Description of the Jack Russell Terrier breed: character traits of the dog and reviews from owners

Small, active dogs have long been popular in the West. Small pets are becoming more common in Russia. People become more and more interested when they mention the Jack Russell breed. It was this representative of the dog family who got the role in the famous American comedy with Jim Carrey. The dog from the film The Mask is a Jack Russell Terrier; the description of the breed reveals mischief, tireless character, and excellent socialization of the animal. Unlike the Fox Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier has a special shape of the head, ears, and eyes. And even the gait of these two dogs is different. In addition, Foxes are calmer than Russells. The latter are ready to jump, run and have fun all day long.

Origin story

The breed was bred in Great Britain by the priest John (Jack) Russell. Russell was not interested in the appearance of dogs; he paid attention only to their working qualities and the factors influencing them: height, chest structure, endurance, jaw strength.

When breeding the breed, he used Fox Terriers, Lakelands, Borders, Bull Terriers, Beagles, carefully and severely culling all puppies that did not meet the basic requirements . As a result of such work, dogs appeared that were ideal for hunting foxes and badgers on foot.

After the death of John Russell, his work was continued by Arthur Heinemann, who began to use Pembroke Dachshunds and Welsh Corgis for breeding.

The first Jack Russell Terrier club was created in 1914, the breed standard approved by the FCI was adopted in 2001.

In Russia, the first representatives of the breed appeared in 1998, in 2000 . The RKF registered the first pair; in 2003, the National Breed Club was created at the RKF and the first National Exhibition was held.

In 1994, the film “The Mask” was released, where the main character’s dog, Milo, was played by a Jack Russell terrier. Representatives of this breed also starred in such films as “Problem Child”, “My Dog Skip”, “Paws”.

History of the breed

Fox Terriers of the beginning of the century were almost no different from modern Jack Russell Terriers. The priest John Russell acquired the first dog (the founder of the breed) while studying at Oxford. She was a white girl with coarse fur and red-brown spots on her head and tail. She was slender and well-built, as tall as a fox. Russell carried out numerous crossings of this individual with solid and colored terriers, trying to achieve improved hunting qualities. Appearance was not taken into account as an important factor.

Russell's idea stemmed from his passion for fox hunting. It was a popular pastime in Europe at the end of the 18th century. The animal was chased until exhaustion, and when the fox managed to scurry back to normal, the distant ancestors of modern Jack Russell terriers came into play. The miniature dogs traveled on horseback throughout the hunt, in the hunter’s bag. Only at moment X were they released and sent to the hole. A couple of minutes solved the matter and the fox jumped out of the hole straight into the hands of his pursuers.

Physical characteristics that were a priority made us forget about the dogs’ unattractive appearance. They were stocky and broad-shouldered. Everything changed in 1859, when people became seriously interested in exhibitions. Gradually, fox terriers became elegant and attractive.

In just ten years, the breed became very popular and accounted for one fifth of exhibitors. Terriers acquired a deep chest and straight shoulders, and their heads became narrower and longer. True, they could no longer get into the holes, they lacked dexterity, but at the exhibitions the dogs attracted attention.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed of rat-catching dog. And today they confirm this title by destroying rodents. But the record holder made history back in 1977. It was a Vampire terrier from Great Britain, which killed a ton of rats in a year.

Pet character

Jack Russell Terriers have a complex character. These dogs are distinguished by independence, determination, stubbornness, straightforwardness and the ability to make decisions independently, assessing the situation. In addition, they are hyperactive and, if not raised correctly, can cause a lot of problems.

These dogs are hunters, they are characterized by an excellent sense of smell, endurance and high performance, they need long walks and active games..

If a Jack Russell lacks physical exercise, violent energy finds a way out through literally destructive behavior: playing at night, damaging property, digging holes, chasing birds and cats, etc.

At the same time, all shortcomings are compensated by a cheerful disposition, love of life, fearlessness and playfulness. Representatives of this breed are incredibly loyal to their owner, affectionate and friendly.

They react calmly to strangers on the street, but they can be wary, suspicious and even aggressive towards guests, which makes them excellent watchdogs.

They do not try to single out the main person in the house and become attached to all family members, although they can choose a favorite.

They need constant communication and attention and do not tolerate loneliness well.

