The Jack Russell Terrier

Characteristics and Temperament
History of the Jack Russell Terrier
Things You Should Know
Health Information
Jack Russell Breeder

 

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Characteristics and Temperament

The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely loyal, intelligent, and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. Unlike some modern breeds, Jack Russells have one type, hunting. Hunting ability is bred into them. It is their nature. The unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first time dog owners. While adaptable to to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to hunt.
These dogs come in three different coat types; smooth (recessive), broken (intermediate), and rough (coarse, longer straight hair, dominant over smooth). All coats shed, smooth coats shed the most. They are adaptable to most climates, and usually handle the cold fine, although some dogs will need a dog blanket or sweater if under 40 deg. Fahrenheit. The color of the coat must be at least 51% white, or all white. Black and/or tan markings are allowed. Height can be between 10" and 15", with a proportionate body length. For showing purposes, terriers are classified in two groups, 10" to 12 1/2", and over 12 1/2" and up to 15". Dogs should appear compact and balanced, always in solid, hard condition. Jack Russells have a short, upright tail, about 4" long. The tail is cropped shortly after birth, and front dewclaws are removed.

Weight: 15 - 18 pounds (6.80 - 8.16 kg)
Height: 10 - 15 inches (25.40 - 38.10 cm)

Trademark Traits:

Small and quick
Athletic and agile
Sprightly and intelligent
Bold and confrontational
Independent
Crafty
Resilient
Sometimes testy


 

History of the Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are a type, or strain, of working terrier; they are not purebred in the sense that they have a broad genetic make-up, a broad standard, and do not breed true to type. You will see different "types" of Jack Russell Terriers, from long-bodied, short, crooked legs to a more proportioned length of body and longer legs. This is a result of having been bred strictly for hunting since their beginning in the early 1800's, and their preservation as a working breed since.
The Jack Russell takes its name from the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest strains of terriers for working fox in Devonshire, England in the mid-to-late 1800's. Rev. Russell (1795-1883), apart from his church activities, had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs; he is also said to be a rather flamboyant character, probably accounting for his strain of terrier's notability and the name of our terrier today.

John Russell maintained his strain of fox terriers bred strictly for working, and the terrier we know of today as the Jack Russell is much the same as the pre-1900's fox terrier. The Jack Russell has survived the changes that have occured in the modern-day Fox Terrier because it has been preserved by working terrier enthusiasts in England for more than 100 years. It is the foremost goal of the Jack Russell TerrierCA that the Jack Russell continues in that tradition.

Things You Should Know

Jack Russell Terriers have a fierce, headstrong independence and need special attention to maintain an even keel. For this reason, some experts recommend that only experienced dog handlers should have one. Animal shelters around the country have plenty of unmanageable Jack Russells whose owners let raised them untrained and unchecked.

Apartments are okay for Jack Russells, but a fenced-in yard is ideal—they love to bark and dig and chase small animals. However, a fenced-in yard will often not be enough for these dogs. Though small, they can leap very high and have been known to jump fences when they get bored and restless. On a walk, always keep them on a leash. They are incredibly fast, plus they have an intense curiosity and a fearlessness that could get them into trouble with bigger dogs.

Jack Russell Terriers get along fine with the whole family, but young children should be taught not to tease or hurt them.

A healthy Jack Russell can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues include cataracts and joint problems, but this is a solid breed with relatively few health issues.

Health Information

Despite the fact that the Jack Russell TerrierCA will not register any dogs until they are one year old and have passed a structured veterinary examination, hereditary defects do occur in the breed. Some occur because they are late onset, others because the genetic nature is recessive or polygenic which means the parents may be perfectly normal upon examination and yet produce affected litters.
According to the Canine Eye Registration Foundation, Jack Russell Terriers are afflicted with lens luxation. This is a displacement of the lens from its normal site behind the pupil and may result in elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma) causing vision impairment or blindness. Lens luxation not associated with trauma or inflammation is presumed to be inherited.

Legg-Perthes Disease also affects this breed, as it does many small breeds. It is very similar to hip dysplasia, however, instead of the acetabulum being shallow, necrosis is of the femoral head. This disease may be a simple autosomal recessive or polygenic (more than one gene involved) and results in painful hips.

While those are the two most common diseases, the breed can also be afflicted with epilepsy, skin conditions (including allergies), and genetic deafness. The latter is associated with white coats: Dalmatians and some other white dogs have the same problem. A BAER test is necessary to rule out the condition. One may know that a dog can hear, but only the BAER test can prove whether the hearing is in both or only one ear.

The Jack Russell TerrierCA recently sent out a Genetics Disorder Survey (January 1997) to all members who have a registered kennel prefix. Its purpose is to help determine genetic problems and frequency of occurrence in the breed. The results will be published in True Grit, the club newsletter.

As in all breeds, there are good and poor breeders. Purchase a pup from someone who has completed BAER tests, eye examinations and hip evaluations on their breeding stock. This will improve your chances of a healthy pup.

Jack Russell Breeder

Jack Beauty

The Jack Russell Terrier is a beautiful Dog they exist with Smooth, Broken coat and Rough coat.
You can find Puppies at a local Breeder sometimes Member of a JRT Club. Pups are often for Sale.
The Health of your dog is very important and Breeding is a nice hobby.
Parson Russell is different from the Short legged Jack Russell.
Go to a Show sometimes and who knows your dog is a Winner
Jacks are the best dogs fo fox Hunt a real Sport at the countryside.