Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are a breed of dog that was formed at the end of the 19th century and by now has become widespread throughout the world. The dogs, originally bred as hunting dogs, have become excellent companions for dog lovers. They are bred for their easy, friendly disposition, ease of training and easy care. They get along calmly in the apartment, love children, and put up with cats. Jack Russells are also doctors, travelers, actors, customs officers and simply cute, cheerful and active friends of man. Especially for you, we have collected all the most important and interesting features of this breed, based on the advice of dog handlers and experienced breeders.

Pros and cons of the breed

Jack Russell Terrier dogs have the following advantages:

sociability;
love for children;
mobility;
getting along with other pets;
lack of aggression towards strangers;
high intelligence;
ability to adapt to changing environments;
unpretentiousness;
compact size.

But the owners also notice disadvantages:

tendency to run away while walking;
developed hunting instinct;
cunning and ability to manipulate the owner;
very high level of activity;
tendency to defend one's territory;
loud barking.

Most shortcomings can be smoothed out with training. The owners of a Jack Russell will have to devote a lot of time to raising it so that the puppy grows up smart and calm.

Photo and video review

You can evaluate the Jack Russell variety at exhibitions. The best individuals that meet the standard are presented there. They take place in large cities, so not everyone can visit them. You can figure out the subspecies from the photo.

Breed characteristics

Attitude towards children Excellent (rating 5/5)	Attitude towards strangers Good (rating 4/5)	Health Good (rating 4/5)
Picky eating Medium (rating 3/5)	Training Average (rating 3/5)	Shedding Strong (rating 5/5)
Need for care Low (rating 2/5)	Need for communication Very high (rating 5/5)	Friendliness High (rating 4/5)
Activity Very high (rating 5/5)	Intelligence High (rating 4/5)	Noise High (rating 4/5)
Security qualities Very developed (rating 4/5)	Maintenance cost Low (rating 2/5)	Price Average (rating 4/5)

5. History of the Jack Russell Terrier breed

The history of the Jack Russell Terrier breed begins in the 20s of the 19th century, when priest John Russell began breeding a new breed of terriers. He was an avid hunter and wanted to breed the ideal partner for this activity - a dog with a strong character, high intelligence and a very good sense of smell. Distinctive qualities of the new terrier were also its small size, so that the dog could climb into holes for prey, and its white color, so that during a hunt it would not be shot at the dog instead of the game.

John Russell became interested in dog breeding at the age of 19, and already at the age of 23, in 1818, he acquired a female fox terrier and began breeding. He crossed it with other terriers, fighting dogs, bull terriers, and hunting breeds to get a dog with the ideal set of qualities. The breeder tried to instill in his dogs aggression towards game and friendliness towards people. Only 55 years later, in 1873, the priest registered a new breed, which he named Jack Russell in honor of his nickname and surname. The new terriers became the ideal embodiment of a hunting dog - they were small, hardy, loyal to their owner and amenable to training. They quickly gained popularity among British hunters and aristocrats, so John Russell founded a club for owners of this breed. It was this organization that slightly adjusted the breed standard, bringing it to perfection, and formalized the requirements for the appearance and character of Jack Russells.

Over the next 100 years, the Jack Russell evolved and spread. Gradually, breeders moved away from the breeding methods of their creator, who believed that dogs could be crossed not only with representatives of their own breed, but also with other terriers. This made it possible to maintain the purity of the blood and avoid blurring the main character traits. Over time, the standard of the Jack Russell also changed a little - the legs were shortened, the body shape became more streamlined. The dog, bred for hunting, was adapted for life in apartments and country houses as a pet and companion.

In 1975, the breed standard was officially approved, and breeders' clubs began to open throughout Europe. They were allowed to participate in exhibitions, and elite nurseries with breeding specimens appeared. Nowadays, Jack Russells are one of the most common breeds for apartment keeping, which are kept as companions in everyday life and hunting partners.

Story

Thanks to fox hunting in England, they resorted to creating breeds capable of climbing holes. They began to pay attention to the appearance by the middle of the 19th century. Dogs began to be shown at exhibitions. Popular fox terriers have transformed from vicious, hardy dogs into elegant, small pets.

The history of the breed in question is connected with a priest who became interested in hunting and working dogs. The man devoted his entire life to breeding burrow animals. Jack took his own pet as a model. Gradually the Russell Terrier appeared.

During the breeding process, the clergyman achieved the following changes in the breed:
maneuverable, small body;
jaw with good grip;
closed ears so that the hole does not get clogged;
ringing voice.

The specimens were especially popular among Devonshire hunters. The legs remained long. Arthur Heineman continued the work of the priest. Hunting on horses disappeared, a short dog was created. They refused to recognize him at exhibitions.

