JACK RUSSELL TERRIER
- FULL OF JOY, ALWAYS ACTIVE, ADMIRING ATHLETIC,
STURDY SLEUTH-HOUND
Jack russell terrier is brave, happy, independent and brisk hunting dog. He is
suitable for moving people and he is sociable, but not a pet to hold only on
arms because of his activity. His stubborn character may also cause difficulties
to inexperienced master. Always remember, that humans are the leaders in the gap,
whom are not allowed to be resisted!
The hunting instincts are very strong; on the riversides and the fields it is
wonderful to catch mice and shrew! On tracks and cave tests you can let JRT to
try his original instincts. Also in training agility the intelligence and
agility of this small terrier are advantages. Among horse people the breed has
been popular for a long time as an alert stable dog and has later become (unfortunately)
as a “mode breed” one of the most wanted small breed dogs.
Before registering jack russell terriers were divided in two different classes
in size, over and under 30 cm. Over 30 cm´s, that were square and lighter as
type, were registered in the beginning 1990´s as an official breed parson
russell. The smaller, under 30 cm´s and a bit more sturdy, longer than high as
their body and having a bit stronger heads are jack russell terriers, they
became as an official breed in Finland in the beginning of 2000´s. Already
registered dogs (Australian/show type, that is managing in shows nowadays) were
imported from Australia, which was the first country to register JRT. The show
type is founded mainly on three kennels. The show type differs from the original,
hunting JRT. In England, the home country of the breed, the small JRT isn´t
registered at all, because England didn´t want earlier the registration being
afraid, that the dogs would become “show toys”, which wouldn´t be capable to
work.
The coat of JRT is smooth or rough or broken, but not woolly. The colour is
white with black, red or black-red (tricolour) marks. There should be more than
50 % white in the body. It is good, however, to preserve the colour, because
whole white colour will cause problems in health.
Jack russells have patella luxation and catarract in some amount. Nowadays in
certain lines has also occurred spinal degeneration. JRT is in PEVISA by breed
club, which means, that puppies are not allowed to be registered without knee
and eye examination, though the parents would already be in registration. Eye
examination must be done again every year, if the dog is used in breeding. If
you think to be a breeder in future, feel your responsibility and ask advice
from more experienced person. “Only” pet breeders doesn´t exist, every litter
has influence in breed. Breeding litters only because “it is nice” or thinking
about money isn´t responsible action.
If you hesitate to acquire JRT because of his activity, don´t do that! But if
that is the reason you want this lively small terrier, welcome to the band! I am
sure you won´t be disappointed!