General characteristics of the Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a born hunter. This variety of terrier was bred for fox hunting. The Russells are very smart and capable. They were used as breadwinners, trackers, and can work in a team. They entered the holes and drove out the foxes. To achieve this, when breeding, attention was paid to small size, jaw strength, and fearlessness. The dog must be smooth-haired so that the earth does not get stuck in the fur.

Natural instincts and hunting qualities, inherent genetically, can lead to difficulties in home maintenance. This is an incredibly active pet, cunning and independent. But these dogs have many advantages, which is why they are among the top five most popular breeds.

Pros of the breed

In the 20th century, small breeds became popular among urban dog breeders. Despite the fact that the Russell is a hunting dog, it has many lovers. There are several advantages in its character and content:

• thanks to their small stature, Jack Russell Terriers can easily live in a small apartment;
• These are smart dogs, well trained, inquisitive and resourceful;
• unpretentious, quickly adapt to any situation;
• this dog is a good guard, fearless and loyal;
• sociable, becomes attached to all family members, loves children;
• hardy, efficient, jumping.

Cons of the breed

But this breed is not suitable for everyone. An energetic, active pet needs long walks and serious training. He cannot stand loneliness, so it is better not to get this pet for those people who do not have time for a dog or energy for active games with it. There are also other disadvantages of the breed:

• high physical activity required;
• with lack of attention it can be uncontrollable;
• requires serious training;
• developed hunting qualities, can run after a bird;
• jealous.

Video with an interesting description of the Jack Russell Terrier:

Video: Jack Russell Terrier. Pros and cons of the breed

Bad habits

The Jack Russell Terrier is a very smart dog, quick-witted and independent. It is important to gain authority and train it from the first time it appears in the house. Owners who failed to cope with the active temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier and raise him correctly are faced with bad habits as adults. These pets often exhibit the following behavior:

• they bark loudly and loudly;
• they are stubborn and cunning, they manipulate the owner;
• run after birds, cats, bicycles;
• they love to dig, they even dig up flower pots;
• prone to chewing on various things.

Interesting Facts

This is the youngest variety of terrier, but these dogs quickly gained popularity. Interesting facts about them speak for themselves:

• included in the top 10 smartest dogs;
• suitable for canistherapy for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and autism;
• often act in films;
• very jumping, can jump 1.5 m;
• Jack Russell Terriers are long-lived, living up to 16 years;
• One such terrier killed a ton of rats in a year in the middle of the 20th century.

Attitude towards children and pets

Jack Russells are friendly towards children, get along well with them, and enjoy playing and entertaining them.

At the same time, if the child is under 3-4 years old, training the dog must be approached as responsibly as possible so that it does not snap or try to bite the child if he pulls the dog by the tail during play, for example.

You also need to accustom your pet to the child’s daily routine, otherwise he will strive to entertain him almost 24 hours a day.

Jack Russells are jealous, they cannot stand it if the owner pays attention to other dogs.

They treat their relatives negatively, with aggression, and only get along with representatives of their own breed.

Hunting instincts do not allow Jack Russells to coexist with cats or rodents - dogs see them only as prey.

Representatives of this breed live relatively calmly with other pets only if they grew up together, but even in this case it is necessary to monitor their relationships.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

Jack Russells are the intellectuals of dogs. They are energetic, intelligent, and easy to train if the owner is patient and persistent. As the dog grows older, it will try to take the place of leader in the family and it is important to immediately stop these attempts, otherwise it will stop obeying. With the right approach to education and socialization, representatives of this breed become excellent, loyal, affectionate and cheerful pets.

Dog health

Dogs of this breed have very good health. It is also necessary to take into account that a lot depends on the person. Competent and caring care, the necessary physical activity and properly selected nutrition are important.

The Jack Russell is predisposed to diseases such as deafness (congenital), eye diseases, and hip dysplasia.

In order to avoid infectious diseases such as canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, leptospirosis and rabies, the dog must be vaccinated regularly and in a timely manner.

Before each vaccination, it is necessary to give the animal antihelminthic drugs. In the future, it is recommended to remove internal parasites quarterly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Jack Russell Terriers have many advantages, for example:

• sociability, allowing you to find contact with all family members;
• good attitude towards children;
• curiosity and resourcefulness;
• cheerful disposition;
• ability to learn;
• guard qualities and fearlessness;
• devotion;
• small size, allowing you to keep them in small apartments;
• quick adaptation to a new environment;
• possibility of use in canistherapy - treatment with the help of dogs;
• hunting instincts are a definite plus for owners who love hunting;
• endurance and performance;
• unpretentiousness and easy care.

