Buying a Jack Russell Terrier Puppy

What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.

The Kennel Club registers Jack Russell and Parson Russell Terriers as two separate breeds. However, there are many types of Russell Terriers, some of which are not KC registered, so that there is no single online breed health portal.

Jack Russell Terrier Puppy

Essential Documents

  1. Heath Certificates (both parents)
  2. Signed AWF Puppy Contract
  3. KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
  4. Microchip Registration Certificate
  5. Temporary Pet Health Insurance
  6. Vaccination Certificate

A Good Breeder Will:

  1. have socialised and habituated the puppy
  2. provide a supply of food
  3. provide a blanket smelling of Mum
  4. follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Official Health Schemes

  • BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases, particularly primary lens luxation)
  • monitors for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain

Other Diseases

No current health scheme or DNA test available.

  • Congenital deafness
  • linked to white colour
  • Bladder stones
  • |
  • Liver disease
  • |
  • Luxating patella
  • abnormal kneecap causing pain & lameness

DNA Tests Relevant to Breed

  • LOA – Late Onset Ataxia
  • progressive loss of balance in young adults (can be fatal)
  • PLL – Primary Lens Luxation
  • lens slips within the eye, causing pain and blindness
  • SCA – Spinocerebellar Ataxia
  • progressive loss of balance in puppies (can be fatal)

Other Tests

  • BAER testing for congenital deafness
  • Putnam scoring for patella luxation

Further Information

None.

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