Jack Russell Terrier
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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.
Size
10-15 inches
Weight
14‑18 pounds
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's
As far as I'm concerned, there is no other dog. The love and laughs that my Jacks have provided over the years is unmeasurable. I have had two wives, but my Jacks are with me to the end.
Pros: adorable, loyal, there is no competition
Cons: you had better be physically fit and able to devote lots of time and attention.
Our puppy jack, Miley . . .
. . .has been so much fun thus far. She is a smooth coat and is truly a beautiful dog. She is accepting commands well and is very loyal. Fantastic breed for our family with young children, would highly recommend!
Pros: Loveable, active, obedient
Cons: NONE so far!
rescue a Jack
I rescued my first dog at the age of 7 months and 4 yrs later decieded to get another. Really really enjoy them but they do require work and training which can also be enjoyable. My 4 yr old loves fly ball and is good at it. If you want a dog to do agility, fly ball or any active activity this can be the dog for you
Pros: very entertaining
Cons: need plenty of excersise and not in the back yard and YOU must be the pack leader done with good training
My Jack named "Jake&quo
My significant other gave me my Jack for Christmas in 2001 and the second he walked out of the crate he went over to a stack of newspapers in the corner to releave himself. We knew right then and there that he was a winner. We love him so much and would highly recommend to anyone in a dog search that if you have the dedication to keep your Jack excersized then they will be a good fit for you!!
Pros: So very loveable and loyal
Cons: Highly energetic, runs circles around you untill the whole house is asleep. I really feel like he can't go to bed untill he knows theres nothing he will miss.
In Lovinging Memory of May
In July of 2004 My family purchased our first family pet, a JRT. We named her May, and she remained part of our family for 4 1/2 yrs. On 12/14/08 her puppy was hit by a car, on 12/16/08 she died for no reason the vet could find. She took the loose hard, like a human not an animal, therefore i believe she grieved herself. She was great with the whole family and as lazy as could be, not your typical JRT. She will be missed greatly as will her baby boy Scooby-Doo. (JRT Beagle mix)
Pros: the most lovable loyal dog
Cons: this may or may not be a con but it sometimes seems like the dog is smarter than you
Bailey Rae. A Jack Russell
My dog is very loving and affectionate. She understands when you are happy and when you are sad. If you need comfort she is always there. She just recently had 2 puppies but one was recently given away. She was a very good mother except for when she didn't see the pups and just sat on them or when the pups tried to eat her food and she snapped at them.
Pros: Affectionate, Understands
Cons: VERY ENERGETIC. sometimes stubborn. sheds very much
My JR Darby
Our JR Darby is a great dog, she is always so fun to be around and takes care of us all. She and my 2 year old daughter get along great and are the best of friends. We are always said when we have to leave for she doesnt like to be alone. All my friends like coming here to see her for she is so friendly. She is very unique all white with on patch of brown over hey eye and one brown ear, thats the only color she has
Pros: Very friendly, always happy to see you, fun to play with
Cons: really hyper when we get home, stubborn sometimes (mostly for my wife)
Beast
Beast is our male JRT, aged 1 yr, 3 mnths. He is just a perfect dog! He does the cutest tricks, loves the whole family (mom, dad & 3 teenage boys) and everyone who comes to visit. Of course he is adored by all in return. He is our youngest son's rugby team's mascot and loves going to the rugby, I'm sure he understands the game. He even watches TV and 'talk' to other animals. And he sleeps with me & hubby in bed... He is beautiful!
Pros: Clever; learns tricks easily, active, loving, protective.
Cons: None!