By the mid-twentieth century, jacks without pedigree arrived in Australia. Residents used them as pets. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale has included both species in its standard: the long-legged Parson and the stocky Jack Russell.

By the end of the twentieth century, the breed appeared in Russia. The dogs were brought from the USA. Thanks to the film "The Mask" they became popular.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Previously, short-legged hunters were not recognized because of fox terriers. Today, owners of long-legged burrow dogs complain that their pets are called Milo, confused with the hero of an American comedy.

Appearance

The appearance of the Jack Russell is bright and memorable.

Brief description of appearance

This is a small, strong dog with well-developed muscles. Their physique provides them with great endurance and the ability to withstand prolonged physical activity.

The weight in the breed standard is not fixed, but normally ranges from 5 to 7 kilograms. These dogs have an intelligent, meaningful, penetrating look, making them seem like excellent partners and companions.

Dimensions

Jack Russells are small and compact. The sizes of females and males are almost the same and range from 25 to 30 centimeters at the withers. There are no standards for weight, but it is believed that for every 5 centimeters of height there should be 1 kilogram of weight for a harmonious physique. Thus, it should be between 5 and 7 kilograms. Excess weight is unacceptable - the dog will not only have health problems due to obesity, but also its physique will change.

Head

The Jack Russell's head is small, but quite large in relation to the body. In profile, the shape is triangular, noticeably elongated.

The skull is wide, slightly longer than the muzzle. The transition between the forehead and nose is pronounced, but harmonious.

Mouth

The mouth of representatives of this breed is large, with a large opening amplitude. The jaws are very powerful, which makes it possible to easily capture prey while hunting.

The teeth are strong and large relative to the size of the mouth. The lips are black or with pink splashes, and do not sag.

Eyes

The eyes of this breed are proportional in size to the muzzle. The shape is almond-shaped, the color is only brown, no other variants are found.

The gaze is clear, attentive, calm. The eyeballs are not set deeply, slightly covered by the eyelids.

Ears

The Jack Russell's ears are drooping and harmoniously match their muzzle in size. When straightened, they are very large. The tip is triangular, elongated. The ears are very mobile, they can rotate up to 180 degrees - this ensures good hearing.

Torso

The Jack Russell's body is strong, muscular, and has a streamlined body shape. The neck is strong and well defined.

The chest is not wide, the shoulder blades are tilted back. The back is narrow and straight. The paws are low and disproportionate to the body.

Paws

The front legs are straight, parallel to each other. The hind legs have more developed muscles than the front legs.

The bend of the knee is low, the lower part of the limb is set far back. The paw pads are dark and round. The fingers are pressed tightly together, the claws are sharp.

Wool

The coat can be rough, smooth or kinked. It sheds profusely during molting and requires careful care during this time. The shape of the hairs and their number should protect the dog well from cold and precipitation, so Jack Russells tolerate any weather conditions well.

Color

The predominant color of dogs of this breed is always white. This is necessary for this. So that the dog is clearly visible during the hunt and does not become an accidental victim of a shot. The spots are located on the face and back in random order.

Their color can range from black to sandy, but more often they are red or chestnut. There are also completely white terriers.

Possible disadvantages

The following appearance features are not included in the breed standard:

the body is stretched in height, has the shape of a square;
poorly developed jaw;
small erect ears;
pink spots on the nose;
drooping tail in motion or improper docking;
irregular shape of the front or hind legs;
undeveloped muscles;
sluggish movements, low intelligence;
aggression, lack of friendliness and openness.

Selection rules

Before purchasing a pet, you need to familiarize yourself with the breed standards. They must match the cable or bitch. Irregularities and discharge are not allowed on the tail.

The dog is purchased with a veterinary passport.

Often inexpensive girls bring titled offspring, since much depends on the selection of a pair for mating.

It is important in what conditions the children were kept. Did they have a place to run, toys, beds, contact with the mother dog.

Character

The main distinguishing feature of the Jack Russell Terrier's character is its tendency to be active and mobile. He cannot sit still, is constantly looking for something to do, runs around the apartment and tries to involve the owner in his games. If there are not enough toys in the room, the terrier will find them for himself, in the process of which he can significantly damage the furniture and encroach on the integrity of important and expensive things, documents, and wires. To avoid damage to property, you need to provide the dog with a sufficient number of toys, and during the absence of the owners, close the door to rooms where something important can be broken.

Jack Russell is perfectly adapted to apartment life due to its compact size and ability to adapt to any living conditions. But you need to walk with him at least once a day, preferably twice. You can even train a dog to go to the toilet in a diaper, but he will not be able to do without physical activity. This can deteriorate your character and cause health problems.

