Could a Jack Russell Terrier be the right dog breed for you?
In the late 19th century, an English parson developed a white terrier to hunt foxes above and below ground. The Reverend Jack Russell named the breed after him, but they are not recognized as such by the British Kennel Club.
However, the American Kennel Club has classified the Jack Russell as a member of the Terrier Group, but renamed it the Parson’s Russell Terrier. The AKC prefers a longer legged dog, while British breeders have opted for a shorter legged dog.
This breed may be small, but they are very robust. Built to be flexible and compact so they can easily go to the ground in search of their prey. His dark, almond-shaped eyes sparkle with warning. And like most terriers, this is a busy dog, his docked tail rarely standing still, always wagging excitedly about who knows what!
These dogs weigh around 13 to 17 pounds and are 10 to 15 inches tall. The Jack Russell’s coat comes in three varieties of wire-haired, wiry, and short-haired. More than half of their fur coloration is usually white. The rest is a mix of tan, brown, and black markings.
Jack Russell Terriers need very little grooming. Simply run a good quality bristle brush through the coat once or twice a week to remove any dirt. Despite its small size, it does not do well in an apartment. This breed needs a well-fenced yard. They are the Houdini of the dog world. They will go under, over and around any obstacle to escape when they are bored or in exploration mode. So burning off this energy through a brisk daily run is vital.
This breed enjoys attention and is always ready for any form of play. If you have children, this dog is guaranteed to keep them entertained, as long as they have been taught not to disturb it. Family life definitely suits these dogs, the more active the better.
The Jack Russell Terrier is an energetic breed. Don’t neglect obedience training just because of their small size. These dogs tend to be stubborn and often aggressive towards other dogs. So training is essential.
Puppy training classes will help you socialize your puppy so that he learns at an early age to play with other dogs, instead of fighting with them.
Jack Russells can develop eye and ear problems, sometimes leading to deafness. But, in general, this is a healthy breed.
The Jack Russell Terrier can be a loyal and devoted family pet. But it is necessary to understand the characteristics of terriers and this particular variety. As long as you are willing to do this, your Jack Russell will reward you many times over.
