About Jack Russell Terriers

If you are looking for a little dog that will provide plenty of entertainment for your family, be a great companion for your kids, and live a long, fulfilling life with your family, a Jack Russell Terrier may be the right choice. Learn more about this breed and the considerations you need to make before buying one of these spunky little dogs.

  1. History

    • The Jack Russell Terrier was named after Reverend John Russell who bred fine fox hunting terriers in Devonshire, England, in the late 1800s. His dogs founded the breed, and the Jack Russell dogs of today greatly resemble his first strain of fox hunting terriers. In fact, today's Jack Russell greatly resembles the fox terrier breed prior to 1900. The dogs are first and foremost working dogs, and owners of working Jack Russells have fought official AKC recognition of the breed. Nonetheless, the breed was finally recognized in 1997, and in 2003 the official name of the breed was changed to Parson Russell Terrier.

    Identification

    • Jack Russell Terriers are small, well-balanced dogs with a base coat color of white complemented by brown and black markings. The coat can be broken or smooth, and it is a short-haired dog with a very muscular body. Typically the ears are v-shaped and drop forward pointing towards the dog's dark, almond shaped eyes. The dog's compact body was bred to be fast enough to stay with a horse during a fox hunt, yet small enough to chase the fox into its den during a hunt.

    Features

    • Jack Russells are known for their lively temperaments. Since they are working dogs, they need plenty of activity in their lives. Jack Russells who are not given enough exercise and stimulation tend to be mischief-makers. They are very playful, generally good with children, and provide much entertainment for their owners. However, they tend to be aggressive toward other animals, and they will chew their owner's belongings if not provided with enough stimulation and safe playthings.

    Expert Insight

    • This dog breed does not require extensive grooming. Smooth-coated Jack Russell Terriers need an occasional brushing and a bath, and broken-coated dogs need to be hand stripped from time to time. Jack Russells must have exercise every day. However, they will often take off if let off of the leash, particularly if other dogs are around. These dogs suffer from few congenital problems and tend to be healthy as long as they are provided with routine veterinary care.

    Misconceptions

    • Because of the dogs' small size, people who live in apartments often purchase Jack Russells because they assume the dogs are good dogs to have in small spaces. Jack Russells do not do well in small spaces unless they are vigorously exercised every day. These working dogs will quickly become board and find their own entertainment, often to the detriment of their owners' belongings. If you live in an apartment and are planning on buying a Jack Russell, make sure that you have time in your schedule to walk your dog every day.

    Considerations

    • Jack Russells do best if kept indoors, because these dogs were bred to dig and hunt, and they will dig out of their yards if they are following a scent. They will also dig holes in the yard just for fun, so owners who want to keep their yards nice should keep their dogs inside with them, except for exercise and potty breaks. Also, owners of Jack Russells need to be prepared to take their dogs to obedience school early in their lives. They are trainable, but owners must be firm and consistent with them.