Aug 06 2007
Should You Buy a Jack Russell Terrier?
Jack Russell Terriers are feisty, energetic dogs that gained popularity with the advent of the Wishbone series. However, in real life, these dogs are not exactly like the famous Wishbone. This dog breed is all terrier, and sometimes a Jack Russell’s temperament can be overwhelming for inexperienced dog owners.
The Jack Russell Terrier is also called the Parson Russell Terrier, because this breed was created by a parson – Reverend Jack Russell. He bred these dogs to chase down foxes. He wanted the dogs to be small enough to fit into the space the fox was hiding in, so he kept them small.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club’s Terrier Group. However, the AKC calls these dogs Parson’s Russell Terriers to differentiate them from British Jack Russells. This is necessary because the AKC feels that these dogs should have long legs, while British breeders prefer dogs with shorter legs.
Jack Russell Terriers are small, but strong dogs. Their dark almond shaped eyes have a bright eyed, alert appearance. While most Jack Russells have short coats, there are rough coated dogs, as well. These dogs always are more than half white. The rest of their body has a combination of tan, black and brown markings. The short tail of the Jack Russell Terrier is carried straight up, but is rarely still, as this breed is almost always enthusiastically wagging its tail over something. These dogs weigh in at 13 to 17 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a very high energy dog. Despite it’s small size, this dog does not do well in apartments or small spaces. This dog thinks it is much larger than it really is and will work until it wears out. A Jack Russell needs a securely fenced yard. Jack Russells will go over, under, and around obstacles to escape when they are bored. They will even climb trees.
Jack Russells enjoy living in the midst of an active family, as long as they aren’t overlooked in the bustle of family life. They love plenty of attention and thrive on playing games with children, such as chasing down and retrieving balls.
You should make sure you don’t neglect obedience training because of the Jack Russell’s small size. These dogs need the structure that commands provide. Puppy classes will also help you socialize your puppy, so he learns to play well with other dogs.
Jack Russells can suffer from eye and ear problems, including deafness. However, overall, this is a healthy breed.
Feeding a Jack Russell is not too expensive, as these dogs do not eat large quantities of food. However, if your dog becomes hyper, you may want to consult your veterinarian about using a lower protein food.
Smooth coated Jack Russells need very little grooming. However, rough coated dogs should be groomed at least once a week. Be sure to check regularly your dog’s nails to be sure they aren’t too long.
The Jack Russell can be a fun family pet. As long as your family isn’t filled with couch potatoes, the Jack Russell may be the perfect breed for you.
Photo by John Evans
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i got a jack russell terrier. and i love her a lot.and she is very playful.
my dog is very pretty. i am going to breed her also.
i got a question can i get her in heat with a chow and breed her to a jack russell.
The part about why the AKC calls them Parson Russell terriers isn’t quite right. The AKC lost the right to the name “Jack Russell Terrier” in a legal battle with the oldest and largest JRT organization in the USA (the JRTCA) which is strongly opposed to the AKC recognizing the breed. The JRTCA’s website is http://www.terrier.com and has loads of information for prospective owners.
Nancy the AKC didn’t lose the right to Jack Russell in a court battle. Owners who wanted to dual register their dogs sued the JRTCA because they were kicked out of participating in events with thier AKC registered dogs. The AKC quit using to Jack Russell so they could better match up to long legged Russells in England and Austrialia. In England and Australia only the short legged dogs are called Jack Russells. In the United States the JRTCA only registers dogs with realitvely long legs but will registers that proportanely smaller.
I want a jack russell ..I think/hope my parents are getting me one in the summer =)
My bearded collie died at the begining of december..I was sad but we got her from a dogs home at 6yrs old and she didntplay with toys-although she was active and easily bored but a great family dog she was the best =) …I hope a puppy Jack russel will be half as good =)
hello i really want a jack russell they are so cute and was wondering if anyone would sell a puppy to me as my mum says no as well alreay have a dog which is my dads dog to big for me to even walk.. its not the same i wont my own male jack russell puppy please someone sell me it
As a child and as an adult I have had many differet dogs. Some small(poodles) and some large(german shepard, doberman, greatdane,borzoi, irish wolfhound, retired racing greyhound. you get my drift. we bought a jrt puppy. 1 year later we boght another jrt to be his play mate. (both males) They are best buddies. They are now 7 and 6. They’re names are Bogey and Smalls. Hopfully they will be around for many more years. but when they pass away we will get another jrt. We will never have another dog other than a jrt. They are the sweetest, loving, caring, athletic and entertaining dogs we have ever owned. You are never lonely when they are there. They love to be with us. They love the children, and grandchildren or any kids. If ya could’nt tell by now, I think they are perfect.
i like the pic of the jack russell i have a jack russel just like that
someone gave me a jack russell,he looks like one but i have never seen as tall as he is if there is anyone that can show me a pic of a long legged jack or tell me how big they get
i bought two 7 week old jrt puppies two weeks ago both male they are called alfie and gizmo lol they are absolutely beautiful and everyone who has met them have instantly fell in love with them we had our 13 year old border collie cross put down 9 months ago and knew that no dog could ever take his place but these pups are stunning and are charming the whole family i think there lovely dogs very loving and fun …. hope this helps people make up there mind about these stunning dogs… love kirstie
I have had my jack russell for 5 years and have loved every minute of it! He thinks that he is my other child (knows me as “Mama”). I did train him but not in the “usual” way. I wanted him to have his own space so I kennel trained him, now when I say the word “kennel” he goes right to it. I also trained him to go right to the house if he gets loose. All I have to say is “house” and he goes right away. I have trained in other aspects that fit our life style. When people say that a dog is dumb I just laugh and say you haven’t met my Jacky Boy then!
I have A Jack Russel and she is the best and smartest dog ever. I am not just saying that, because I am a proud papa. She is well behaved, but a little crazy sometime. She loves to go fishing and squirrel hunting. It didn’t take much to train her. I would say that they make great companions if you have the time to play and train them. My friend has one and the thing is a holy terror. They just need alot of love.
I have a 3 year old Jack Russell that i rescued from an animal shelter…she is a little bigger then normal but is def all Jack Russell…she is the most loving and sweetest dog ever..she loves to give kiss and always be with me. They are very smart..never underestimate what they can do. They def are a great dog!
I’ve always had Jack Russells growing up, and they are very different than what people expect. They are not only energetic but loving, and will do anything for your love. If they know that something makes you happy then they will do it, and keep doing it. They know when your upset and do their best to give you lots of love. But, you must treat them right, and never hit them, because they will remember. And never underestimate them, they keep you guessing and keep you amazed. Also, please don’t try and breed them with other things, they are wonderful how they are, and getting the wrong mix up with another breed can be dangerous, like with a chow for example. And remember, they are bread to kill and destroy other animals, so be careful and introduce them to other animals and socialize them, or they will hate everyone and become dangerous.
my dog’s half JRT and he’s an escape artist! but i love him to bits! so i dont mind running out of the house (one time i was half naked to boot!) because he likes to play outside.
hi my jack russell is a girl and is the best she is so nice she always does what i tell her to since she was born and i love her so much she is defintley the most best dog out the lot and ive had over 4 dogs! bye *