With good care and good luck, one day you'll notice your perpetual puppy has finally calmed down, and on a closer inspection you may realize her face has silvered. All dogs age at different rtes, but by ten years of age most Jack Russell Terriers can be considered seniors, although they may still act like juvenile delinquents. Jack Russell Terriers are a fairly long - lived breed, typically reaching twelve to thirteen years of age, and with ages from fifteen to eighteen not rare. 

However, young at heart, at some point your Jack will begin to feel the effects of age. 

Jack Russells wear their age well!

The Best of Care

Even if your older Jack refuses to act her age, some steps should be taken to ensure that she continues to feel young both in body and soul. However, that doesn't mean she has to go into retirement. 

Older Dogs Behavior 

Older dogs tend to like a simpler life, and although they still are up for adventure, that adventure may need to be toned down or abbreviated. Hunting excursions should be made less strenuous.

Long trips can be gruelling for an older dog, and boarding in a kennel may be upsetting. Consider getting a house sitter that your dog knows if you want to go on vacation. 

Some older dogs become cranky and impatient, especially when dealing with puppies or boisterous children. But don't just excuse behavioural changes, especially if they are sudden. They could be symptoms of pain of disease. 

Exercise For older Jacks

Many JRT owners can't help but have the idea that their dog will never slow down with age. Jack Russell do age well, but staying in a state of denial about your dogs increasing age or decreasing abilities is not doing her any favours. 

It's important to keep your older dog relatively active, without putting to much stress on her joints. 

While Jacks of any age enjoy a warm, soft bed, it is an absolute necessity for an older Jack. Arthritis is a common cause of intermittent stiffness and lameness, and it can be helped with heat, soft bed, moderate exercise. 

Sensory Loss in Older Dogs