Of course, like any other breed, Jack Russells have their disadvantages.:

• uncontrollable and noisy behavior due to lack of attention;
• the need for serious training;
• need for long active walks;
• gullibility, which can lead to the theft of a pet;
• cunning and manipulative tendencies;
• hyperactivity is a minus for people leading a measured and calm lifestyle;
• aggressive attitude towards same-sex dogs, tendency to fight.

In addition, short-haired representatives of the breed are distinguished by profuse shedding.

Content

This breed of dog can be safely kept both in a country house and in a city apartment. But in the city there will not be enough physical activity. Walking in the city will be complicated by the fact that the Russell needs to be kept on a leash near highways and noisy gatherings.

Need for physical activity

When walking with your Russell, you need to play, let him run around and keep him company. The dog is highly active and curious. In areas with questionable coverage, it is better to use a muzzle. You need to walk for at least two hours and at least twice a day. This is not even necessary to cope with natural needs, since the Russell can be tamed to use the toilet. Walking is necessary to maintain the dog's physical health.

Appearance care

The coat of an individual can clean itself, so you need to bathe the dog as it gets dirty. Smooth-haired animals shed twice a year, while wire-haired ones need to be combed and trimmed. After the haircut, it is recommended that the dog walk around in clothes for a couple of days to get used to it.

Girls must be bathed after the end of their heat. The dogs are also bathed before each show.

Nutrition

There are no special nutritional requirements, since the breed was formed with an emphasis on endurance and performance. The main condition is maintaining a balanced diet, taking into account large energy losses. It is better to make a choice in favor of high-quality food or a special diet for active dogs. If you feed with natural food, then the main recommendations will be the words of the breeders.

You can also read the full nutrition article for this Jack Russell Terrier.

Color variations

The breed standard provides for 3 color options (shown in the photo):

• white fur with red spots;
• white coat with black spots;
• white coat with black and red spots (tricolor);
• pure white coat, but this color is extremely rare.

Red color can have any intensity, from the lightest to chestnut.

How to choose a terrier puppy

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-puppy-jack-russell-chihuahua-2091849/
Any person who is going to buy a puppy wants his pet to be healthy and definitely belong to the chosen breed. There is a better chance of purchasing such an animal in a good nursery, which is known for its excellent reputation.

If possible, it is better to visit several nurseries to make a comparison.

Naturally, breeders will praise their puppies, but don't rush into making a purchase. First, make sure you have all the necessary documents and ask for confirmation that dogs are not carriers of diseases.

It will be interesting to observe the puppies’ parents, their behavior and attitude towards people. If there is something you don’t like about this behavior or makes you wary, you should slow down and not rush into the purchase. Even if only one parent is questionable, take your time. After all, there is always a possibility that the puppies will take on negative character traits from this parent.

If there are no complaints about the breeder and you are ready to choose a life partner for many years, carefully examine the puppies. Their appearance should not have any flaws, their height and weight should correspond to the age of the children. Healthy puppies have clean ears and eyes, shiny and beautiful coat.

There is an opinion that it is the puppy who chooses the owner, and not vice versa. Take a closer look, perhaps you have already been chosen, because mutual sympathy is an inexplicable thing.

The statement that dogs are both good and bad is completely false. It's the owners who are bad. Lack of attention, love and desire to engage with a pet leads to very sad consequences.

Types and brief description

According to coat type, Jack Russell Terriers are divided into:

• smooth-haired - the most common type with soft, close-fitting hair;
• wire-haired (aka long-haired) - dogs of this type have a hard, rather long coat, have small eyebrows and a beard;
• Broken (or intermediate) - visually similar to the long-haired type, but the length of the coat is much shorter and lies close to the body of the terrier, there are no eyebrows or beard.

In addition, in 2001, the breed was divided into 2 varieties: Jack Russell Terriers (ICF standard No. 345) and Parson Russell Terriers (IFF standard No. 339) .

They differ in the height of their paws - Parson Russell Terriers have longer limbs.

Exterior features of the Jack Russell Terrier breed

The modern breed standard was formed in 2001. Belongs to the group of terriers. Russells appeared in Russia in 2000, and their breeding began in 2003. This is a small, strong dog with a muscular build. She has an elongated body and short legs.

