The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic breed of dog that has become popular in recent decades among both the general public as well as celebrities. While they may be small, they have a huge personality and a lot of spunk – just like their celebrity owners.
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Singers, actors, comedians, athletes, royalty, and more. Here are some of the more notable famous celebrities who own Jack Russells:
- Mariah Carey
- John Barrowman
- Manny Pacquiao
- William Faulkner
- Donatella Versace
- Serena Williams
- Eric Stonestreet
- Candice Swanepoel
- Audrey Hepburn
- Ron Perlman
- Jean Harlow
- Charlie Chaplin
- Princess Madeleine of Sweden
- John F Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
- King Charles III and Camilla Parker Bowles
- Rick Stein
- Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker
- Charlotte Church
- Brendon Urie
- Russell Howard
- J. K. Rowling
1. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Mariah Carey
We’ll start off strong with the most prodigious celebrity Jack Russell Terrier owner of them all, Mariah Carey, who owns 8 Jack Russells!
One of the defining voices of a generation, Mariah Carey has been creating hit songs since she first started her singing career in 1988. As one of the most popular singers of the 1990’s and 2000’s, Carey has at total of 14 platinum albums.
While she is one of the best selling artists of all time, she is now perhaps best known for her rendition of All I Want for Christmas Is You which is played ubiquitously every December.
Dogs' Names: Cha Cha, Jackie Lambchops, JJ, Jill E Beans, Squeak E Beans, The Good Reverend Pow Jackson, Pippitty L Jackson, and Mutley P Gore Jackson The Third
2. Famous Jack Russell Owner: John Barrowman
John Barrowman is a Scottish actor, singer and presenter with a career that has spanned decades. He is most widely recognized for his roles as Captain Jack Harkness in the Doctor Who and Torchwood, and Malcolm Merlyn in the popular show Arrow.
It’s only fitting that Barrowman would name his Jack Russell after his most famous character – Captain Jack.
Dog's Name: Captain Jack
3. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is a legendary boxer who has achieved success in the sport like no other. He is the only fighter to have won world titles in 8 different weight divisions.
Following his boxing career, Pacquiao was elected as a congressman in his home country of the Philippines.
Throughout his boxing career, the Filipino hero known by his nickname “Pacman” often trained with his Jack Russell Terrier also named Pacman.
Sadly, Pacman (the dog) passed away in 2020 at the age of 14 after being hit by a car.
Dog's Name: Pacman
4. Famous Jack Russell Owner: William Faulkner
William Faulkner was an American author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature and two Pulitzer Prizes. His works inspired and influenced countless other writers who have come after him, as well as impacted popular culture through films, television shows, plays, and more.
The southern setting of many of his pieces reflected his own upbringing in Mississippi. Some of his most famous novels include Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, Sanctuary, and Absalom, Absalom!
Faulkner reported owned not just one, but two Jack Russell Terriers.
Dogs' Names: Unknown
5. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Donatella Versace
Donatella Versace is an Italian fashion designer and model. She is the sister of Gianni Versace who founded the fashion brand Versace.
Donatella owns a Jack Russell Terrier named Audrey. As for how she chose the name, Jack Russell Terrier owners can relate. Donatella told InStyle Magazine, “I named her after a model I worked with on a shoot who was very opinionated and always said how she thought things should have been done.”
Dog's Name: Audrey
6. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Serena Williams
Widely considered the greatest female tennis player of all time, Serena Williams won a record 23 grand slam titles throughout her career. In addition, Williams is the highest earning female athlete of all time.
Williams adopted her Jack Russell named Jackie when she was just 17 years old and just 2 weeks before she won her first grand slam in 1999. I’m not saying Jackie is the reason that Williams became a superstar, but the timing is undeniable.
After living a long life of luxury, Jackie passed away in 2015 at the age of 16.
Dog's Name: Jackie
7. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Eric Stonestreet
Best know for playing Cam on the ABC sitcom Modern Family, Eric Stonestreet is also the voice of Duke a Newfoundland mix in the movie The Secret Life of Pets.
