I had a Jack Russell once (great dog!) He weighed 14 lbs. I tried to make sure he was svelte, but my dh used to feed him extra treats! So sometimes he got a little plumper until he ran around a bit more chasing the moon, and worked it off! (yes he used to chase the Moon!)
He was long-legged for a classic JRT so not quite as small as most of them are. I would think that like Ghilly says, and average weight for a short-legged Jack would be around 13-17 lbs.
They are great dogs, I think. So full of energy and character. But one of the things about them is that they are strangely enough- a working dog! So they need as much exercise as they can get. A good wholesome food, and as much walking and running as you can fit into your schedule, and he should lose a little of that belly! He needs some good off-leash time, to work out.
I'm with you, Margot! LOL!! I don't think I've ever known a Jack Russell that sat still long enough to eat, never mind gain weight! LOL!
According to the AKC breed standard, they should weigh between 13 and 17 pounds. They are supposed to stand between 13-14 inches tall at the shoulder.
As a bit of trivia, in 1999 (I believe), the AKC voted to recognize the breed as an official AKC breed and the name was changed from the Jack Russell Terrier to the Parson Russell Terrier. Why, I have no idea, I just know that it was changed. :)
How much are you feeding your guy? Does he get exercise on a daily basis or is he a couch potato? JRTs (I know, I know, but even with the name change, old habits die hard! LOL!) are FAMOUS for being wonder agility dogs. Have you considered enrolling him in an agility class? You might find that you both have a great time at it! Or even just regular obedience training. Anything that develops a structured training regimen will be helpful in getting his weight under control.
Please post a pic of him, I'd love to see him, and keep us posted on how he's doing! :D
Ghilly
Oh my. I spewed my drink when I read this. LOL!!!! Can't say I've ever seen an overweight Jack Russell.
Well, depending on his height at the withers, he should probably be no more then 15-17 lbs.
Ah, Weight Watchers in his future? (wink)