According to the standard, the size of a Jack Russell Terrier should be no more than 30 cm. An adult dog weighs 5-6 kg. Males have a higher weight, up to 8 kg. But the standard does not allow this. For every 5 cm of height of the Jack Russell Terrier there should be 1 kg of weight, then the dog will be harmoniously built.

Head

The skull is not wide, flat, tapering towards the nose. The muzzle is quite short, the stop is smooth. The nose is black and large. The jaws are powerful, with a scissor bite. The teeth are sharp, the grip is strong. The lips are black and close tightly. The eyes are dark, oval, deep-set.

The Jack Russell Terrier's ears are triangular. Very mobile, rotates 180˚. The ears are set deep. They hang down, touching the inside of the skull. “Button” ears – bent in half – are also acceptable.

Torso

The physique is muscular and strong. The body is elongated, rectangular in shape. The length is always less than the height at the withers. The chest is deep, the chest circumference behind the elbows is at least 40 cm, the neck is powerful and long. The back is narrow, the loin is short, convex, the belly is tucked. The tail is thick at the base, set high. Usually docked at 13 cm. In a calm state it is lowered, while moving it rises vertically.

Limbs

Straight, parallel, strong. The hind legs are more developed and muscular. The hock joints are strong. The paws are small, round, the toes are closed.

Exterior features of Jack Russell Terriers in the photo:

Appearance of DRT

Appearance of a Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier coat and colors

The coat is very dense, with a short undercoat. It protects well from bad weather, but not from cold. Can be smooth, but wire-haired Jack Russell Terriers are more common. These dogs are ideal for people with allergies.

The breed does not have a variety of colors. The Jack Russell Terrier should be white with dark spots. They can be red, brown or black, clearly defined. White color occupies more than 50% of the body. Single-colored dogs are rare. Pure white or pure red color is not allowed by the standard. At the end of the 20th century, pure black Russells became popular.

Varieties

There are three varieties of representatives of this breed based on the type of coat.

• Long-haired or wire-haired. These dogs have hard, dense hair that sticks out to the sides. It forms a beard and eyebrows on the muzzle.
• Smooth-haired cats have short, smooth hair. It fits snugly to the body and is soft to the touch. She sheds twice a year.
• Brocken - medium length coat, close-fitting, smooth. Sometimes the hairs are broken, such dogs are called “raf”.

The 2001 standard identifies another type of Russell - Parson Russell Terriers. Their peculiarity is their higher paws. And recently, some breeders have begun to breed a dwarf variety of the breed. Such small Jack Russell Terriers up to 3 kg are not recognized as a standard.

From the photo you can see the varieties of colors and coat types of Russells:

Longhaired Jack Russell Terrier

Brocken

Smooth-haired DRT

Maintenance and care

These dogs were bred specifically for hunters and there were no high requirements for their maintenance, so we can note another advantage of this breed - easy care.

IMPORTANT!

Jack Russells are not suitable for outdoor or kennel keeping - they are sensitive to low temperatures and even when walking in the cold season they need warm clothing.

These dogs should be kept in a house or apartment, setting up a place with a bed or house away from drafts and heating appliances.

Wool and bathing

Coat care depends on its type: smooth-haired dogs need to be combed 1-2 times a week with a rubber brush or a furminator, and pets with hard or intermediate coats need to be trimmed quarterly on their own or in grooming salons.

You cannot cut your Jack Russell with a clipper, this will lead to the loss of the natural structure and texture of the coat..

Problems in grooming are associated with heavy shedding, which peaks in spring and autumn, but in fact, dogs living in apartments shed almost constantly.

Jack Russells should be bathed as needed - approximately 2-3 times a year..

Their fur is capable of self-cleaning, and frequent washing will lead to dry skin.

Ears

Ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned using cotton wool and a special lotion, carefully wiping first the outer ear and then the pinna.

You can prevent ear mite infection by instilling prophylactic drops.

Eyes

Eyes should be wiped daily with a cotton pad soaked in tea leaves or chamomile decoction.

Teeth

When changing teeth, you need to buy special teethers for your pet..

In addition, the dog’s teeth need to be brushed daily with a special brush and toothpaste, and for natural cleaning, give solid treats and dry food.

Paws and claws

After each walk, you need to wash your paws and inspect them for damage..

You also need to trim your nails every 2 weeks, because... if they are too long, the dog will begin to place his paws crookedly, and the load on the joints and ligaments will be distributed incorrectly.