These are very smart dogs, so when playing with him you need to not only give him some objects, but also learn new commands, ask him to perform actions known to him. This will allow the terrier to spend time not only having fun, but also usefully, reinforcing basic behavioral skills.

Jack Russell is a very sociable breed. They cannot be alone for long and require attention from their owner. To achieve this, dogs can deliberately begin to play around, take away the necessary things, and bark loudly. In this case, it is useless to scold and punish him - it is better to just give the dog at least a few minutes of attention so that he feels needed.

Jack Russell very quickly becomes attached to his owners and loves all members of his family. He gets along with everyone - from kids to older people, and enjoys playing with them. This is one of the best breeds for families with children, since terriers are practically not prone to aggression, and due to their small size they will not be able to harm a child by accident. But before the dog appears in the house, children need to be instructed on the rules of behavior with animals and explained that they cannot be pulled, hit even during play, or held in arms by force.

Jack Russells rarely show aggression towards strangers. Most often it is expressed in loud barking, but if the dog is angered, it can cling to the enemy and leave noticeable damage on him. Jack Russells treat animals in their family calmly, especially if they do not attack first. But they are very aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex on the street and can even attack larger dogs.

Reviews

Anna: “A furry friend runs around with his tail everywhere. Having fallen asleep, he still watches over his owner. As soon as you get up, the Jack Russell jumps up, rushing after him.”

Artem: “The dog is small, but he has a lot of love and affection. He often lies on his back and asks to have his belly scratched. If guests come to the house, the threshold can be wet with joy.”

Svetlana: “Incredibly cunning creatures. They often play dirty tricks, but they look so cute that it’s a pity to punish them. Very smart people, if you choose the right educational measures, will stop acting weird, but only for a while. You can’t relax.”

Education and training

Despite the small size of Jack Russells, training them is not as easy as it might seem. This is due to the fact that they have their own character, are smart and cunning, so they will only do those commands from which they can benefit. Raising a puppy should begin the moment he gets home. The first thing you need to do is accustom him to his nickname in order to establish contact with the pet, and designate places where he should not go. Hitting the dog is strictly prohibited: you should use a stern voice, but not shouting.

When interacting with a Jack Russell Terrier, you must immediately make it clear that the owner is a person, not him. You need to be firm and persistent, but not raise your voice. The dog must be rewarded for obedience, then he will have an incentive to behave as the owner wants. In this way, you can eliminate the main shortcomings of his behavior - loud barking, running away during walks, damage to property. The dog also needs to be given enough attention. The Jack Russell does most of his pranks to find a reason to spend time with his owner. If games and training are regular, and there is enough exercise at home, the terrier will not have to resort to extreme measures.

The puppy needs to be socialized as early as possible - spend time with him outside, introduce him to new people and animals. A dog that spends a lot of time at home will be more aggressive and nervous, so the terrier should interact with the outside world as often as possible.

At an older age, at 3-4 months, you can begin to learn basic commands. This will facilitate the interaction between a person and a dog and will help develop the Jack Russell's intelligence. He remembers commands easily and with pleasure, and in the future he will carry them out as part of the game. An untrained terrier will be bored without mental stress, be mischievous, and release his energy by damaging things.

Jack Russell training at home

These dogs are quite easy to train. Hunters obey the owner and quickly understand what is required of them. They react normally to the monotony of commands and carry them out even without treats.

Representatives of the breed regularly become agility winners. Such competitions are similar to hunting, so they are perfect for them. The owner should understand that this is a working dog. It is important to constantly provide him with activities.

To do this you need:

train a pet;
engage in sufficient physical activity;
take part in competitions;
long walk with the dog.

If you don’t take your pet outside, he will begin to damage furniture and parquet floors, bark loudly, make crap, and stop listening. Jack Russell training is a must. It will allow you to control him in the most unpredictable situations and strengthen relationships.

You can read more about training a Jack Russell in our article.

It is easier to toilet train if you walk your pet after waking up and 10 minutes after eating. Until all vaccinations are completed according to age, the pet wears a diaper.

To stop biting, you need to demonstrate your leadership. In addition to the desire for dominance, the dog may have other reasons for this behavior. This is the desire to develop the jaw, changing teeth.

If a child or an elderly person walks with the dog, problems may arise. The pet will begin to explore everything around, eventually breaking out of the leash. Then he will run away and it will take a long time to catch him.

Care and maintenance

Maintaining a Jack Russell does not require large material costs or waste of time.

