Jack Russell Terrier

Breed Description

When mentioning the Jack Russell Terrier, the famous movie “The Mask” comes to mind, featuring an energetic dog relentlessly chasing a frisbee. Few people know the exact breeds that are its direct ancestors. Canine experts note the resemblance of the Jack Russell’s appearance to that of corgis and dachshunds, while others point out common traits with bulldogs. Among the general public, it is often said that this small decorative dog was created purely for the amusement of its owners.

In reality, the Russell Terrier is a traditionally hunting dog. It was bred in the 18th century in Britain by a clergyman named John Russell. As an avid hunter, he dreamed of having a nimble, small, and very strong dog that could flush a fox from its burrow and, if necessary, retrieve the animal. At that time, burrowing was in vogue, where dogs would drive foxes into their dens in packs, and dogs with such characteristics were highly sought after.

It is important to note that during the struggle with wild animals in the burrow, the dogs got heavily soiled in mud, and their fur absorbed the scent of the animal. Because of this, they often fell victim to shot and bullets, as hunters mistook them for foxes in the confusion. When a dirty dog emerged from the den, they were mistakenly shot. Other dogs involved in the hunt could simply maul them, confusing their companion for a fox.

Reverend John, whom friends called Jack, managed to solve this problem with the help of Fox Terriers. The clergyman lived nearly 90 years and, ultimately, fate rewarded him. As a result of long and meticulous work, two varieties of dogs emerged: the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier (a larger dog with rough fur).

Subsequently, representatives of the breed began to spread across Europe as hunting dogs. Their popularity grew, as burrowing was a highly popular activity among farmers even beyond England at that time.

By the end of the 18th century, the first standard for the Jack Russell was described, but selection did not stop there. Further breeding with various dog breeds resulted in the Parson Terrier becoming slightly taller and “squarer,” while the Jack Russell became more compact and elongated.In the 20th century, this tireless hunter gained particular popularity in Australia. The primacy of breeding Jack Russells still lies with Australian clubs, but England is still considered the birthplace of the breed.

Appearance

A small, short-legged terrier with a medium-length body, fantastic amounts of energy, and a funny face are the main characteristics of the “Jack.”

In formal terms, the international FCI standard describes the appearance of the Jack Russell Terrier as a very agile working terrier with a medium-sized torso, flexible build, and a good-natured temperament. Additionally, the standard particularly emphasizes the physical strength and piercing gaze of this remarkable breed.

Currently, the breed is divided into three types of coat. There are rough-coated, smooth-coated, and Russell terriers with a mixed type of coat. This distinction has a purely practical basis, related to the need to protect the dog while performing its direct duties during hunting, and does not affect the animal’s character.

With a height at the withers ranging from 25 to 30 cm, an adult dog should not weigh more than 6 kilograms. With proper care, these four-legged frisbee enthusiasts can delight their owners for 12-15 years.

Current trends regarding environmental protection and society’s increasing sensitivity to hunting, combined with the breed’s friendly traits, aim to include Russell terriers in the list of decorative dogs. However, changes to the standard have not yet occurred, and the Jack Russell Terrier rightfully holds its place among the best family companion dogs.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The medium-sized head has a slightly elongated shape on a powerful neck. The skull is somewhat flat, with a gently sloping forehead that is well-defined and has a slight narrowing towards the eyes, then transitions into a fairly broad muzzle, forming a wedge shape. An interesting fact: the final shape of the head in the breed is formed at six months of age. Therefore, expert dog trainers sometimes warn inexperienced dog owners, noting that when buying a puppy at a younger age, there is a high likelihood of ending up with a typical "yard terrier."

Морда

The muzzle is not tapered and is slightly shorter than the skull from the back of the head to the forehead of the animal. It is fully covered with fur. Depending on the type of the dog's coat, a short "beard" may be present on the muzzle. In all breeds, regardless of color, the nose is always black.

Уши

Очень подвижные, как и сама собака, уши имеют треугольную форму. В середине уши заломлены вперёд. Характерной особенностью ушей рассел-терьера можно считать способность поворачиваться в противоположную сторону в поисках источника звука. Любопытный факт: залом ушей джек-рассел-терьера имеет чисто практическое назначение. Свисающая часть уха закрывает собой ушной проход от попадания в него грязи и песка во время схватки собаки в норе зверя.

Глаза

Овальные, с лёгким срезом к внешнему краю глаза обычно тёмно-коричневого цвета. Небольшие глазки рассела придают нежность взгляду собаки. Но только до тех пор, пока “лисья гроза” не увидела добычу или свою любимую игрушку. С этого момента они загораются озорным огнём, и собака переходит в режим “турбо”. Остановить её можно только если убрать из вида объект преследования.

Зубы

Very strong jaws, according to the standard, should have a proper scissor bite, where the upper canines slightly overlap the lower canines. The teeth and jaws of Russell Terriers are very powerful-this is essential for hunting. The musculature on the cheeks is clearly defined.

Корпус

The body proportion is closer to a rectangle. The back is straight and very strong. The front part of the chest is prominently forward but does not have a barrel shape. The chest volume of a Jack Russell, according to the standard when measured under the elbows of the front legs, should be about 43 cm.