Mating and birth

Breeding purebred Jack Russell Terriers can bring good profits to breeders. There is a clear description of what parameters an individual of this breed should have. However, it is worth remembering that mating should be carried out between pets that have all the necessary documents, good pedigree and compliance with standards.

If a Jack Russell Terrier girl appears in the house, you will have to adapt to the constant physiological processes and find out:

1. When is the first heat expected? This period is different for each dog, it marks puberty. But on average, the first cycle begins immediately after the change of baby teeth - at 6-16 months. Before the first heat, the bitch begins to shed heavily.
2. How long does heat last? Duration is 10-28 days. In the period from 11 to 13 days from the beginning of swelling of the gonads is the best period for mating dogs. The frequency of estrus is approximately 2 times a year. Owners should note when the dog's next cycle begins, regardless of whether mating has taken place.
3. How long does pregnancy last and how does childbirth go? To find out if you are pregnant, you can take a progesterone test. The wait for puppies lasts around 9 weeks. The approaching birth can be determined by the characteristic symptoms - the dog's contractions last from 12 to 24 hours, at which time she begins to breathe heavily and quickly. Over time, they become more intense, and the periods between them become shorter and shorter - the birth of babies is approaching.

During periods of hormonal changes, bitches become unpredictable. Even from a polite and well-mannered dog, you can expect surprises during the period of heat.

Health characteristics and main diseases

Jack Russell Terriers have fairly good health, but are prone to certain breed diseases, including:

• Lens luxation is a disease in which the lens of the eye shifts, causing the dog to experience lacrimation, photophobia and squinting, the shape of the pupil is disrupted, this disease leads to complete blindness and can only be treated through surgery;
• cataract is a pathology characterized by a decrease in the transparency of the lens of the eye, the formation of a cloudy film on the eyes, due to which vision is impaired, the dog goes blind, the disease is treated surgically;
• ataxia is a disease inherent in this particular breed, in which coordination of movements is impaired, balance is lost; a dog lives with such a disease for a maximum of 2 years;
• displacement of the kneecap is a pathology leading to arthritis, rupture of the knee ligaments, immobility;
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease – necrosis of the femoral head;
• von Willebrand disease is a blood disease characterized by regular spontaneous bleeding.

Also typical for Jack Russells:

• glaucoma;
• "Colli's anomaly";
• congenital blindness or deafness;
• dysplasia;
• progressive retinal atrophy;
• arthritis;
• dysplasia.

NOTE!

According to experienced breeders, diseases typical of this breed are extremely rare.

Diseases acquired as a result of improper care include obesity and allergies.

What to do if the parameters lag behind the norm

As already mentioned, the first thing to do is to discover the cause of the underweight.

This can be done with the help of a veterinarian or by observing the puppy.

Carefully monitor how he eats, how he behaves during games and walks, and whether there are any deviations from the norm in his behavior..

If this happens during the suckling period, then start moving the puppy to the rear teats and make sure that he receives enough nutrition.

This situation usually occurs in litters with a large number of puppies, where the stronger ones exclude the weaker ones from the teats with the most nutritious milk.

IMPORTANT!

If you notice that the puppies still do not have enough milk, then start complementary feeding, do not hesitate. It is possible that this is the only way to save the puppy’s life.

For bait, use a little cow's milk diluted with water. If the puppies do not have enough milk from the first day, then they will need a wet-nurse dog or a complete transition to artificial nutrition.

If you notice that your puppy has started to lose weight after you adopted him from the breeder, then it is due to a stressful situation..

To somehow correct the situation, give the puppy more attention and love, and also add to his diet, for example, calcined cottage cheese, which must be mixed with a small amount of whey, 2 drops of multivitamins and 1 yolk. If the mixture is too thick, dilute it with cow's milk.

Over the next month, the puppy should gain back the lost grams of weight..

Poor appetite and weight loss can also be due to worms. Usually the puppy receives his first medications from them with a vaccination. If tests confirm that the puppy is indeed infected, then treatment must be carried out earlier.

After a stool analysis shows what kind of parasites the puppy is infected with, the doctor may prescribe one of the following medications::

• Prazitel.
• Drontal Junior.
• Prazicide.
• Helminthal.
• Dirofen.

If your puppy is not getting all the nutrients, you may want to consider supplemental vitamins. Keep in mind that supplements must be prescribed by a veterinarian, do not rely solely on your own knowledge.

