The Jack Russell Terrier is also known as the Parson Russell Terrier. It is a clever, independent, and lively dog that is also charming and affectionate. However, Jack Russell Terriers can be a handful to train and manage, that’s why it’s a breed that is best for experienced dog owners. Let us know more about the Jack Russell Terrier dog breed.
History
The Jack Russell Terrier was first developed in the mid-1800s in southern England. Its name came from the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest strains of terriers. He aimed to create a working terrier that would hunt with hounds, bolting the foxes from their dens so that the hounds would be able to chase them.
John Russell was able to maintain his strain of fox terriers which were bred strictly for working. He was also one of the original founders of England’s Kennel Club in 1873, and he judged Fox Terriers in 1874, in the first Kennel Club-sanctioned show in London.
But the breed has survived the changes that have occurred because it has been preserved by working terrier enthusiasts in England for 100 years. The breed became a favorite among many sportsmen, especially to those who hunted through horseback.
By the 1930s, the Jack Russell Terrier breed became known in the United States. There were also several breed clubs that came up with different opinions about the Jack Russell Terrier’s appearance, ability, and if it should compete in conformation shows or just remain as a working dog.
In recent years, there has been a great increase in the conformation showing of Jack Russell Terriers. The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) maintain an independent registry. It also considers the Jack Russell Terrier a pure hunting dog. However, the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America sought recognition by the American Kennel Club and it was granted in 2002.
For the American Kennel Club to differentiate the dogs registered by the JRTCA, they renamed the breed and called it the Parson Russell Terrier.
Characteristics of Jack Russell Terriers
Average size: 10 inches to 1 foot and 3 inches tall
Average weight: 13 to 17 pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Jack Russell Terriers’ sizes can vary widely because different types were used for different purposes and places as well. They can grow from 10 to 15 inches at the shoulder and can weigh for 13 to 17 pounds. Those who stand from 10 to 12 inches are longer than they are tall and are called Shorty Jacks, which look similar to Corgis and Dachshunds. Jack Russell Terriers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
There are two coat types for the Jack Russell Terrier but both of these types have a double coat with a coarse texture. They can come in white, black and white, or with tan markings as well.
Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and spirited. In fact, they are able to leap five times their own heights. They are also loving, devoted, and endlessly amusing. It is an incredibly intelligent breed, but its wild nature can make it difficult to train. They are also friendly towards people but can be aggressive toward other dogs and animals which looks like prey to them such as cats.
Caring for Jack Russell Terriers
Jack Russell Terriers today, though originally bred to be hunters, are people lovers, that’s why they should live indoors with the family. But it is also great if they will have an access to a fenced yard where they can burn off some of their energy. Playing with them for 30 to 45 minutes daily will keep them tired, but if you would take them out for a walk, it’s important to walk them on a leash to prevent them from chasing other animals and to keep them out of trouble.
Also, if you’re taking them out on a sunny day, slathering them with sunscreen is important, because they have light colored coats making them sensitive from the sun’s harmful rays.
Jack Russell Terriers need weekly brushing to remove their dead and loose hairs. If you brush their coats regularly, they will rarely need a bath. Trimming their nails once or twice every month is also important to prevent you from getting scratched when they jump to greet you.
The recommended daily amount of high-quality dog food for Jack Russell Terriers is 1.25 to 1.75 cups a day, divided into two meals. This will depend of course on their size, age, activity level, and metabolism.
Even though Jack Russell Terriers are bred to be hunters, they are also great companions and pets at home, especially when you’re an energetic person as well because you will both get along with different activities