Their characteristics as working dogs won’t make them unfit as household pets. In fact, Jack Russell Terriers are popular as pets even to families with children. Below are some facts prospective buyers and Jack Russell owners need to know about their Jack Russell Terriers.

• Legend says that Jack Russell was bred by Reverend Jack Russell, a parson and hunter born in 1795. But it was only after his death that this breed was called Jack Russell Terrier.

• Based on the standard of the Jack Russell Club of America, their size must range from 10-15 inches at the withers while 12-14 inches in the AKC standard. Their either rough or smooth coat is mostly white with black, tan or brown markings.

• Even if they are gaining popularity as pets and may enjoy sitting in a lap, you should remember that Jack Russell Terriers are not lap dogs. They are working dogs! And they need training and regular exercise to maintain their temperament and to keep their intelligent minds working. These dogs, if not trained regularly may show unmanageable behavior such as excessive barking or digging in furniture and other unwanted places.

• These dogs are outgoing and friendly towards other dogs and mingle with children easily. However, parents should teach their children not to hurt them because these dogs do not tolerate even unintentional abuse. Poking, prodding and even abusive rough-housing must be avoided so as to maintain the temperament of these working dogs.

• A Jack Russell Terrier may exhibit aggression towards other dogs and can be deadly towards cats, hamsters, gerbils and other animals he considered prey.

• They are commonly known to have crooked or benched legs, often a sign of Achondroplasia- a type of autosomal dominant genetic disorder and is a common cause of dwarfism.

• A Jack Russell can live for up to 14-21 years provided it is well taken cared of. They tend to have less genetic diseases because of the fact that they were bred for working and not for a pet trade. However, they are not less susceptible to diseases such as ataxia, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma and lens luxation. Nevertheless, the degree of these diseases may not get severe compared to other breeds.

• They need less grooming and no special physical care.

You just can’t immediately choose what breed of dog to get. It is important to gather vital information first before finally deciding what to get. This is to ensure that what you will take home suits you and your lifestyle.