Breed Specific: The Sweet Cocker Spaniel
January 4, 2023
Senior Pets Are SO Special
February 22, 2023
Pikes Peak Vet wants you to know all about this jaunty intelligent breed!
Image by Hans Aldenhoven from Pixabay
Personality and General Features: Don’t let the small size of these dogs fool you; they have a super-sized personality. Eager and tireless, they need to be kept occupied to keep them from being destructive. They are lively, intelligent, independent, and energetic. They require attention from their families. Jack Russells must be socialized properly or they can become aggressive with other dogs.
Males and Females – Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 9-15 pounds
Females Height: 13.5-14.5 inches Weight: 20-25 pounds
Feeding/Treats/Weight: Discuss an appropriate high-quality diet with your veterinarian. Some Jack Russells are prone to weight gain, so watch calorie consumption. Treats can be an effective training aid, but too many can cause obesity. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Grooming: The Jack Russell’s short coats come in three types: smooth, rough and broken. An all-over rubdown with a soft brush or hound glove once a week will keep any of these in good shape. Rough and broken coats require a small amount of combing or brushing weekly. Make sure nails are trimmed monthly and ears checked weekly for debris or excess wax and cleaned as needed. Brushing teeth weekly with a canine toothpaste is recommended.
Exercise: High-energy Jack Russells need lots of physical and mental stimulation. They thrive in families who take long walks, hike, and bike. Children with an appropriate understanding of dogs can be great playmates. Because they retain the hunting instinct, they should be well socialized early in their lives to avoid problems that might arise from that trait.
Training: Jack Russells are extremely intelligent and love to work out problems and play games. They bore easily, so training sessions must be kept entertaining or you will lose their attention. They master tricks easily and love performing for people. Canine sports such as agility, flyball, obedience and rally suit their need for stimulation well. They are as dedicated to these activities as they would be to hunting for which they were bred.
Thank you to the AKC Jack Russell webpage, and Every Dog by Nancy Hajeski for this information.
BASIC FACTS
Over the Jack Russell’s 12-14 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise.
MEDICAL CONCERNS
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye issues
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus education
- Cardiac disease
Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your Jack Russell.
Wellness Exams and Vaccinations
- Every 6-12 months as advised by your veterinarian until age 6, full physical exams including routine bloodwork
- Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.
Other Exams and Screenings
- Joint x-rays
- BAER testing for deafness
- Regular eye exams plus PRA-prcd evaluation from UC Davis
- PLL testing
- Regular dental cleanings
Reach out for more information by phone or text, 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!
3 Comments
I live in flat in London and private balcony. Parks very close by.
Had a Doberman when growing up 30 odd years ago.
Live on alone
He won’t have to deal with security issues.
Work from home most the time but some 10hrs but not for years.
3rd floor apartment in new newish place in collindale, north London.
Small, white with different spots.
Very
We’re not exactly sure how your comments relate to this post, but hopefully you have a sweet Jack Russell who has “different spots.” :)