Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed Information Guide

Jack russell terrier dog breed picture

Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed Information Guide


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Jack Russell Terrier dog breed information profile includes history, appearance, size, temperament, lifespan, health, training of Jack Russell Terrier dogs and puppies.

Thinking about adding a Jack Russell Terrier dog or puppy to your family?

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All About Jack Russell Terrier Dogs and Puppies

Jack Russell Terrier dog breed information profile includes history, appearance, size, temperament, lifespan, health, training of Jack Russell Terrier dogs.

The Jack Russell Terrier is very popular and spirited breed of dog that has won the hearts of canine owners nationwide. This rather small breed of dog has a rather disproportionate amount of spunk and vitality which makes them both a joy and a handful to handle at times.

Jack Russell Terrier History

It’s a well known fact that the Rev. John Russell was an avid fox hunter. As such, he was no doubt disappointed when the quarry ran down into the foxhole, or ” went to ground,” disappearing where the hounds could not flush the fox out.

Because of this, he set out to develop a small, yet courageous, dog that was capable of going down into the foxhole and flushing the fox back out above ground. In order to achieve this, the dog would have to the athletic enough to run over ground and keep up with the hounds, and yet still be small enough to fit down into a foxhole.

Additionally, he would have to be narrow in the shoulders and hips, to allow him maneuverability, as well as possessing the courage and forceful nature required to chase the fox out of his hole.

His inspiration for the breed would come from a small dog that he purchased from the local milkman. Called Trump, she would become the foundation bitch for his breed. Sadly however, due to financial problems, the Rev. would have to sell his dogs on several occasions – while Trump was his ideal, it’s highly unlikely any current bloodlines trace back to the milkman’s dog.

It’s believed that the modern Jack Russell Terrier was created by breeding several varieties of local terriers, including a now-extinct breed of White English Terrier and possibly the popular English Black and Tan. Regardless of the ancestry behind these magnificent little dogs, the Jack Russell Terrier has continued to gain popularity and is one of the most well known dogs in the world today.

Jack Russell Terrier Appearance

Coat: There are two varieties; Smooth Coat Jack Russell Terriers and Rough Coat Jack Russell Terriers. JRT’s are usually white with tan, black, or lemon, or with markings in three colors (called Tri-Color Jack Russell Terriers). Markings restricted to the head and base of the tail are preferred and the color should amount to no more than 49% of the dog, with his predominant color being white.

Jack Russell Terriers vary a good bit in height and weight – these dogs are bred for what they do – not how they look. For this reason you’ll find short-legged Jack Russell Terriers, which are also known as Miniature Jack Russell Terriers and Toy Jack Russell Terriers.

Jack Russell Terrier Temperament

The Jack Russell Terrier is intelligent.

The Jack Russell Terrier is considered to be one of the more intelligent dog breeds which means they are quite responsive to training. If you want a dog that has limitless potential to learn clever tricks, this dog may be for you. Unfortunately, their intelligence can be a double edged sword.

If you don’t stimulate their mind and keep them occupied, they can become bored and destructive around the home, chewing up things or digging endless holes in the back yard. They are also well-known as escape artists who can crawl under, jump over, or slip through fences.

The Jack Russell Terrier is good with children.

The Jack Russell Terrier has a reputation of getting along well with children. Despite their boundless energy and rather high strung personalities, they also have a kind and gentle side especially when theyre exposed early to children. Although this dog breed, in general, responds well to children, children should be taught to respect a Jack Russell since they will defend themselves if they are given abusive treatment by a child.

The Jack Russell Terrier is an affectionate breed.

The Jack Russell Terrier tends to be affectionate with both adults and children and are tolerant of strangers. Their loving nature makes them a very popular dog breed.

Jack Russell Terrier Exercise Info

The Jack Russell Terrier is high energy.

This dog breed was bred to be a working dog which means the Jack Russell needs to stay active. If you do not have the time or energy to devote to daily walks and exercise sessions, this may not be the breed for you.

That being said, if you love to get out and meet people, you and your Jack Russell Terrier will enjoy participating in the many sporting opportunities available nation-wide for JRT enthusiasts and owners. These `terrier trials` or Dirt Dog Events include a wide range of fun activities that let Jack Russell Terriers show what they`re made of; `go to ground`, racing, agility and much more. Check out the JRTCA web site for more information on Jack Russell Terrier clubs and events near you!

Jack Russell Terrier Grooming Info

The Jack Russell Terrier does not require special grooming.

You can generally get by with a daily brushing and a bath carried out at home whenever he gets dirty. There is no need for professional grooming or fancy cuts with this princely pooch.

Jack Russell Terrier Training Info

Training your JRT is essential and it’s advisable that you start your Jack Russell training as young as his early puppy years. Jack Russell puppy obedience classes will do wonders for helping, not only your puppy learn, but also assist you in learning about your new puppy. In addition to puppy and basic obedience classes for your Jack Russell Terrier, you might also consider enrolling him in some agility classes and competitions to help him expend excess energy.

Jack Russell Terrier Health Info

The Jack Russell Terrier has a long life span.

The Jack Russell is one of the longer living breeds of dog. It’s not uncommon for a Jack Russell to live more than fifteen years. They also tend to have fewer of the genetic diseases that are seen in extensively inbred purebred dogs.

Despite this, it’s always very important to find a highly responsible breeder from which to obtain a Jack Russell Terrier puppy. JRT’s, like all popular dog breeds, have been exploited by puppy mills and back yard breeders; irresponsible breeders who breed solely to make as much profit as possible, without regard to the health of the dogs they are breeding, or potential health problems that can arise in puppies from these breedings.

These breeders rarely take proper care of their dogs and puppies, and more often than not, the breeding dogs are kept in deplorable, inhumane conditions without adequate care, nutrition, shelter, comfort, interaction or nutrition. Puppy Mill puppies usually have some sort of problem, whether it`s a health issue or a behavioral problem that will affect your Jack Russell Terrier puppy and your family for years to come.

Avoid purchasing a JRT puppy on a whim, and always carefully research any breeder from which you are considering acquiring a puppy. A responsible breeder will raise their dogs and puppies in the home with lots of love and attention, will screen their dogs for health problems prior to breeding, and will ensure that puppies are healthy and well-socialized prior to being placed with you.

In addition, a reputable Jack Russell Terrier breeder will be selective about with whom their puppies are placed, and will want to know all about you and your living arrangements before agreeing to place a puppy in your care.

Adding a Jack Russell Terrier dog or puppy to the family is an important decision with many added responsibilities. Make sure you are ready to take on the rigors of JRT ownership, and that you get the right puppy from the right breeder.

Is a Jack Russell Terrier the Right Breed of Small Dog For You?

The Jack Russell is not generally good with other pets.

The Jack Russell has a tendency to be particularly unfriendly towards cats or other furry pets like guinea pigs or rabbits – it’s their natural hunting instinct. If you have other dogs in your household, you may want to reconsider adopting a Jack Russell as well; they can often be aggressive with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.

The Jack Russell Terrier is not a good apartment dog.

Due to this dog breeds high energy level, apartment living does not suit the energetic, high strung Jack Russell.

A Jack Russell Terrier can be an excellent choice in dog breed if you are looking for a loving family pet and have the time to devote to exercise and training. Caution is in order if you have other pets in your household. A Jack Russell Terrier adoption may be ideal for a household that only wants one pet.

More Information about the Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed


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