Wool

Jack Russells are very susceptible to shedding, not only breeds with long hair, but also short-haired ones. They shed throughout the year, more than usual in spring and autumn. The coat needs to be combed every 2-3 days, but you can’t bathe it often - 3-4 times a year will be enough. If the dog gets dirty during a walk, its fur and paws should be wiped with a damp cloth or towel.

Eyes

Jack Russell eye care is standard. They need to be wiped regularly with a damp cotton swab to prevent mucus from accumulating in them. This should be done as discharge appears in the corners of the eyes.

Ears

Jack Russell's floppy ears require regular grooming. They need to be cleaned with cotton pads at least 2 times a week. Not only the inner, but also the outer part of the ear requires attention. Dirt can accumulate at the site of the fracture, which leads to infection. You also need to carefully monitor the dog’s behavior - if he begins to frequently scratch his ears with his paws or turn his head, you need to examine him and, if necessary, take him to the veterinarian.

Paws

Paws should be thoroughly wiped with a cloth after each walk, especially in wet weather. If this is not done, the dog will begin to clean himself, and dirt particles may get into his mouth. Nails should be trimmed one to three times a month depending on the dog's activity. The more often the dog walks, the faster they wear down on their own.

Ticks and fleas

Ticks pose a serious threat to health, so every time after a walk in the warm season, the dog should be carefully examined to detect parasites as quickly as possible. If they have already taken hold, it is better to take the dog to the veterinarian. There, the tick will be removed painlessly and in compliance with all sanitary rules, and a laboratory analysis will be carried out to determine whether it is a carrier of diseases.

Preventative flea treatment should be carried out every 3-4 months. To do this, a special antiparasitic agent is applied to the dog’s withers so that it cannot lick it off. For 3 days after the procedure, the terrier does not need to be petted or picked up frequently.

If fleas are already infested, the dog is bathed in anti-flea shampoo and smeared with the same product. Repeated treatment is carried out after a week, and the apartment is wet cleaned. The dog's bed is washed in hot water.

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.

Health and illness

The health of Jack Russells is quite good, but they are still susceptible to some diseases. Some of them are hereditary, and some can be avoided if you properly monitor your dog.

Hereditary diseases include the following problems.

Hip dysplasia. It manifests itself in many purebred dogs and is expressed in lameness on the hind legs. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but at an early stage, treatment can be prescribed that will relieve symptoms and improve the dog’s quality of life.
Congenital deafness. All-white puppies are especially susceptible to this disease. Deafness is noticed at the age of 2-3 months, when the dog does not begin to respond to its name or respond to commands. It is impossible to cure it, but a canine specialist will help the special pet adapt to life in a family.
Cataract. This is a disease that manifests itself as clouding of the lens and leads to complete blindness in one or both eyes. It is treated surgically: instead of the damaged lens, a prosthesis is installed, restoring the dog’s vision.
Diabetes. It appears in adult dogs aged 8-9 years. The main symptoms are constant thirst, frequent urge to go to the toilet, lethargy and weakness. If diabetes is confirmed, the doctor prescribes insulin injections and a strict diet.
Allergy. It manifests itself in the presence of discharge from the eyes and nose, itching on the skin. As treatment, antihistamines are given and the allergen is excluded from the diet.

The following diseases are considered acquired.

Obesity. Excess weight not only spoils the appearance of the dog, but also leads to the appearance of many concomitant diseases. Terriers do not need to be overfed, and if obesity has already appeared, it is worth putting your pet on a diet.
Cold. During the cold season, dogs may develop nasal discharge and cough. The disease cannot be neglected; treatment is prescribed by a doctor.
Problems with the musculoskeletal system. Joints begin to ache in older dogs who either lack physical activity or, on the contrary, receive too much stress. The doctor prescribes symptomatic treatment and helps to adjust the dog’s activity regime.

To keep your dog healthy, you need to monitor his diet and take him for a preventive veterinary examination once a year in order to identify possible diseases in advance.

Walk

It is recommended to take the puppy outside after all vaccinations and pest control have been completed. The time of the first walks should be 10-15 minutes, then it gradually increases to at least 2 hours a day. In winter weather, to avoid hypothermia, you should get warm clothes for your dog. In hot weather, it is better to walk your pet in a shaded area.

It is advisable to find a fenced area to let your dog off the leash. He needs to be given time to hunt small animals. The Jack Russell loves to sniff around and dig holes in the hope of getting to his “prey.”

Important! Regular street walks have a positive effect on the overall health of your four-legged friend, so you need to go outside every day, regardless of weather conditions.

Terriers need long and frequent walks with active games.

