Jack Russell

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Description

The Jack Russell terrier is a happy and energetic dog. Small and adorable, it's lively, independent, and clever. As purebreds, they are affectionate and charming but don't let this fool you. They are efficient hunting dogs despite their size.

Bold and athletic, they have a strong prey drive. The Jack Russell was bred to be swift enough to run with the hounds and tough to confront or ground prey. Because the Jack Russell terrier is a baying terrier and a hunter, they see other pets such as family cats and hamsters as prey. This is because they have an urge to hunt.

History of the Jack Russell Terrier

Some 200 years ago, hunting was a favorite pastime for the English men, including the men of the church. One of those men who hunted was Reverend John Russel. Commonly referred to as Jack or "The Sporting Parson" by his friends, he was born into a fox-hunting family in 1795.

He wanted a dog able to keep up with horses, small enough to flush out foxes and fast enough to keep up with the hounds. While studying in Oxford, he bought the perfect dog for his purposes - a terrier. The dog belonged to a milkman. John devoted himself to breeding the finest strains of terriers to achieve the exact dog he had in mind.

The result of the breeding program was a small, compact but athletic dog. Many people came to love this dog breed for its determination, quickness, and intense desire to hunt. The Jack Russell terrier was commonly used for working foxes in England. Hunters used them to flush out foxes, thanks to their steady barking. Although a Jack Russell has a strong prey drive and a fearless personality, it never kills the prey.

The Jack Russell and the Parson Russell Terrier are a favorite among dog sports enthusiasts, horse owners, animal trainers on TV and film. They're also a favorite for individuals who love dogs with fearless personalities, entertaining antics, and a compact body.

Due to their broad genetic makeup, there is a disagreement that the Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are the same. The Parson Jack Russell Terriers have longer legs while the Jack Russell Terriers have shorter legs.

In the US, the long-legged breed (Parson Jack Russell Terriers) is officially recognized as the Jack Russell terrier.

Jack Russell Appearance

The Jack Russell is small, with adults weighing 13 to 17 pounds (6.4 to 8.20 kg). The males are 14 cm tall, while the females are 13 cm tall. They have a long lifespan of 13 to 15 years. As a healthy and active dog, the Jack Russell terrier has a flexible body with a rectangular profile.

It has dropped ears carried close to the head. The points of the ears are usually pointed downward and even with the corner of the eye.

The eyes are dark, almond-shaped. They have a keen expression of alertness which makes a Jack Russell terrier a good hunter. The body is longer rather than taller. It has a compact and rectangular silhouette with short and muscular loins.

The forelegs are straight from the elbows to the toes, whether viewed from the side or front. They are moderately well-boned. For the hindquarters, they are strong and muscular too. The width of the shoulders and the hindquarters is similar when looking down on the dog.

When you view the hind legs from the rear standing position, they are parallel to each other. The low-set hocks and stifles are well angulated. This allows for the right driving action.

There are two coat types: smooth and broken. All coat types have a harsh outer coat and an undercoat. The broken coat is usually longer with hints of a beard and eyebrows, while the rough coat is longer than a broken coat. Despite the type, they are never wavy or curly.

They can be white with tan or black markings, tricolor (black, white, tan), or white. The white coat helps the hunter to keep an eye on the dog while in the field. Jack Russells shed heavily. As such, they require brushing at least once a week.

Those with wiry coats need hand stripping. This helps to remove dead hair. To ensure your Jack Russell stays in the best condition, talk to your groomer.

Jack Russell Temperament

A Jack Russell is a loving and affectionate dog. As an energetic dog, it has a strong desire to work. That is why it's most happy when given a job to do. Small and smart, it has an aggressive personality. As such, it's not suited in homes with small pets and children.

You can socialize a Jack Russell to get along with the family cat. But when outdoors, they may struggle to hold back chasing other animals. Through positive reinforcement and plenty of exercises, you can prevent such problems.

A Jack Russell terrier has an urge to hunt. When taking a Jack Russell on a walk, it's easy for them to wander off and explore. They enjoy long walks or a game of fetch.

Jack Russell Health Problems

Jack Russell terriers are susceptible to viral and bacterial infections such as rabies, parvo, and distemper. The infections are preventable through vaccination.

Another health problem is the Primary Lens Luxation. This is a hereditary disorder common in Jack Russell terriers. It causes the tiny fibers holding the lens within the eye to break.

When this happens, the lens drops out of place. This can cause secondary glaucoma. To relieve pain, seek the help of an experienced vet.

Final Thoughts

The Jack Russell terrier is a friendly and devoted dog. As an active little terrier, it's an excellent hunting dog. Due to its energetic drive, it should have lots of exercises.

They like long walks where they get off the lead. Before letting him off lead, work hard on a reliable recall. Failure to do so may lead to your Jack Russell getting trapped in a culvert.