Jack Russell Terrier
|Other names for this breed:Russel Terrier, Jack, JRT
Country of origin:England, Great Britain
Traits:
Weight:9-15 pounds
Height:10-12 inches
Coat:Short smooth and wiry
Color:Predominantly white with tan, brown, black, cream or tri-color markings
Life span:12-15 years
Classification:
AKC - American Kennel Club: Terrier
UKC - United Kennel Club: Terrier
TKC - The Kennel Club: Terrier
NZKC - New Zealand Kennel Club: Terrier
FCI - International: 3 - Terriers, 3.2 - Small Sized Terriers
Jack Russell Terrier is a small, athletic dog that sports a thick coat and a tail that curves over its back. This breed is also referred to as the JRT or just as Jack. Not to be confused with Parson Russell Terrier, which is typically larger.
The origin of Jack Russell breed is somewhat sketchy, but it’s thought that they may have originated in England around the early 19th century and were originally used for hunting foxes and rabbits. They have been recognized by various kennel clubs and associations of breeders since 1899, making them one of the most established terrier breeds in existence today.
The Jack Russell Terrier is an energetic dog that loves to play, hunt, and dig. They are natural herding dogs and will often nudge other dogs out of their way to get to whatever game they’re chasing. This terrier does best with experienced dog owners who know how to handle this high energy. Read on to learn more about this interesting dog breed
Appearance
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, compact dog with a thick, rough coat. They have a short coat and look like a small fox with a long, bushy tail extending from their back. Their color can be any shade of tan, including brindle. The tail of the Jack Russell Terrier is a unique feature that dogs often use to attract mates. It is often wagged back and forth to entice another dog, a person or a cat.
Jack Russells are usually white or black with a tan, brindle or sable coat. They may also come in mixtures of these colors, such as when they are part red and part black. They can also be part red and part sable, or part sable and part black.
Personality and temperament
The JRT are friendly, outgoing and curious dogs. They are keen on socializing with people and other dogs, but they can be shy around new environments and situations. They are curious and playful, and love to dig. They are excellent at escaping from yards and running off to explore the world. However, they can sometimes be too eager to escape and may disappear for long periods. They are good with children if they are introduced at a young age to prevent them from nipping.
Jack Russell Terriers are generally good with other dogs, as long as they have some socialization with them when they are young. They make excellent watchdogs and will alert their owners if a stranger is in the area. However, they are not particularly good guard dogs as they are easily distracted by interesting scents.
Health issues of the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is prone to many of the same health problems that other terriers face, including hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and epilepsy. They are also susceptible to many of the typical genetic disorders that plague most other dog breeds. The JRT is a small dog that is at risk for many of the same issues that larger dogs are at risk for. The most common health issues seen in the breed include:
- Hypothyroidism: This disorder is caused by a thyroid gland that does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms include weight loss, a lack of energy, dry skin, and brittle or coarse hair. Treatment usually involves hormone injections.
- Epilepsy: This disorder is characterized by seizures. It is caused by an abnormal signal between the nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms can include hyperactivity, inappropriate actions, and lack of coordination.
- Cataracts: This is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It is an age-related disease that manifests itself as blurred vision.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a joint disorder that is common in large or giant breeds of dogs. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
- Patellar Luxation: This is a condition in which a dog’s kneecap pops out of place. It is an inherited condition and can cause lameness.
Grooming standards
- Regular brushing will help prevent your Jack Russell from over-grooming. This will keep their coat healthy, and prevent matting that can lead to tangles and knots.
- Bathe your dog when necessary. Jack Russell Terriers are prone to matting, which can be hard to remove and cause an uncomfortable sensation in the coat.
- Trim nails when they become too long. This is best done by a groomer, but you can also do this at home with a pair of blunt-tipped clippers.
- Check ears for signs of infection. This can be caused by debris or an accumulation of wax that needs to be cleaned out. You can do this at home using a cotton swab or by taking your dog to a groomer.
Conclusion
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, compact dog with a thick, rough coat. They are often referred to as THE terrier, due to their biting and digging nature. They are eager to dig and escape from yards, and can sometimes be too eager to escape.
The Jack is a smart, curious dog and is often used for hunting. This is a high-energy dog that does well with exercise, and needs it to keep him or her from becoming destructive. Overall, the Jack Russell Terrier is a loving, outgoing dog that makes a wonderful pet for any family.
Jack Russell Terrier Photo Gallery
You can click on the gallery images below to view them full sized (most are in wallpaper resolution!).