The Jack Russell is an active breed and is suitable for people with the same active lifestyle. The owner will never get bored with such a cheerful pet. It is important for owners to satisfy their pet’s needs for movement and timely care. Regular hygiene procedures and a balanced diet contribute to the dog's healthy development and attractive appearance.

Interesting Facts

Jack Russells are cheerful dogs with an unusual breed history, so a lot of interesting things can be said about them.

The Jack Russell Terrier breed comes from a dog named Trump. The name translated as “trump card”.
These dogs are excellent actors and have starred in many films, including the famous TV series “Frasier”, the film “Mask”, and the comedy “My Dog Skip”.

Jack Russells are afraid of the sun, so if you want to take them to the beach or on a summer hike, you should get a special sunscreen for dogs. Yes, they exist.
Terriers are excellent psychotherapists. Jack Russell is used in canistherapy - a method of treatment with the help of dogs. They help with depression, anxiety, apathy, and nervousness.
These dogs easily adapt to changes in environment, making them great for travelers. For example, Jack Russell Botie and her owners walked the entire Arctic and Antarctic in a small, warm overall and boots.

Purpose

The mini terrier is distributed throughout the world. In England it continues to be used for hunting foxes and badgers. The latter is left alive, taking care of the population of the species.

Many birds and animals are caught with a male dog:

hares;
muskrats;
roe deer;
ducks;
deer.

On farms, these dogs are used as a rescue from rats. They have proven themselves to be excellent orderlies in big cities back in the last century.

Their attractiveness and energy make them good companions. But it is suitable for people who know the basics of training and lead an active life.

How to choose a Jack Russell Terrier puppy

When all the conditions have been created for moving into a new friend’s apartment, the most important thing remains – to choose your puppy. You should only buy from trusted nurseries with a lot of positive reviews or from familiar breeders if you are confident in their reliability. Particular attention should be paid to the conditions in which small dogs are kept. If the enclosure is cramped and dirty, you should immediately abandon the option. Warning should also be caused by those owners who refuse to introduce the potential buyer to the entire litter and show only some of the puppies.

If you are satisfied with the nursery, you can begin choosing your future pet. First of all, you need to get to know his parents, evaluate their behavior and temperament. The puppies need to take a closer look. A healthy terrier will be active, friendly, and will actively make contact with people. Appearance also plays a role. The dog should be well-groomed, the coat should be smooth and uniform, the look should be clear and attentive. If an owner takes a dog to participate in exhibitions, it must be checked for compliance with the breed standard.

It is also worth taking a closer look at which puppy is most drawn to its future owner. He will be the most friendly, brave and open, just like a Jack Russell Terrier should be.

List of suitable nicknames

To choose a nickname for your pet, you should pay attention to what the puppy looks like. It is important to take into account ease of pronunciation and personal preferences.

Nickname options:

Rada is a girl who brings positivity.
Lily is a white flower.
Buffy is the slayer of enemies.
Baby or Button is a beautiful baby.
Kiku is a chrysanthemum.
Jack is the name of the breed.
Milo (Mila) - not original, but sounds like in the movies.
Twister is a fun game.
Espresso is a dynamic energizer.
T-rex is a formidable option.
Tiktak is an active baby.
Etsuko is a child of joy.

How much does a puppy cost?

Jack Russell puppies cost from 10 to 50 thousand rubles, depending on the value of the breed.

Dogs that do not have documents and have admixtures of other breeds in their blood cost 10-15 thousand. Their character may not correspond to the breed standard; they cannot participate in exhibitions.
15-25 thousand is the price of purebred terriers with documents. The breeder guarantees compliance with the standard. The dog is allowed to all exhibitions.
25-50 thousand is the price of elite individuals. Most often, they are purchased by breeders for subsequent reproduction and increasing the quality of the litter.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a cheerful and friendly breed of dog.
They are suitable for active, loving families with children who want to buy a puppy for their apartment, but will be willing to spend a lot of time with him outside. What do you think about Jack Russell Terriers?

Breeding

Owners can create mixed Jack Russells, get offspring from their favorite dog, allow the bitch to give birth, for other reasons. Puppies can be easily sold inexpensively to friends.

But it is important to understand that breeding is a science. A couple is selected based on genetic and other characteristics. It’s better to entrust everything to specialists.

Individuals with a pedigree and victories at exhibitions are considered suitable for replenishing offspring. Without such a minimum, mating cannot be carried out. Before the process, it is worth checking individuals for physical and mental abnormalities.

More often, mating is allowed to be done freely; the couple copes without human intervention. Pregnancy lasts 63 days. The female gives birth alone, but veterinarian insurance will not be superfluous. Caring for the mother and puppies falls on the shoulders of the owner.