Jack Russell Terrier

Quick Facts:
Group Classification: Terrier
Country of Origin: England
Date of Origin: 18th Century
Weight M:14-18 Pounds
Height M: 10-15 Inches
Weight F: 14-18 Pounds
Height F: 10-15 Inches
Life Expectancy 15 Years

History

Jack Russell Terriers were first bred by an English clergyman named Jack Russell. The aim was to develop a breed that would be a good hunter for small game. Since the emphasis was to be on its working abilities, it had to have the right body type. This required plenty of stamina and courage, which are both qualities of the Jack Russell Terrier.

General Description

The Jack Russell Terrier is an active, sturdy dog and spends most of its time up and about. Its body length is proportional to its height and its skull is flat which gives the head good proportion in comparison to the rest of the body. The ears of the dog are of average size and they narrow as they reach the tips. The dogs’ jaw, which is well boned and powerful, is covered with a well muscled cheek. The Jack Russell Terrier breed has dark almond shaped eyes that are accentuated by v-shaped ears that hang close to them. This terrier has strong teeth that normally lock in a scissors bite and the upper teeth slightly overlap those that are below. Among its features is also a powerful neck that gradually extends downwards to the widened shoulders. The forelegs are straight boned and have correctly aligned joints. The chest of this breed of dog is shallow and narrow with the forelegs not very far apart which enhances athletic ability. The hindquarters are muscular and strong which gives good propulsion during movement. Round padded cat-like feet also work to give them sufficient support and grip. The terriers have smooth coats which add protection against severe climate and their colors range with the predominant color in most being white.

Temperament

The Jack Russell Terriers are very energetic and are rarely found lying around. They can be stubborn, which may require obedience training to make them toe the line. Unless socialized well, they may tend to be aggressive toward unknown people and animals. Due to their hyperactive nature, an apartment is not a conducive environment for them to live in. Jack Russell Terriers are very courageous and it is not strange to find them in altercations with much larger animals. They can get into spates of excessive barking, but with sufficient training this can be dealt with adequately. A strict trainer should be used to establish the owner as the pack leader which accustoms the dogs to having an authoritative figure to look up to. They usually have a hunting instinct and could possibly do harm to smaller animals. If they are not kept sufficiently active, the terriers could become restless and stressed.

Health and Care

Jack Russell Terriers are known to live long; however, they are sometimes susceptible to kneecap dislocation as well as eye and ear infection. The dogs also require a joint inspection to establish whether there are any bone disorders. Several Clubs exist and each of them has set up their own individual breed standards as well as exclusive registries. Jack Russell Terriers are on the registries of all recognized Kennel clubs.