If you notice your dog licking his food bowl completely clean, he may not be getting enough.

Try adding more food next time and watch how he eats . This way you can determine what amount of food at a time is optimal for your pet.

Check the conditions in which the puppy is kept. It should not be too hot or too cold, damp or drafty.

Walk your puppy more. Jack Russell Terriers need as much activity as possible.

It may very well be that the puppy does not have enough active games and does not fully expend energy. As a result, he eats little and does not receive a new portion of vitamins.

If after a stool analysis does not reveal the presence of parasites in the pet, then the issue here is something else . Go through an additional examination to identify the reason for your refusal to eat or your low weight.

For example, these could be some genetic diseases of the dog that you did not know about and which you now have to deal with.

It is also worth remembering that excess weight is no less dangerous for a dog, especially at an early age. Excess weight can cause a dog's weak bones and joints to become deformed.

CAREFULLY!

Due to obesity, dogs experience problems with the heart and blood vessels, digestion and skeleton.

It is better to immediately monitor your pet and its diet to avoid various problems with its health.

Nutritional Features

When feeding Jack Russells, you need to follow 2 rules - the diet must be balanced and you cannot mix natural food and ready-made food.

With a natural diet, the dog's diet should consist of 60% meat and the remaining 40% from dairy products, vegetables and cereals.

Products allowed for Jack Russell:

• lean boiled meat;
• boiled lean sea fish without bones;
• boiled offal;
• dairy and fermented milk products;
• vegetables;
• rice and buckwheat porridge.

It is forbidden to give:

• fatty meats;
• tubular bones;
• freshwater fish;
• spices and herbs;
• corn, beans, potatoes;
• fried, spicy, salty, sweet and smoked foods.

With a natural diet, it is necessary to give your pet additional vitamins and minerals.

In case of feeding with ready-made food, it is necessary to buy only super-premium or holistic food.

Most popular brands:

• Artemis Maximal Dog;
• Innova EVO;
• Royal Canin;
• Hills;
• Bosch;
• Artemis.

Your pet should always have free access to clean, settled or filtered drinking water.

Due to the tendency of these dogs to become obese, it is important to follow a feeding schedule and control portion sizes..

Feeding

Based on their financial capabilities and availability of free time, each owner decides for himself which type of feeding to prefer. Ready-made food is initially balanced and does not require any additives. Naturally, only if it is food of good quality.

When feeding a natural diet, you need to take into account that the pet’s menu should contain food of animal origin in predominant quantities.

You should not overfeed your dog; it has a tendency to become obese. Portions must be strictly dosed.

Education and training

Jack Russells are smart, quick-witted and have a good memory, but the training process is complicated by their innate stubbornness and cunning.

It is necessary to start raising and training your pet from an early age, immediately letting him understand who is in charge in the house and what is allowed and what is not..

It is important to maintain consistency and stability, training must be regular, and patience and perseverance are required from the owner.

It is best to raise a dog in a playful way; you cannot beat it; if punishment is required, you can take the animal by the withers and shake it.

The Jack Russell needs to learn commands such as “come”, “place”, “sit”, “lie”, “near”, “fu”, “give” and “fetch”.

Character and education

The Jack Russell Terrier has its pros and cons, just like any other dog breed. The main positive characteristics of the breed:

• good nature;
• devotion;
• intelligence;
• bravery;
• love for small children;
• mobility;
• playfulness.

Dogs are considered reliable companions who form lifelong bonds with their family. The love of life and mischievous nature attract people to this breed. Indeed, the characteristics of the breed - hunting instincts and dexterity, cheerful disposition and courage, excellent thinking abilities and complete spiritual harmony with the owner - cannot be taken away. The dog is also distinguished by its harmlessness and great love for the people around it.

The dog, despite its hunting abilities, is not at all aggressive. The Russell Terrier and children get along well, so dogs of this breed can be fearlessly owned in large families. Not only is it safe to have such a pet, but it will also make an excellent company for children in active games or on walks in the fresh air. The Jack Russell can be trusted to guard your home. The absence of a frightening appearance on a dog does not at all mean that it is irresponsible and hopeless in guarding matters. The pet will stand watch around the clock to protect the entrusted territory.

