Jack Russell clothes: size chart, winter jumpsuits and vests
In short: the Jack Russell terrier is a compact hunting terrier, 25–30 cm (10–12 in) at the shoulder and 5–6 kg (11–13 lb) under the FCI standard (many pet Jacks are heavier). The standard puts the girth behind the elbows at about 40–43 cm (15.7–16.9 in); in pet Jacks it is roughly 40–48 cm (15.7–18.9 in), so most wear size L (40–46 cm), smaller dogs M and sturdier ones XL. The breed has a deep chest, and the back is often shorter than the size picked by chest assumes, so check both measurements. In slush a Jack is best off in a jumpsuit that keeps the belly and legs covered; for active walks in the cold, a vest that leaves the legs free works better.
Jack Russell clothes size chart
| Your Jack’s measurements | Feel with Fill size | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| chest 35–41 cm (13.8–16.1 in), back 31–35 cm (12.2–13.8 in), neck up to 30 cm (11.8 in) | M | small or young Jacks |
| chest 40–46 cm (15.7–18.1 in), back 36–40 cm (14.2–15.7 in), neck up to 34 cm (13.4 in) | L | most adult Jacks |
| chest 45–51 cm (17.7–20.1 in), back 41–45 cm (16.1–17.7 in), neck up to 38 cm (15 in) | XL | large, long-legged dogs |
| chest matches L or XL, but the back is at least 3 cm (1.2 in) shorter than that size allows | Custom size (+15% to the price) | stocky Jacks with a deep chest |
Choose the size by chest girth and check that the back length falls in the same row. If the chest is 40–41 cm, the back decides: up to 35 cm means M, from 36 cm means L. Example: a 43 cm chest is an L, but with a 33 cm back a standard L will be 3–7 cm too long; on a vest this is less noticeable, but a jumpsuit is better made to measure. The Parson Russell terrier is a separate, taller and squarer breed (ideal height under the FCI standard 33–36 cm / 13–14 in), so for a Parson the longer back usually decides the size. The full chart is in our size guide.
How to measure a Jack that will not stand still
Measure your Jack after a walk, when it is tired, with treats to hand; the dog should stand square.
1. Chest girth — just behind the front legs, through the deepest point of the ribcage, without pulling the tape tight.
2. Back length — from the withers to the base of the tail. If the dog arches its back or sits down, measure again.
3. Neck girth — where the collar sits.
If a hoodie will go under the jumpsuit, allow an extra 2–3 cm (about 1 in) at the chest.
Smooth, broken or rough coat: what changes
The breed standard allows three coat types — smooth, broken and rough — and in all of them white predominates, with tan or black markings. The coat type does not change the size, but it does change what to wear.
| Coat | What it is like | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth | short and dense, dries fast but insulates least | in the cold, a warm layer: a fleece jumpsuit, a puffer vest or a brushed hoodie |
| Broken | short, but often with “eyebrows” and a “beard” on the face | dress as for a smooth Jack; a jumpsuit in slush |
| Rough | harsher and longer, better against wind, but picks up snowballs and burrs and takes longer to dry | in wet snow, the “Heaven” jumpsuit; after the walk, a drying robe |
Does a Jack Russell need clothes
While a Jack is running and digging, it rarely gets cold. It is a different story on a slow walk on the lead in wind or slush: the white coat on the belly and legs picks up mud and de-icing salt within minutes. Puppies, senior Jacks and dogs recovering from illness also need a warm layer; shivering and lifting the paws are signs the dog is cold. More in does my dog need clothes and winter dog clothes.