Конечности

Короткие, но сильные лапы позволяют этим собакам без устали носиться при каждом удобном случае. Передние лапы прямые, лопатки чуть отведены назад и покрыты вполне развитой мускулатурой. Строение передних лап и когтей на них заточено под копание, расширение ям и нор. Задние лапы короткие и очень мощные. Мышцы на бёдрах отчётливо проступают, рельефны. Собаки способны к очень высоким прыжкам.

Хвост

Let’s assume that the tail is not docked. Generally, it is not too long and is held high. When at rest, the dog can lower it but should not tuck it between its hind legs. In cases where the tail is docked, when held in the highest position, it should be at the level of the bend of the animal's ears.

Шерсть

Существует 3 разновидности шерсти: жёсткая, гладкая (мягкая) и смешанный тип. Собаки с жёсткой шерстью являются ещё и обладателями косматых бровей и бородки на морде. Это самая длинная и шерсть среди всех типов расселов. Затем следует шерсть смешанного типа или брокен - у таких собак волос не такой длинный и жёсткий, как у первого варианта, вдобавок отсутствуют как брови, так и борода. Наиболее короткая и мягкая шерсть у гладкошёрстных джеков. Бороды, бровей нет совсем. Важно: стандарт FCI запрещает стричь собак для придания им облика гладкошёрстного типа.

Окрас

Regardless of the types of fur, "frisbee terriers" can have various shades of red, brown, black, and sandy colors against a dominant white background. This is due to the fact that historically, dogs could be mistaken for wild animals during hunting and shot. Most often, the dog's muzzle has a white stripe even when there are spots of the mentioned colors on its face. Three-color patterns are also allowed.

Character

When it comes to the character of these lovely dogs, one could talk for hours or even weave legends. However, they will all share the commonality that the Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless and tireless companion, capable of wreaking havoc if poorly trained. Otherwise, they are friendly dogs with a distinct personality, very sociable and cheerful. You can only catch the dog in a peaceful state when it’s sleeping. But it’s important to understand that at that moment it’s likely dreaming of a chase, a game, or playing with children who simply adore this breed. Always ready for a walk, they spread positive energy to those around them.

At the same time, they are fearless, strong hunters who are unlikely to get along with cats or other animals. They are particularly dangerous to hamsters and guinea pigs, which will definitely fall victim to them at the first opportunity. The same fate awaits household birds.

Russells excel at guarding, provided they do not live in a kennel.

Despite their small size, they can bark very loudly. Let’s be honest, Russells love to make their presence known. When they need a walk, they signal this need and can even bring the leash to their owner’s feet. The barking issue can be resolved with proper training.

Their tendency to manipulate can be seen as a negative trait, although on the other hand, it confirms their developed intelligence. To find the right “threads” to get what they want, a dog must be attentive and constantly analyze its owners’ behavior. A resourceful dog will find thousands of ways to attract attention and get time for play or training.

This little bundle of energy is ready for adventures, especially when traveling by car. If flying is in the cards, the dog must be thoroughly “unwound” beforehand, as it will need to stay calm for several hours.An adult Jack Russell Terrier is a mischievous child, hard to stop during playful antics. You just need to channel all that energy in the right direction, and life with a four-legged friend won’t be a hassle. This comparison probably best captures their character.At the same time, loyalty to their owner and family members is one of their key traits. Their sociability with guests and willingness to play with strangers should not be confused with naivety. This is where their cleverness shines through. After all, the dog primarily gets what it needs when playing with outsiders or guests, not the other way around. It is a mistake to think otherwise.This charming troublemaker will never betray their own-it’s just how they are.

Care and Maintenance

The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed that is well-suited for all dog owners regardless of their experience. Keeping a dog requires a clear understanding that this dog is extremely intelligent and clever, and similar characteristics are often seen in the family it lives with. The size of an apartment or house is not as important for the animal as regular daily walks lasting from 20-25 minutes to 1.5 hours. During walks, the dog gets the necessary outlet for its energy. Otherwise, it can create its own “order” everywhere, regardless of the size of the space it inhabits.

Interestingly, when it comes to the dog’s relationship with children, it’s safe to say that in a world full of gadgets, the Jack Russell Terrier serves as a true remedy for digital dependency. Since it’s impossible to take a passive position while walking the dog, this energetic pup will surely distract a child from their smartphone and encourage them to engage in all sorts of play during the outing.

Those who see this little furball tirelessly running with its favorite toy or eagerly performing its owner’s commands experience emotions that are hard to describe.

The most important and priority aspect of care is the early socialization of the puppy. This should be given maximum effort; otherwise, you might find yourself in a world of the dog, not the other way around.

Regarding nutrition, the solution is quite simple: follow the breeder’s recommendations and provide the animal with premium dry food. Fresh water should always be available to the dog. Even though the breed is very active, be careful not to overfeed the animal to avoid overeating and gastrointestinal issues or excess weight.

