Jack Russell Terrier

History

Originally bred to roust foxes who had ‘escaped to ground’ (gone underground) during hunts. And to this day the Jack Russell remains a keen terrier. The breed was developed and recognised in Australia and is now known world wide.

Description

A strong, active, working Terrier of great character with flexible body of medium length. The coat may be smooth, rough or broken.

Grooming and Physical Needs

  • Grooming Needs: Easy to groom, comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary.
  • Coat Type: Smooth; with no long or ‘trace’ hair on the head, face, legs or body. Broken; Some trace hairs on the head, face, legs or body. Rough; An excess of long trace hairs on the head, face, legs or body.
  • Moulting: Medium shedding.
  • Exercise Needs: Needs to be taken daily on a long, brisk walk. Prefers space to run, hunt and play.
  • Average Life Span: 15 years or more.

Behaviour

  • Family: If the pup is over excited when young it can go overboard with children. The owner needs to be as strong-willed as the dog is, or this little guy will take over.
  • Temperament: Cheerful, merry, devoted, obedient and loving dog. Absolutely fearless, careful and amusing, he enjoys games and playing with toys.
  • Trainability: Highly trainable and able to perform impressive tricks. However, if you do not show authority toward the dog, it can be difficult to train. This breed needs a firm, experienced trainer.
  • Sociability (Other Pets): Live happily with other pets provided they are trained and socialised from an early.
  • Barking: Mainly alert barkers, will bark if let run loose in yard and no one is home.

Talents

Have been used on TV and in the movies. They have strong hunting instincts.

Notes

Some are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness and Legg Perthes—a disease of the hip joints of small dog breeds. Prone to mast cell tumors.