Group 3 · Terriers
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, tireless hunting terrier full of energy, courage and a will of its own. It is clever and funny, but no lapdog: it needs lots of daily exercise, stimulation and consistent training.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Jack Russell Terrier by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 5 examinations:
- 4 DNA tests
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 7 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (5)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Spinocerebellar ataxia, terrier type (SCA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- KCNJ10 c.627C>G
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Microphthalmia (RBP4-related) (RBP4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RBP4: c.90_92del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17: c.1473+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (7)
-
Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ENAM c.716C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CHRNE: c.1508dup
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Late-onset ataxia (LOA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CAPN1: c.344G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 12 (Ncl12)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ATP13A2 c.1118C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Jack Russell Terrier, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 17/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Spinocerebellar ataxia, terrier type (SCA), Microphthalmia (RBP4-related) (RBP4), Patellar luxation (PT) and Primary lens luxation (PLL). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), Late-onset ataxia (LOA), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 12 (Ncl12), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Jack Russell needs far more exercise than its size suggests: long walks, running, search and retrieve games. Its coat, smooth, rough or in between, is easy to look after; a rough coat is hand-stripped now and then.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Jack Russell is a true hunting terrier: it digs, chases anything that moves and can bark loudly. It can be fiery with other dogs, so socialisation as a puppy matters. It is clever and learns fast, but only with a consistent owner who gives it enough challenge. Ask the breeder for the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
