What Colors Are Jack Russells?

Controversy surrounds the Jack Russell terrier breed. Dog officials agree that these dogs date back to the mid-1800s when the Reverend John Russell of England set out to breed a better fox hunter. The American Kennel Club (AKC), however, recognizes the descendants of his dogs as Parson Russell terriers and claim that those known as Jack Russells have been diluted by crossbreeding with Welsh corgis and other types of terriers. On the other side, the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) says the two designations are interchangeable.

  1. Development of the Breed

    • Whether called Jack Russell or Parson Russell, the terriers bear the name of Reverend Russell, who was an avid hunter as well as a country parson, the AKC reports. Crossing a fox terrier with an English terrier (now extinct), the parson produced a mostly white hunting dog that was small and tenacious in flushing out the prey in fox hunts. Hunters liked to use white dogs in the hunt, so they would not be mistaken for the reddish fox.

    White Color Predominant

    • Jack Russells may have rough or smooth double coats.

      According to the JRTCA breed standard, Jack Russells should be more than 51 percent white. Generally, the dogs have black, tan or brown markings. They may also be tricolor, with a combination of white and two secondary colors.

    Coloring Not Acceptable in the Show Ring

    • Show dogs may be disqualified for certain traits related to coat and coloring. Brindle markings, a pattern of dark stripes on lighter-colored patches, can remove a Jack Russell from competition. On the other hand, grizzling, a sprinkling of white or gray hairs mixed in with black, is acceptable. Markings should be confined to the head and tail areas. Big patches of color over the body are not allowed. Having silky or kinky hair can also disqualify a potential breed contestant. Dogs with too many spots for the show ring still make loyal, happy and affectionate pets.

    Color-Related Congenital Defect

    • While the more white in a Jack Russell's coat may be an advantage at a dog show, the minimal pigmentation can have a down side. Predominantly white members of the breed have a greater risk for hereditary pigment-related deafness in one or both ears. The Jack Russell Terrier Research Foundation (JRTRF) reports that approximately 13 percent of the breed have inherited the handicap. The foundation is funding Jack Russell terrier deafness research being conducted at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine. Developing a DNA test to identify carriers so better breeding decisions can be made is the ultimate goal of the LSU group.