Adopting a Jack Russell in Leeds: rescues, costs and health

The count under the short answer is live: it shows every Jack Russell, Parson Russell and cross listed with us in Leeds and within about 25 miles, with a link to the rescue that has each dog. It is often short, so most Leeds adopters will want to contact the breed rescue below as well.

Jack Russell Terrier Rescue UK describes Jack Russells as one of the most overbred breeds in the UK, and says that is why so many end up abandoned, neglected or surrendered. Battersea says they were bred to work alongside foxhounds, and that people hoping for a laid-back lapdog will find them demanding, because chasing, digging and barking take ongoing management.

The good news is in the same sources. Battersea calls Jack Russells clever, full of energy and "highly trainable", and the breed standard describes them as bold, fearless, friendly and confident. A rescue that has lived with the dog can tell you which of those traits are strongest in this one.

Jack Russell Terrier Rescue UK says its adult dogs are vet checked, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and flea and worm treated before they go. Puppies are vaccinated and chipped but go home under a neutering contract, and you send a vet reference once it is done. Near Leeds, Barnsley Animal Rescue Charity adds four weeks' free insurance to an adult fee from £250, and some charities charge less for older dogs: Blue Cross fees start from £235 for dogs aged 8 or over.

Buy a puppy and that vet work comes on top of the £400 to £3,000 Blue Cross gives for the puppy itself, with no way of knowing yet how much terrier you are getting.

A rescue dog's parents were probably never health tested, so ask what the rescue's vet has found. UK sources point to these for the breed:

• Eyes. The Royal Kennel Club asks breeders to have eyes tested and to DNA test for primary lens luxation (PLL). Battersea explains that lens luxation can cause painful inflammation of the eye and lead to blindness if untreated.
• Balance. The same breeder tests cover late onset ataxia (LOA) and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Battersea says the ataxias affect balance and coordination, get worse over time and have no cure.
• Knees and hips. Battersea and PDSA list luxating patellas, kneecaps that slip out of place, and PDSA also lists Legg-Perthes disease, which affects the hip.

PDSA says a minimum of an hour's exercise a day, with time to run off the lead in a secure area, and warns that Jack Russells have a high prey drive, can squeeze through the smallest gap and are good jumpers. Check every fence and gate before your dog arrives. Battersea says they are better with children who are confident around lively dogs, and PDSA would not recommend one with smaller pets.

If a dog does get out in Leeds, Leeds City Council dog wardens take found dogs to a contracted kennel and keep them for 7 days. Reclaiming one costs £100 within the first 48 hours, rising by £20 a day to £200, plus an extra £5 if the dog isn't microchipped. The wardens work Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, so keep your dog's microchip details up to date.

Rescue Jack Russells are adopted, not sold. You apply, the rescue matches you with a dog, and you pay its adoption fee. Jack Russell Terrier Rescue UK does have puppies at times, under a neutering contract, but you can't plan on one, so be open to an adult.

If you decide to buy, Battersea suggests a breeder who health-tests both parents, and Dogs Trust suggests asking your vet about a pre-purchase consultation on likely health conditions and rough costs. The Royal Kennel Club runs a "Find a puppy" service. Report a suspected scam advert to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud.