations are done in order to strengthen the immunity, the level of which was achieved after the first vaccination.
Record holders
Among dogs, as well as among people, there are long-livers - champions, who, despite all the statistics and living conditions, could live a long life.
The most famous dog of the Jack Russell Terrier breed was a girl named Daisy from the English city of Tewksbury, who lived to be 22 years old. If you translate this age into a human, then you get a whole century! Mistress Daisy claims that The key to a long-term life of your pet was proper and high-quality food, as well as long and constant walks.
All about the breed of dog Jack Russell Terrier, see the following video.