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Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a
feisty working Terrier that has won the hearts of many
admirers.
History:
The Jack is a relatively new
breed, created in Devonshire, England, in the early 1800s by
the Reverend John Russell (1795-1883). The Reverend had a
passion for fox hunting, as well as for breeding fox hunting
dogs. His aim in developing this breed was to have a dog that
would be able to follow the fox into its hole and harry it
until it broke cover, after which the hunt hounds could
"finish it off." What he desired was a dog that was smaller
than a Hound, but would still be able to keep up with the
horses.
The exact breeds that John
Russell used in his breeding program are not known, but it is
suspected that the Bull Terrier and the Pocket Beagle featured
strongly. The main goal of the Jack breeder has been
temperament, and this has meant that breed type is not
strongly set. Indeed, there are two forms of the breed, the
Jack Russell Terrier, and the Parson Jack Russell Terrier. The
only difference is that the Parson form has longer legs. The
Jack Russell Terrier is not a recognized breed worldwide.
Australia is the only country to allow them to compete for
Kennel Club Challenge certificates. England has given limited
recognition to the Parson Jack Russell Terrier, but they can't
earn the title of Champion.
Physical
characteristics:
Jacks come in two sizes.
Height: 9 - 12 in (23 - 30.5 cm) and 12 - 15 in (30.5 - 38
cm). Weight: 12 - 18 lb (5.5 - 8.5 kg). The height difference
is caused by difference in leg length only, so that both forms
are almost identical; it is only the proportion of body-length
to leg-length that changes.
There are three coat types in
this breed: broken, rough, and smooth. Regardless of coat
type, the predominant body color is white. Brown, black, or
black-and-brown markings are allowed, but they must not
dominate the white. The reason for this is that when the dog
flushes the fox from its den, the hounds waiting at the top
need to be able to distinguish quickly between the two. All of
the Jack's physical characteristics are present because of its
fox-hunting heritage. It must have a narrow chest, be totally
flexible, and be totally balanced in body proportions. The
Jack has a perky, mischievous expression that is created by
its v-shaped ears that fall forward and its large, dark eyes.
Behavior:
This is an amazing dog that
will delight its owners. Although it is small in stature, it
is a giant in spirit. The female Jack Russell makes an
excellent companion, as they are bright, very quick, and
affectionate. It is advisable to sterilize the male Jack
Russell unless you are a very assertive person and you wish to
keep him as a stud. This strong-spirited dog can become very
bossy with the whole family. Jack Russells make good
watch-dogs and will delight in informing their owners of the
presence of unwanted visitors. Care should be taken when they
meet other dogs because they have an outgoing manner which may
lead to an attack by larger dogs.
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