However, there are also disadvantages of the breed:

1. Terriers love to be the center of attention, so they attract the public's attention in all sorts of ways.
2. If the dog starts playing, it will be very difficult to calm it down. Even after a while, when it’s time to get tired, the dog will run, jump, bark and wag its tail.
3. The breed is quite cunning and resourceful. The breeder will have to understand this and study the character of his pet well in order to be one step ahead.
4. The hunting instinct can manifest itself when other animals come into the terrier's field of vision. The dog's reaction can be anything. Only proper training will help you avoid constantly running after cats.

It is necessary to raise a dog from an early age. From the first days a puppy appears in the house, it is necessary to control and prevent the manifestation of bad habits, it is important to instill good skills. If you do not devote enough time to training, there is a risk of getting an independent and uncontrolled animal. Beginning breeders are advised to seek advice from experts in this matter – dog handlers. A pet with the right skills will be able to be friends not only with people, but also with domestic cats.

Before bringing a puppy to a new home, future owners should determine in advance where it will live. The dog must have its own place, and the pet should be introduced to it immediately upon arrival. A new resident needs to buy special toys and bones. A growing body needs training; it would be better if it tears and gnaws things specially purchased for this purpose with its teeth than furniture, appliances, floors or wallpaper.

Some owners do not know how to stop an adult from biting. There is a rule for this. You should not play with your dog with your hands or let it bite you. After all, from such games in the future the habit of involuntary biting may become entrenched. When the dog grows up, milk teeth will be replaced by sharp fangs, this can have unpleasant consequences not only for the dog owner, but also for all the people around him. In general, the desire to bite a person must be suppressed from the very beginning. The animal must clearly understand that the use of teeth is unacceptable when communicating with people.

Even if the owners treat the Jack Russell like a young, playful child, they should not forgive him all his pranks. By showing weakness and condescension, there is a danger of raising a capricious and harmful pet. The skills acquired in puppyhood will remain with the animal for the rest of its life. And it is almost impossible to re-educate an adult. The dog must clearly understand who is in charge in the family. A terrier will never dare to pretend to change power in the house and dominate if it is raised correctly.

Lifespan

When developing the breed, breeders did not interfere with healthy physiology, so Jack Russell Terriers have a fairly high life expectancy: with proper care and suitable living conditions, these dogs live 13-16 years.

Training

Breeders describe the Jack Russell Terrier as an intelligent, obedient and trainable dog. After all, for individuals of this breed, running, jumping, carrying sticks and objects, digging in the ground or sand is pure pleasure and the meaning of life. However, sometimes the owner should be persistent and strict in the process of education and training. These concepts should not be confused with cruelty - you should never beat a dog. The Jack Russell loves praise very much, so training at home should include a moderate amount of affection - this can achieve a lot.

Some dogs may begin to cheat, wanting to get treats faster and easier, avoiding tasks and commands. The breeder must be persistent. Only patience and confidence will help the owner achieve the dog's goal.

Training a puppy, just like an adult, should be carried out constantly. If the dog does not have the opportunity to spend time usefully, it will begin to cause mischief in the house.

How and whom to choose? Price range

It is better to buy a dog from a trusted specialized nursery, after asking the breeder about the health of the puppy and its parents.

In a healthy and purebred Jack Russell puppy:

• white coat with spots of red or black;
• dark eyes with black rims;
• black nose without discharge;
• medium-length tail, not curled into a ring;
• limbs straight and even;
• straight and level back.

The puppy should be active, playful and curious.

When choosing between a dog and a bitch, you should remember that girls are more affectionate and calm, they have a more balanced character, while boys are more energetic and courageous.

Males also tend to mark territory and lose control when they smell a bitch in heat; girls don’t have these problems, but they go into heat twice a year, during which their behavior can change.

What is the price? Prices for a purebred puppy with all the necessary documents start from 35 thousand rubles, show-class puppies that compete for prizes at exhibitions are sold for 50 thousand rubles. and more .

If the documents and titles of the parents do not matter, then a Jack Russell can be purchased for 13-20 thousand rubles.

Choosing a puppy

It is not advisable to choose a puppy younger than 2 months. If the breeder offers a younger animal, then this is an alarming sign. It is better to refuse the services of such a person.

A lot of attention needs to be paid to the documents for both the puppy and his parents. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with medical records and vaccination schedules. You can visit the veterinarian together with the breeder for a preliminary examination of the puppy.

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Price

The price for a Jack Russell Terrier from a good breeder with documents starts from $700. And the cost can reach up to $1200. If the puppy does not have a large number of ancestors with a huge number of exhibition awards, then you can buy it for $500.

