Jack Russell Terriers with long hair is a type of Jack Russell Terrier. They are not a separate breed, but a variation. Many of their characteristics are the same as those of short-haired Jack Russells.
Long-haired Jack Russells have long hair. This can either be smooth or rough.
These Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and affectionate. They have a predisposition for barking and aggression, but owners can control these behavioral issues. Long-haired Jack Russells need socialization and training from an early age.
This article discusses the long-haired Jack Russell’s appearance and behavior issues. Their grooming needs and temperament are also illustrated in detail.
You will also learn how much Jack Russell Terriers with long hair cost and how much they live.
Long-haired Jack Russell Terrier Appearance
Long-haired Jack Russell Terriers are similar to short-haired Jack Russels. The difference is the length of the hair. Their rough coat grows in different directions, which makes them look messy. The length of the coat is between 1 and 2 inches.
Long hair Jack Russells have straight hair. This gives them a different appearance from curly wire-haired Jack Russells.
Their hair has the same length all over their body. They are different form broken-coated Jack Russells, who have long hair only on some parts of their body.
The following table details the three types of Jack Russell coats.
| Coat Type | Description |
| Smooth | Grows in one direction and is short. |
| Rough | Grows in various directions and is between 1 and 2 inches long. |
| Broken | A mix of both smooth and rough coats. |
How Big Do Long-haired Jack Russell Terriers Get?
Long-coated Jack Russells reach between 10 and 15 inches in height. They are sometimes confused with Parson Russell Terriers. You can tell them apart by the Parsons’s shorter coats and smaller range in size.
Adult Parson Terriers measure between 12 and 14 inches in length, while Jack Russell Terriers measure between 18 and 22 inches long. They weigh between 14 and 18 pounds regardless of their coat type.
Are Long-Haired Jack Russell Terriers a Separate Breed?
Long-haired Jack Russells are not recognized as a separate breed from Jack Russell Terriers. They are a variety of the Jack Russell itself.
People think Long-haired Jack Russell Terriers are different from Jack Russell Terriers. Despite this belief, their characteristics are exactly the same. The only difference is the hair length.
For this reason, the American Kennel Club does not recognize the long-haired jack Russell as a separate breed.
Long-coated Jack Russells are rare because owners prefer the short-coated type. People confuse them with a separate breed because they are not familiar with their appearance.
Long Hair Jack Russell Temperament
Long hair Jack Russells are energetic and playful. They are protective of their territory and family. Long-coated Jackies are loyal and smart, which makes them easily trainable.
Long-haired Jack Russell Terriers have a well-marked hunting instinct. People have used this breed for hunting for more than 200 years. These dogs like chasing squirrels and other small animals, as well as small objects.
| Friendliness & Temper | |
| Energy levels | 5 |
| Playful | 5 |
| Protective | 4 |
| Affectionate | 4 |
| Dog-friendly | 4 |
| Friendly to strangers | 4 |
| Loud | 4 |
| Hunting instinct | 5 |
| Digging instinct | 5 |
| Biting instinct | 3 |
| Excessive barking | 4 |
Are Long-Haired Jack Russells Good Pets?
Long-haired Jack Russells make good pets if you have an active lifestyle. They are great family dogs because they are loyal, affectionate, and protective.
The main problem owners of long-haired Jack Russells experience is their energy levels. They are not suited to sit on the couch all day. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. This includes walks and playtime.
They can engage in destructive behavior if they don’t get enough physical exercise. They become hyperactive and restless.
Related: Are Jack Russell Terriers Smart?
Long-Haired Jack Russell Behavior Issues
Long-coated Jack Russell Terriers are fun to be around. But, they are also prone to behaviors that owners find annoying.[1]
Here are some of the most common unwanted behaviors in Jack Russells:
- Barking
- Digging
- Aggression
- Destructive behavior
1. Barking
Jack Russells were initially bred for hunting. They learned to bark loudly to let their owners know they found prey.
Long-haired Jack Russells bark a lot, especially because they protect their territory. They react to unfamiliar noises and strangers.
Their bark is loud. This can be problematic if you live in an apartment building or if you live in a quiet neighborhood.
You can control barking by keeping your dog tired. Teaching them the ‘Quiet!’ and ‘Stop!’ commands is also useful.
Related: Why Is My Jack Russell Barking
2. Digging
Long-haired Jack Russells have a lot of fun while digging. Their owners used them for hunting small prey, such as groundhogs and badgers. They often had to dig deep to reach their prey.
This can result in extensive damage to your garden. If you are fond of your garden, this breed is not for you.
You can diminish this behavior by teaching them basic commands, such as ‘Stop!’. Keeping them engaged in different activities has similar effects.
3. Aggression
Jack Russell terriers are 17th on a list of most aggressive dogs[2]. They engage in territorial aggression, as well as hunting aggression. Hunting aggression does not involve killing their prey.