The smooth-coated Jack Russells require minimal grooming. Brushing with a soft brush is sufficient to refresh the coat and provide a body massage for the dog, which can also have a calming effect. Wire-haired and broken coat types require a bit more effort, but not significantly. Brushing should be done with more frequent-toothed brushes at least once a month. Include trimming-plucking the coat-in your care routine. To ensure the dog remains calm during the procedure, get it used to this from the age of 12 weeks. The hygiene trimming of the beard and eyebrows of long-haired types should be done as needed, indicated by the dog’s appearance. However, do not attempt to turn a wiry Jack Russell into a smooth-coated one. This is prohibited by FCI standards and could harm the dog’s health.Even though the ear folds of the flying terrier serve as a natural barrier against dirt and insects, carefully monitor the dog’s behavior during and after walks, and check its ears at least 2-3 times a week. This will help avoid issues with ear inflammation from foreign objects, as Jack Russells tend to hunt for treasures in any hole and will definitely stick their curious snout in.Nails require trimming

Training and Education

As a terrier at heart, combined with boundless energy, a Jack Russell can show persistence during training. Before letting your dog out to play with children, carefully work through various scenarios of the dog’s behavior outdoors.

To make your task easier, it is crucial to socialize your dog from a young age. Doing so will significantly lighten your load, as retraining an adult dog is nearly impossible.

Be sure to train your pet to walk on a leash and achieve impeccable responses to the commands “NO” and “COME.” Otherwise, the adventure-seeker might run off in pursuit of something.

Jack Russells are particularly adept at learning agility commands, so use this to your advantage by offering such exercises to your trainee. However, this doesn’t mean the breed is unresponsive to other training elements. Start with basic home training, and add practice sessions during walks that involve jumping, running, and other physical activities. But don’t overload the dog with monotony, and absolutely do not yell at the animal. Practice sessions should not exceed 20-30 minutes; otherwise, the Russell will get tired.

One of the most challenging aspects of training is preventing your short-tailed pet from damaging household items. If you allow the dog to play with your shoe or slipper even once, you can consider your training a failure. After that, all footwear in the house will constantly be at risk of disappearing or getting ruined. To minimize the likelihood of developing this habit, monitor the dog’s daily routine and take it out for walks in a timely manner. Only after a good run will it stop seeing your shoes as prey or an item to be destroyed.

If you show weakness even once, you will experience the powerful pressure of your jumper’s ego breaking all established order in your home, leading to a long adjustment period with professional trainers.If this is your first experience or you have any doubts about your abilities, we recommend taking courses with professionals. Never let the dog’s attempts to circumvent your rules go unchecked. Remember, if you can’t train your dog, it will take charge of your training. Find your puppy through trusted sources.

How to Choose a Puppy

Are you a hunter or looking for a companion for your grown children? Do you want to participate in exhibitions or just need a four-legged friend to travel the world with? Have you firmly decided to spend the next 15 years or more with an active companion? If you answered yes to these questions, congratulations! You’ve made the right choice.

But before a Jack Russell Terrier enters your home, carefully study all the breed characteristics based on the FCI international standard.

When choosing a Jack Russell puppy, follow basic principles that always apply and are not breed-specific.

The pet’s veterinary passport will inform you about vaccinations. There should be notes about tail docking and any potential hereditary diseases in the document. Don’t limit your inspection to just the puppies. Review the mother dog’s documents and observe her behavior. If the parents have behavioral issues, it indicates that the breeder is not taking proper care of the animals. They may even be withholding information from you.

A healthy Jack Russell puppy should not show aggression towards its peers. Pay attention to the puppy’s toys. If any forbidden items (such as socks or shoes) are among them, it’s better to find a different breeder. In the future, your dog will play with the same things, and correcting this behavioral flaw will be very difficult.

A timid puppy or animals with obvious coat problems should be rejected. Your puppy should not have white spots on its eyes or push its nose into surrounding objects. Try testing the puppy’s hearing by clapping your hands behind it and observe its ear reactions. If there is no response, this signals that the pup may have hearing issues.The belly of a healthy Russell should not be bloated or sunken. The ears should be clean, and the nose should be free of white discharge from the nostrils, but moist and cold. Compare puppies from reputable breeders on Zooinika and choose your ideal pet.

Health and Diseases

The highly active breed, the Jack Russell Terrier, was developed to assist humans in extreme situations. Therefore, the initial goal was for these dogs to possess strong health. However, such agility is often the most common cause of ailments to which this breed is prone.

High jumps are an integral part of Jack Russells’ habits. Hip dysplasia is an unfortunate hereditary condition associated with their agility. Unfortunately, there is currently no complete cure for it.

Among the most unpleasant and common ailments, veterinarians note knee dislocations. Dogs love to run and dig, which can sometimes lead to issues.

Congenital deafness occurs less frequently than dislocations. However, the insidious nature of this condition lies in the fact that it can go unnoticed for a long time, especially by novice dog owners.

Food allergies and gastrointestinal problems can be addressed by adjusting their diet. This can be done at a veterinary clinic if the feeding recommendations from the breeder were not helpful.

Diabetes can develop in adult dogs aged 8.5 years and older.Cataracts can result from improper eye care or age-related changes in the retina.Heart muscle diseases are less common but can still affect your cheerful jumper under excessive physical strain.