In addition to voicing a movie dog, Stonestreet is also a real life dog lover. Stonestreet rescued his Jack Russell Beagle mix named Coleman in 2000. Coleman lived to be 15 years old.
Proving that celebrity Jack Russell Beagles are just as stubborn as regular Jackabees, Stonestreet told Pet Lifestlye Magazine, “Coleman was a little guy and while sweet, not overly cuddly. He had his own agenda. He did things on his terms.”
Dog's Name: Coleman
8. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Candice Swanepoel
Victoria’s Secret supermodel Candice Swanepoel has graced the covers of multiple fashion magazines throughout her career, and has walked the ramp for many iconic global brands.
What makes Swanepoel so special is her off-ramp persona that she brings with her which captivates hearts wherever she goes. Whether it’s hosting events or extending support for charitable causes, Swanepoel always takes time to dedicate towards the society in hopes of making a positive change in the world.
When not modeling or raising money for charity, Swanepoel likes to hang out with her two Jack Russell Terriers, Milo and Luna.
Dogs' Names: Milo and Luna
9. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was a world renowned Hollywood actress and humanitarian who has left an immeasurable legacy. By the late 1950s, she had enthralled audiences with her extraordinary talent and grace, captivating them with roles in classic films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady.
Shown here with her Jack Russell Terrier named Penny, Hepburn reportedly owned 5 Jack Russells throughout her life.
Dogs' Names: Missy, Tuppy, Penny, Piceri, and Jackie
10. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman has become a staple of both television and film. From his early work in movies like The Name of the Rose and Quest for Fire to more contemporary roles as Clay Morrow in Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy in the eponymous reboot series, and many others.
“Since we, as a family, do so much traveling, the notion of getting a dog was one we did not take lightly,” Perlman told HNGN. “Ultimately, the vote was to get a dog who could travel with us as a cherished family member; a dog that was small enough to fit under an airplane seat. Now, since I am a ‘big dog’ lover, choosing this new little family member was something of a challenge. I needed to find a small dog who thought he was big.”
Dog's Name: Nigel
11. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Jean Harlow
Jean Harlow is remembered as one of the most iconic personalities of the 1930s cinema. She began her career in the early 1920s, primarily appearing in small roles before carving out a niche for herself as a leading lady of Hollywood films.
Her beauty and charm won audiences over, and she quickly rose to stardom. In 1931 she was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for best actress, becoming the first star of the Golden Age to receive this honor.
Her death in 1937 at the age of 26 caused shockwaves throughout the industry and is considered to be one of Hollywood’s great tragedies.
Dog's Name: Unknown
12. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Charlie Chaplin
One of the most influential figures in film history, Charlie Chaplin is recognized worldwide for his undeniable ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences through visual comedy. Known for his work in silent movies, his films from the early 1900s contain timeless scenes and fun gags that can often be found parodied in more contemporary pieces.
Dog's Name: Unknown
13. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Princess Madeleine of Sweden
Princess Madeleine of Sweden is one of the country’s best-known royals, due to her active role in many global initiatives. She is known for being a dedicated humanitarian and advocate for children’s rights, serving as patron or president of several organizations such as Fairytale Globe, World Childhood Foundation, and DocStop.
Her Jack Russell Terrier was gifted to her by her fiancé in 2006, and although they are no longer together, Princess Madeleine decided to hang on to her beloved dog.
Dog's Name: Zorro
14. Famous Jack Russell Owner: John F Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were one of the most iconic couples of the late 1990s. They had a spectacular relationship that would be watched closely by press, friends, and family alike. Their short marriage was filled with care, love, and respect.
Sadly, in 1999 tragedy struck and they both perished in an airplane accident off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. They left behind a legacy of commitment, joy, and determination that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Dog's Name: Unknown
15. Famous Jack Russell Owner: King Charles III and Camilla Parker Bowles
King Charles III, born in 1948 as the eldest son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, presently occupies a highly respected position in English aristocracy and power. However, his path to contentment has been anything but easy.
After the death of his beloved first wife Diana, King Charles III was left lonely and devastated. Fortunately, his story found another happy ending when he married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.