You can control aggression in long-haired Jack Russells. Begin training when they are still young to avoid aggression.
Enough physical exercise and mentally challenging activities will keep Jack Russells calm. They are also less likely to be aggressive if they get a wide variety of nutrients from their diet.
4. Destructive Behavior
Jack Russell Terriers with long hair will engage in destructive behavior. This happens when they don’t get the chance to release their energy during the day. Unwanted behavior is more likely to occur if you are not an active person and their walks are too short.
When they get bored, they get frustrated. They will channel their energy into destructive chewing.
Related: Jack Russell Behavior Issues: Main Causes and How to Stop It
How Long Do Long–Haired Jack Russells Live?
Long-haired Jack Russells live between 13 and 16 years. Jack Russells are among the longest-living dogs, with an average life expectancy of 12.72 years.
Rough-coated Jack Russells live 1.5 years Longer than other breeds. Owners can increase their life expectancy by providing proper care throughout their life.
You can increase the lifespan of Jack Russells by implementing the following:
- Early socialization – reduces anxiety and aggression
- Proper training – reduces reckless behavior
- Physical exercise – reduces the chances of deadly diseases
- Spaying or neutering – increases lifespan in dogs [3]
- Proper grooming – reduces the risk of ear infections
- High-quality food – reduces chances of hormonal imbalances
Long Hair Jack Russell Health Issues
Long hair Jack Russells are prone to develop various health conditions. These conditions impact their well-being and sometimes lead to death. Some of them are lethal or can decrease their lifespan.
Genetic Diseases
Genetic diseases are diseases passed on through the DNA of the parents to the offspring. In order to pass on the disease, both parents need to pass on the gene.
| Disease | How It Affects Long Hair Jack Russells |
| Congenital deafness | Puppies are born deaf. Surgery will not fix the problem. |
| Lens luxation | The natural lens of one or both eyes is out of place. Surgerry can cure this issue [4] |
| Cataracts | The natural lens of one or both eyes becomes opaque. This leads to blindness and is treatable with surgery. |
| Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome | Is characterized by muscle weakness and is incurable. [5] |
| Von Willebrand disease | This condition consists of excessive bleeding. It can cause complications when undergoing surgery. [6] |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes disease | This disease affects the head of the femur of dogs. It can lead to arthritis and is treatable with surgery. [7] |
Other Diseases
Long-haired Jack Russells are also affected by general diseases. These are diseases that commonly affect dogs.
| Disease | How It Affects Long Hair Jack Russells |
| Periodontal disease | As in humans, it can lead to infections and dog dementia. [8] |
| Ear infections | Can lead to hearing loss and death if not treated in time. It causes pain and discomfort. |
| Patellar luxation | Also called the dislocation of the kneecap, this condition can impair dogs. It is treatable with surgery. [9] |
| Cushing’s disease | It’s characterized by high cortisol levels. |
| Cerebellar ataxia | Causes incoordination in dogs and can affect their well-being. |
The recommended health investigations that long hair Jack Russells should undergo[10] are:
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
- Patella evaluation
- BAER testing
- PLL DNA test
Long-haired Jack Russells Grooming Needs
Long-haired Jack Russell Terriers do not need intensive grooming. They are double-coated. This type of coat requires weekly brushing because it can get entangled. Other than that, their grooming needs are minimal.
Long-coated Jackies are low maintenance in terms of grooming. They only need bathing when they are dirty. Use dry shampoo to preserve the state of their coat.
Removing the dead hair from your long-haired Jack Russell is required twice a year. Perform this procedure on body sections. You should address the undercoat, as well as the long hair.
Do Long-haired Jack Russell Terrier Shed?
Yes, Long-haired Jack Russells shed. The more you bathe them, the more they shed. This breed is placed in the middle compared to all breeds when it comes to shedding, regardless of their type of coat.
Brush your dog daily to remove the inconveniences created by shedding. Don’t bathe your rough-haired Jack Russell often to avoid excessive shedding.
Long-Haired Jack Russell Cost
Long-haired Jack Russells cost between $800 and $4500. The adoption fees for this type of Jack Russell are between $50 and $600.
The buying costs of Jack Russells vary depending on:
- The breeder’s reputation
- The parents’ pedigree
- Their pureness
- The training they have received from the breeder
Adopting a long-haired Jack Russell is difficult as they are not popular in the United States.
Related: Jack Russell Price
Final Thoughts
Long-haired Jack Russells make great family pets. They are cute, energetic, smart, and fun to be around. They are prone to specific health issues but they are long-living.
Long-haired Jack Russell terriers are not a different breed from short-haired Jack Russells. They are easy to groom, even though they have long hair.
Buying a Jack Russell terrier with long hair will not empty your pockets. These dogs are affordable and healthy.