Without documents, the price drops to 200-300 dollars. It is very rare to find a puppy for $100, but there is a very good chance of purchasing a sick animal or a so-called “cull”. And in the end you will have to spend a lot more money on treating the puppy.

Due to their cheerful disposition, sometimes these terriers may end up in a shelter or return to the breeder if the new owners could not get along with the dog. You can get a dog for free from a shelter, but from a breeder an adult dog can cost from $200 to $500. But there is a danger that the dog could develop a neurotic state. Therefore, you need to be prepared for additional work with a dog trainer if you got a Jack Russell as an adult.

Russell Terrier puppy

Breed characteristics

Where to buy a Jack Russell Terrier

You can buy a Jack Russell puppy second-hand, and even in the deep provinces, if there are no special requirements for the purebred of the future pet.

For a puppy that does not have a pedigree and will not take part in various exhibition shows, you will have to pay a little more than 10 thousand rubles. For a puppy that has a passport indicating its pedigree, you will have to pay about 35 thousand rubles.

If you plan to take part in exhibition shows with your future pet, then for less than 50 thousand rubles it is unlikely that you will be able to purchase the corresponding specimen. Such puppies are sold only in specialized nurseries, which are available in almost all major cities of our country.

Diet

So that the dog is healthy and receives a sufficient amount of vitamins and microelements. You need to properly formulate his diet. It differs depending on age. Puppies are fed four times a day in small portions. Proteins should predominate in it, so you can cook meat and sea fish for small Jack Russells. You should also include eggs, cereals, raw and boiled vegetables in your diet.

After the puppy turns 4 months old, he is gradually transferred to a two-time diet. It is better to feed him half an hour after a walk, so that the dog wants to return home. A mature Jack Russell should be fed raw and boiled meat, fish, eggs, cereals, and dairy products. You need to focus on the dog’s taste preferences - if he doesn’t like a certain product, you shouldn’t force feed him.

It is better to feed the Jack Russell Terrier the following foods:

• boiled and raw chicken meat;
• sugar bones;
• fermented baked milk, kefir, cheese, cottage cheese;
• boiled eggs;
• sea ​​fish without large bones;
• porridge;
• carrots, beets, apples as an addition to the main dish.

You need to refrain from:

• pork;
• river fish;
• tubular bones;
• salty, spicy, fried;
• Luke;
• mushrooms;
• chocolate.

Part of the diet can be replaced with premium and super premium dry food. It does not require cooking and contains most of the essential micronutrients, but does not provide the necessary dietary diversity. Therefore, it can be used as a replacement for the main food at a time when the owner does not have the opportunity to constantly prepare balanced natural meals.

Taming of the Shrew

Since puppies are already endowed with unbridled energy from the breed, as well as the desire to “pump up their rights,” the first thing you should do is “exorcise the devil.”

Professional trainers note the fact that this animal requires a special approach. You shouldn’t follow the dog’s lead and forgive it for various pranks, which often lead to tyranny, but you shouldn’t overdo it, driving this animal “into a corner.”

If the Jack Russell is not pacified in a timely manner, then he may:

• Growling, lunging at strangers and biting.
• Hunt various animals and kids.
• Do not execute any commands, even basic ones.
• He can easily turn the living space into something like a toilet.
• He is capable of rendering unusable any objects that come into his field of vision.
• Whine and howl when begging for food or when left alone.
• Show unrestrained disobedience, regardless of the conditions in which he finds himself.

The main task of the owner is to promptly stop all his attempts to become the boss in the house. This breed is quite intelligent and immediately begins to figure out when to start “twisting the ropes” out of its owner. In short, you should immediately make it clear to the dog that he is in submission, and not vice versa.

This breed has functions for constant movement, so when raising a dog, you need to remember this feature. To release his energy in the right direction, you should acquire a lot of different toys, otherwise the living space will resemble a cluster of trash torn to shreds. This dog needs to be spent a lot of time outside, and again, you need to play with it, forcing it to expend its energy.

The dog should not be allowed to chase animals, especially children. In dense bushes and near highways, it is better to keep your dog on a leash.

Training a Jack Russell Terrier is not particularly difficult, since he is quite intelligent and quick-witted and grasps everything on the fly, the main thing is to be persistent and consistent. Too much activity of an animal is significantly reduced if it is constantly loaded, including in various games like mini-agility, where this breed has no equal.