| Height | 10-12 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9-15 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Inquisitive / Lively [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 60 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Russell Terrier is not a breed for a couch-potato family. High energy levels and a robust personality make this an excellent choice of breed for an outdoorsy family who takes lots of hikes, bike rides, and long daily walks. Finding games he loves to play will help keep his brain and his body exercised. [1]
Grooming
The Russell Terrier's rough and ready appearance is easily maintained. Coats come in three types: smooth, broken, and rough. The dense, short, smooth coat can be kept looking great with an all-over rubdown with a soft brush or a hound glove once a week. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The majority of Russell Terriers are happy, healthy little dogs. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), deafness, and eye disease, and are dedicated to preserving the genetic health of the breed by doing health testing on all their breeding stock. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, BAER Testing, Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Russell Terrier in 2012. [1]
- It ranked No. 60 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 104 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Russell.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Russell Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Russell Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 10-12 inches and weight 9-15 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Russell Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Russell Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.