The Royal couple has a pair of Jack Russell Terriers that are surely two of the most pampered pooches in the world.
Update: Prince Charles is now King Charles and the Jack Russell Terrier is the new Royal Dog of the UK.
Dogs' Names: Beth and Bluebell
16. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Rick Stein
Rick Stein is a prominent British celebrity chef, renowned for championing seafood cuisine. His impressive career, which began with a restaurant in the coastal village of Padstow in Cornwall, England, spans four decades and continues today. Alongside his flourishing business ventures, Rick Stein has authored 15 highly-praised culinary books and presented four popular TV series such as French Odyssey and Safe Haven.
Through his cooking shows, books and restaurants he has firmly established his place amongst the world’s most respected chefs and remains an integral part of British culture. So much so, in fact, that the British House of Commons filed an official motion in remembrance of Stein’s Jack Russell Terrier who passed away in 2007.
Dog's Name: Chalky
17. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker
Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker have earned a place in pop culture history as one of the most iconic couples in the entertainment industry. The two have been together since 1997 after meeting on the set of a film.
Broderick is best known for playing the lead role in the 1986 classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Parker is best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series Sex and the City.
Dog's Name: Unknown
18. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Charlotte Church
Charlotte Church is a Welsh singer, actress, songwriter, and television presenter who has shot to fame after growing up in Cardiff. She achieved international success at an early age, beginning her career as a popular classical singer before transitioning into pop music later in her career.
Church has released several albums and singles that have been successful around the world; most notably “Crazy Chick,” which broke through the US market and gave her crossover success.
Alongside her musical accomplishments, Church is also known for a variety of television shows she’s presented or guest featured on throughout the years.
Church is a noted dog lover and in the above video from 2007, she shows off her 4 Jack Russell Terriers – although a couple of them appear to Jack Russell mixes.
Dogs' Names: Ikey, Tina, Benny, and Frankie
19. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Brendon Urie
Brendon Urie is a multi-talented musician well-known as the front man of the pop/rock band Panic! At the Disco. A singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Urie has used his platform to speak out on social issues close to his heart.
He was instrumental in elevating voices to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and campaigned to get Dr. Martine Rothblatt listed as “Person of the Year” by TIME Magazine. Over the course of his career with Panic! At the Disco and other projects, Urie has shown himself to be a truly creative artist with an unwavering commitment to staying true to himself.
Urie can be seen in the photo above swimming with his Jack Russell Terrier named Bogart.
Dog's Name: Bogart
20. Famous Jack Russell Owner: Russell Howard
Russell Howard is a British comedian who has achieved international acclaim for his witty, lighthearted humor. He rose to prominence thanks to his various appearances on BBC Mock the Week and BBC3’s hit show Russell Howard’s Good News.
Since then he has gone on to become one of the U.K.’s most successful comics, embarking on several nationwide stand-up tours including “Round the World” and “Wonderbox”.
Howard has talked about his Jack Russell named Archie in his stand-up comedy routine, including the time that he thought the dog ran away only for his wife to find him in the bathroom.
Dog's Name: Archie
21. Famous Jack Russell Owner: J. K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is a British novelist, film producer, and philanthropist best known for creating the illustrious Harry Potter franchise. She wrote seven novels in the original series – published between 1997 and 2007 – and four additional books inspired by her wizarding world. Rowling has achieved incredible success with over 500 million copies of her books sold worldwide.
While I was unable to find a picture of her Jack Russell Terrier, Rowling confirms in a tweet from 2015 that Ron’s Patronus is a Jack Russell, which was her last dog.
Dog's Name: Unknown
Famous Jack Russells
The Jack Russell Terrier has won the hearts of many famous individuals over the years. These adorable, energetic dogs have become the loyal companions of actors, musicians, athletes, and even royalty.
In addition to being a favorite companion of the stars, there are also plenty of Jack Russells in movies and TV shows themselves, including a Jack Russell Terrier with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Their spunky personality and intelligence make them excellent pets for those who are looking for a little extra entertainment in their lives.
Whether you are a celebrity or an everyday person, the Jack Russell Terrier is sure to bring you joy and companionship for years to come.