Jack Russells are amazing little creatures with so much energy and personality. I have 2 of my own and I can tell you that they are a joy to have.
If you’re looking at getting a Jack Russell you might be wondering how much a Jack Russell costs. In addition to that, you might also be wondering if there are any other costs involved in keeping a Jack Russell as a pet.
Getting an idea of all the costs involved can be a daunting task. Luckily, I have all the information you need so join me as I take a detailed look.
How Much Does A Jack Russell Cost? If you’re looking at adopting a puppy or adult Jack Russell from a local rescue, you can expect to pay anything from $175 to $800. The cost of adopting a puppy or adult Jack Russell from a well-known and reputable breeder can range from $800 to $1,500. To adopt a show-quality Jack Russell can cost you around $2,500 or more.
First-Year Costs Of Owning A Jack Russell
Now that we’ve established how much a Jack Russell costs, let’s have a look at the costs involved in the first year of owning a Jack Russell.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy | $800 |
| Food | $100 |
| Grooming | $120 |
| License | $20 |
| Toys | $100 |
| Training | $1,000 |
| Vet Visits | $460 |
| Total | $2,600 |
The costs mentioned above are average, but very realistic.
It is against the law to own an unlicensed dog in the US, so this cost is mandatory. The other items mentioned in the list, however will vary depending on your pup’s needs.
Some people opt to have their pups microchipped, and this can cost up to $50. However, this is only a once-off cost.
And finally, many folks opt for pet insurance as well and this can cost around $180 per year depending on the cover that is chosen.
Living Costs Of A Jack Russell
Now that we’ve established how much a Jack Russell costs, let’s have a look at the living costs involved.
| Item | Cost (per year) |
|---|---|
| Food | $100 |
| Grooming | $120 |
| License | $20 |
| Toys | $100 |
| Vet Visits | $460 |
| Total | $800 |
As you can see, the living costs of your Jack Russell can cost you around $800 per year after the first year, and this amounts to around $13,000 for his lifetime.
This can obviously change depending on the needs of your pup. But I’m pretty sure you will spend money on dog food, toys, lifestyle items, and vet visits.
Should I Adopt From A Local Rescue Or From A Breeder?
One question you might be asking now is whether to adopt from a local rescue or from a reputable breeder.
Adopting from a local rescue is a cheaper option to adopt a Jack Russell. If you’re on a tight budget then this is the way to go, plus, you will give a Jack Russell who desperately needs a loving and warm home exactly what he needs.
If your budget allows for it, then adopting from a reputable breeder might be an option for you. Adopting from a breeder means that your pup will already be socialized with other dogs, and this will save you a lot of trouble. You can also get proper documentation about your pup such as immunization information, health guarantee, and possible microchipping.
Another big advantage of adopting from a breeder is that you can create your Jack Russell’s personality. You get a clean slate, so to speak, and this can greatly benefit you when you have to train your furry friend in the future.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of adopting a Jack Russell can vary. If you’re adopting from a local rescue, you will pay much less than you would when you adopt from a reputable breeder.
Local rescues will ask you anything from $175 to $800 for a Jack Russell, and adopting a Jack Russell from a reputable breeder will cost you anything between $800 to $2,500.
You will also need to keep in mind that there are other costs involved in keeping your Jack Russell as a pet. You will need to buy him food, toys, and you need to take him to the vet as well. All of this can amount to roughly $800 per year.
Is this all worth it? Absolutely! The cost of owning a Jack Russell is not much different than owning another small dog.
