The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds to have in a home. They are full of life and one of the cutest pets. The Jack Russell is a small dog only growing to fourteen inches and seventeen pounds. Their characteristics include small floppy ears, a short tail, and short legs with oversized paws. They are typically white with tan or black. They usually have a brown spot on the side or back, near the neck, and their ears and head are usually a mask of tan. The snout is short, with narrow set eyes. They are constant shedders despite the short hair.
The Jack Russell began its life in England in the 19th century. They were used for hunting, digging, and burrowing into foxholes and dens. Today they are still popular for the hunts as well as for pets. You will find that even though they are small they are hardy and loyal. They tend to be fearless, with their big heart. You will find that they can be quite vocal with their bark, but it is more the large bark than a yappy sound. In fact they're bark is much stronger than their size. They are very loyal dogs and therefore they make excellent guard dogs. You will find they are better with older children as they like the well behaved over the harsh treatment of younger children. They are amusing as well as very active dogs. You will find that they have strong hunting instincts, which makes them difficult for smaller pet households. They do need a lot of attention from their owners so beware.
Training of the Jack Russell Terrier can be difficult. They tend to display determination, stubbornness and dominance. You will need to have a consistent hand, be firm, and provide a lot of different activities. They can become bored rather easily. They also need to know who is master. If they feel they can be master you will have obedience issues. Training should begin as a puppy and continue on through adulthood. They do need a little socialization, but are relatively friendly dogs on the whole. Keep in mind training should use the agility they can display.
For care you will find a protein diet is essential to keep their energy up. You will also find that despite the energy they can have weight issues. They should be fed three times a day, with small meals. You should always give them plenty of water. They need minimal grooming, such as a weekly brushing, and should not be bathed unless necessary. Jack Russell's need to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. They are prone to deafness, glaucoma, epilepsy, allergies, and skin problems. You should also provide plenty of exercise. They need to have constant stimulation indoors and out. This means long walks, plenty of toys, and preferably a home with a yard. They can be destructive if left alone with nothing to do.
If you wish to have a Jack Russell Terrier in your life you need to be prepared for the attention they need. They do best in homes that have at least one person home for most of the day. They also need to be walked at least twice a day and they thrive on chasing balls and catching sticks. You will find that any mentally stimulating activity will keep them happy. Care of any dog is important and understanding the commitment you need to make is very important. Many find that the Jack Russell becomes too much to handle for a two career family. Make sure you have thought this over before seeking a breeder for a puppy.
The story of the name of the Jack Russell Terrier is quite interesting. It seems that there was a Theology student at Oxford out for a walk when he happened to meet a milkman delivering the milk. The milkman had with him a feisty little white terrier with a patch over the eyes and ears, such a terrier as the student had never seen before. He admired the little dog very much and said later that it was the kind of dog one only dreams about. The student's name was Jack Russell and the dog was "Trump", who later became the foundation stud for Jack Russell, who bred more than sixty breedings from this terrier.
Like most of the terriers, the Jack Russell possesses the instinctive desire to go to ground. In earth dogs trials of today the Jack Russell excels as a strong competitor. The National and Regional Jack Russell clubs across the United States hold earth dog trials frequently, events which are well attended by the fanciers. The Jack Russell has also become popular in the conformation ring. He is a great flyball dog, having energy and speed. The Jack Russell is a fine rodent hunter for a household and people who own them find that they have no need for a cat.
Generally this is a terrier with a good disposition towards people but somewhat wary of strangers. Brave and fearless, he will attack whatever he feels is a threat to his family. He is not vicious, but the appearance at the door of a snarling maniac of a little dog, bouncing up repeatedly and appearing in front of you when standing at the doors that have a window in them.....and meanwhile barking in an uncontrollable rage....well, this can definitely deter the salesman. Once the stranger is permitted into the home, the Jack Russell will accept him. He is often aggressive towards other dogs and new members of a canine family need to be introduced with care into the home of a Jack Russell.
The coat of the smooth Jack Russell is thick and dense and should have a waterproof or weather resistance to it. The wire-haired Jack Russell is also water resistant, except for being longer. The coat should not soak up the rain when the dog is out in the weather but rather the drops should almost "bead up" on the dog's back. The wire-haired will have a distinctive beard. In both coats, the tail is docked. The ears are fold over, creating a triangular appearance to the skull. The most preferable color is white with patches of tan over the eyes and ears and at the base of the tail.
This is a dog that is small enough to bathe easily in the bathtub and a brisk rubdown will dry him. Baths are often necessary as this is a dog that loves to investigate his surroundings and frequently buries the treasures that he finds, industriously digging up his yard in the process.
The Jack Russell is affectionate with children who are members of his family and with their friends, but somewhat aloof with strangers. Once he gets to know a visitor however, he is their friend for life. He is highly intelligent and learns tricks with ease and loves to show off. He is playful and very energetic. If he is a "city dog", he needs a yard to play in to run off his energy , or should be given daily walks. Farm life is perfect for him and he will prove himself valuable in keeping the farm free from "critters".
Both Gerry Ronson & Michael Russell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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