Jack Russell Terrier - Dog Breed Profile  

by Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium Height: Ideally 25 - 30 cm (10 - 12 in) Weight: Ideally 5 - 6 kg (11 - 13 lb) Life Span: 15 years Grooming: Undemanding Exercise: Medium Feeding: Medium Temperament: Bold & cheerful Country of Origin: England AKC Group: Terrier Other names: Parson Russell Terrier, Parson Jack Russell

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Intelligent, cunning and active. Color: White predominantly with black, tan or brown markings. The markings are usually on the head, ears and root of the tail. Coat: There are three types: smooth, broken or rough. Tail: Set high, straight, strong and is lifted when alert and dropped when at rest. Ears: Small, set high, V-shaped with the tips hanging forward. Body: The body is slightly longer than tall with a level back. The chest is moderately deep and the ribs are well sprung.

Temperament: Lively, bold, fearless and willing. Jack Russell Terriers make lively companions for lively households. They are very independent and have plenty of self-confidence which can sometimes verge on dominance. They always alert their owner when a visitor arrives and love to play with children. They get on with other household pets but usually can't resist chasing a cat if it runs from them. Jack Russell's are intelligent and learn very quickly but they tend to try and have their own way and need a consistent handler that won't give in to their mischievous charm.

Grooming: The Jack Russell is easy to care for. When the coat is molting use a rubber brush daily to remove the loose hairs. The rough-coat variety needs to be stripped (hairs plucked out) occasionally.

Exercise: Jack Russell's are very energetic and need the opportunity to run and frolic every day. Ideally these dogs would be within a farm or country environment, but they are adaptable and can adjust to urban living. This breed are suited for sports such as agility and fly-ball.

History: In 1812, Parson Jack Russell bought a terrier named trump who ended up becoming the foundation of the Jack Russell Terrier. Russell was a keen hunter and quickly acquired a pack of dogs for hunting foxes and hares. After a few years of careful breeding and selection, these dogs performed extremely well in the field and their popularity and reputation increased. Russell preferred his terriers to be at least 51cm (20 in) tall. However elsewhere these dogs were being bred as shorter (and often crooked) legged varieties with heavier bodies. In the early 20th century many breeders wanted more conformity in the breed type to gain official recognition, so the dogs could be exhibited in championship shows.

Additional Comments:

Jack Russell's enjoy digging so they are not ideal pets for the conscientious gardener.
About the Author

This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/jack_russell_terrier/