Winter clothes for a Jack Russell, matched to the weather
| Weather | What works |
|---|---|
| Breezy and cool, +5…+12 °C (41–54 °F) | a fleece anorak with a moisture-resistant finish or the “Four-Paws Bodysuit” jumpsuit |
| Steady rain | the “Brooklyn Jacket”: the raincoat fabric sheds water, with a viscose lining inside |
| Wet snow, puddles, salted pavements | the membrane “Heaven” jumpsuit: it sheds water and keeps the belly and legs under fabric |
| Dry frost, 0…−10 °C (32…14 °F) | for active walks, the “Puffy” puffer vest in waterproof fabric; for slow ones, a fleece jumpsuit — fleece holds warmth and does not soak through |
| Below −10 °C (14 °F), wind | the padded “Gossip-puffer” jumpsuit or a fleece jumpsuit with a hoodie underneath; keep walks shorter |
Clothes for an active Jack: what to look for
• Room at the armholes. A Jack runs and jumps, so nothing should press behind the front legs. Vests warm the back and chest and leave the legs free.
• Quick to put on. The zip along the back of the fleece jumpsuit and the snaps on the “Puffy” vest and the “Four-Paws Bodysuit” help.
• Harness opening — on the “Heaven” jumpsuit (hidden), “Puffy” vests, fleece vests and the “Gossip-coat” dog coat; the “Brooklyn Jacket” has an opening at the collar for the lead.
• Durability and fit. The ribbed “Four-Paws Bodysuit” is made for active wear, and on the fleece jumpsuit elastic drawcords and a concealed hook-and-loop closure at the collar help fine-tune the fit.
What to buy a Jack Russell: six models
Prices are for standard sizes XS–XL. The “Four-Paws Bodysuit” is a snap-front bomber plus a snap-fastened jumpsuit that can be worn together or separately. Any model can also be made to your Jack’s measurements (+15%): the fleece jumpsuit would be $60 and “Heaven” $82. More models in jumpsuits, jackets, vests and turtlenecks.
Clothes for a Jack Russell puppy
A Jack puppy reaches adult measurements at roughly 10–12 months. Size it for the measurements it has now, with no extra room “to grow into”: in an oversized jumpsuit a puppy gets tangled in the legs. Light pieces that go on quickly — a hoodie, a vest or an anorak — are best to start with. For first fittings and getting a puppy used to clothes, see puppy clothes. Check the chest girth every 2–3 weeks.
How to order made-to-measure Jack Russell clothes
Pick a model, tick “Custom size” and check out — our manager then gets in touch to go over the measurements. Sewing in our Kyiv workshop (the Feel with Fill brand dates from 2023) takes 3–6 business days from payment, and a standard size that is in stock ships sooner. International delivery is arranged individually and normally takes 1–2 weeks; within Ukraine carrier rates apply, and orders of UAH 4,000 or more after discounts ship free. Full terms on shipping and payment.
Frequently asked questions
Which clothing size fits a Jack Russell terrier?
Most often L (chest girth 40–46 cm / 15.7–18.1 in); smaller Jacks wear M (35–41 cm) and sturdier ones XL (45–51 cm). If the back is noticeably shorter than that size’s back length, a jumpsuit is better made to measure.
Does a Jack Russell need clothes in winter?
In frost with wind and on slow walks, yes — especially smooth-coated Jacks, puppies and senior dogs. In slush any Jack benefits from clothes that keep the white coat dry and clean.
Which is better for a Jack — a jumpsuit or a vest?
In slush, a jumpsuit, as it shields the belly and legs. In dry cold an active Jack is more comfortable in the “Puffy” puffer vest: it warms the back and chest without restricting movement.
How much do made-to-measure Jack Russell clothes cost?
Made to measure adds 15% to the model’s price: the “Puffy” puffer vest comes to $53 instead of $46 and the fleece anorak to $40 instead of $35. Such an order is ready in 3–6 business days from payment.
Can I exchange an item that does not fit?
Yes, for standard sizes: you have 14 days from receipt to exchange or return it. Return postage is on the buyer; if the piece is defective or we sent the wrong one, it is on us. Made-to-measure orders and pieces in a non-standard colour can be neither exchanged nor returned. See exchange and returns.
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