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General Description
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, compact dog with a flexible body, and a small chest - necessary because as a working dog it must be able to get into burrows after its quarry - which comes in three varieties distinguished by its type of coat: smooth, broken or wire-haired. (The broken coat is a combination of both long and smooth hair.) Usually this terrier's coat is all white, with reddish black, tan or brown markings on the head and tail. The v-shaped ears of the terrier fold forward over a triangular head, tapering to the black nose. The eyes are almond-shaped and are dark brown or black. The tail is long and is held high, but is usually docked at about five inches. The legs should be straight. Many Jack Russell terriers have bent legs because of Achondroplasia (a type of dwarfism), but this is considered a fault.
The three types of coats are known as smooth, broken and rough. If the dog's coat is less than 51% white, it is considered a fault in the conformation show ring.
Character
The Jack Russell Terrier has a lively, cheerful temperament, with a strong will. It is obedient - if properly trained. It is also fearless - so much so that care must be taken around larger dogs, for the much smaller Jack Russell will not back down. This breed also has strong hunting instincts and should not be let loose around smaller animals. The Jack Russell is good with children - it enjoy games and playing with toys - but will not tolerate ill-treatment from anyone. They like to bark and they like to dig, and they can get bored and destructive if they are not kept well exercised. The Jack Russell is also a climber and a jumper - so five foot fencers present no obstacle to them.
General Health
Jack Russells must be tested for congenital deafness. They are also prone to eye cataracts and displacement of the lens of the eye (called primary lens luxation), Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes syndrome (degeneration of the hip joint) and Von Willebrand disease (frequent bleeding), as well as Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness). With good care, a Jack Russell can live up to 15 years.
Jack Russells are one of the few breeds that aren't prone to hip dysplasia.
History
The Jack Russell Terrier got its name in the 19th century, a hundred years after a clergyman named Jack Russell bred terriers so that they might hunt small game, such as foxes, by following them into their burrows. The standard is very broad, and many different body types are accepted in the breed. They are divided into working terriers and pet and show breeds.
The clergyman’s name was Parson John Russell, known to friends as Jack. He was a founder member of the UK Kennel Club in 1873 but he never showed his strain of dogs at Kennel Club shows. Most Jack Russells are descended from a bitch called Trump who was given to Parson John Russell by his milk man. She was a Fox Terrier. There are three types of Jack Russells including the Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell (there is no difference between the two other than politics) this is the type that gives the Jack Russell the high strung reputation as they are very prey oriented and were bred to bolt Fox. The English Jack Russell AKA Jack Russell Shorty or Puddin' Jack was the first type of Jack Russell bred by John Parson. They were used to stay on the farm and keep the vermin population to a minimum. They are also great with farm animals and children and are very family friendly dogs. These great little dogs were noticed by a terrier fancier in Ireland. Once there many breeders in Ireland did not stick to the standard and bred them with other breeds such as Chihuahuas and other small dogs which are now known as the Irish Jack Russell. Some people call them Pocket Jacks due to their smaller size.
Maintenance
The Jack Russell Terrier is easy to groom – simply comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when necessary. For show dogs, the coat must be stripped - regardless of the type of coat is is. Their teeth must be brushed frequently.
Ideal Environment
The ideal environment is a house with an average-sized yard, so that the Jack can get a lot of exercise. If they are to be left in an apartment, they should not be left alone for any length of time, unless they are trained to stay in a crate. They will be extremely excited and ready for exercise when they are released.
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Jack Russell Terrier Q&AAsk a Question
baldnessmy dog has very little hair on his underbelly is this usual Jim Melly
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jack russel lmy jack russell is very bald on his underbellie is this is this unusual Jim Melly
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jack russel lmy jack russell is very bald on his underbellie is this very bald is this unusual Jim Melly
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hihi my my dog she wee sametime in side can u help me out on this
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