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Jack Russell Terrier
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Description: The
Jack Russell is now recognized by the American Kennel Club. This small, compact, athletic
dog looks like a less refined working Fox Terrier. White (at least 51%) with reddish
black, tan, or brown markings, especially in the head and tail. The skull is flat between
the ears, then tapering. The stop is defined, but not abrupt. The nose is black and the
almond-shaped eyes are dark. The v-shaped ears fold forward. The Jack Russell has a
flexible body and fairly small chest (easily spanned by the average man's hands) to enable
him to go to ground after his prey. The docked tail is carried gaily and set fairly high.
Comes in smooth, broken, and wire-haired varieties. The broken coat is a cross of rough
and smooth coat - long body hair, a slightly fuzzy face and a smooth head. The
Irish-type Jack Russell as shorter than the English-type. Temperment:
The Jack Russell Terrier is a perky, merry, devoted, and loving dog. Spirited
and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and
playing with toys. Friendly and generally kind to children who have been taught not
to tease or strike the dog. They are intelligent, yet willful and determined.
They can be slightly difficult to train and need a firm, experienced trainer. The
Jack Russell can be aggressive with other dogs if not well trained and socialized. Some
have killed or been killed in dog fights. Early socialization can help substantially
moderate this trait. They have strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average
terrier) and should not be trusted with other small animals. They like to chase and
explore. Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well-trained.
Jack Russells like to bark and dig. They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept
fruitfully occupied and well exercised. Jack Russells climb, which means they can
climb over a fence, they also jump. A Jack that stands 12 inches high can easily jump five
feet. JRTs are not the breed for a inexperienced dog owner. This is a BIG dog in a little
dogs body. The owner needs to be as strong-willed as they are, or this little guy
will take over. With the right owner this little dog can really excel, but is not
recommended for those who have not had prior experience with terriers. Size:
Height: Dogs 10-15 inches (25-38cm) Bitches 9-14 inches (23-36cm)
Weight: Dogs 15-18 pounds (7-8kg) Bitches 14-17 pounds (6-8kg) Health
Problems: Prone to a type of dwarfism where the dog has deformed, shortened
legs. Living Conditions: The Jack Russell Terrier will do
okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and
will do best with at least an average-sized yard. If the Jack is kept in an apartment, the
dog should have a person home with it during the day unless the dog is crate trained. Even
then, the owner better expect to get some exercise or be pestered to death for belly rubs
and tug of war games when he/she gets home. Exercise: The
Jack Russell terrier is very adaptable and will exercise itself in a small yard, but it
will be in its glory with space to run, hunt and play. Life Expectancy:
About 15 or more years. Grooming: All coat types are
easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when
necessary. To show, owners must strip the coat. Like the rough coat, the broken coated
Jack needs to be stripped out also. Origin: The Jack Russell
Terrier was developed in 19th century England by a clergyman named Jack Russell. This
feisty little terrier was used to hunt small game, particularly fox, by digging the quarry
out of its den. Breeders have emphasized its working ability, so the standard is very
broad, encompassing a wide range of accepted body types. On English hunts, the Jack
Russell Terriers were supposed to be long-legged enough to keep up with the
hounds. The energetic and playful Jack Russell makes a good family companion. Some of
the Jack Russell's talents include: hunting, tracking, agility, and performing tricks.
Group: Terrier. [Dog
Breed Info Center]