Description
A sturdy, tough terrier,
very much on its toes all the time. The body length must be in proportion to
the height, and it should present a compact, balanced image, always being in
solid, hard condition. The head should be well balanced and in proportion to
the body. The skull should be flat, of moderate width at the ears, narrowing to
the eyes. There should be a defined stop,
which is the transition area from backskull to muzzle, but not overpronounced. The length
of the muzzle from the nose to the stop should be slightly shorter than the
distance from the stop to the occiput. The nose should be black. The jaw should
be powerful and well boned with strongly muscled cheeks. Eyes Should be almond shaped,
dark in color and full of life and intelligence. The ears are small
"V" shaped drop ears carried forward close to the head and of
moderate thickness. Mouth Strong teeth with the top slightly overlapping the
lower. Two bites are acceptable; level and scissor - scissor being preferred.
The neck is clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the
shoulders. The shoulders should be sloping and well laid back, fine at points
and clearly cut at the withers. Forelegs should be strong and straight boned
with joints in correct alignment. Elbows hanging perpendicular to the body and
working free of the sides. The chest should be shallow, narrow and the front
legs not too widely apart, giving an athletic, rather than heavily chested
appearance. As a guide only, the chest should be small enough to be easily
spanned behind the shoulders, by average sized hands, when the terrier is in a
fit, working condition. The back should be strong, straight and, in comparison
to the height of the terrier, give a balanced image. The loin should be
slightly arched. The hindquarters should be strong and muscular, well put
together with good angulation and bend of stifle, giving plenty of drive and
propulsion. Looking from behind, the hocks must be straight. The feet are
round, hard padded, wide, of cat-like appearance, neither turning in nor out.
The tail should be set rather high, carried gaily and in proportion to body
length, usually about four inches long, providing a good hand-hold. The coat is
smooth, without being so sparse as not to provide a certain amount of
protection from the elements and undergrowth. Rough or broken coated, without
being woolly. Colors, white should predominate (i.e., must be more than 51%
white) with tan, black, or brown markings. Brindle markings are unacceptable.
Gait movement should be free, lively, well coordinated with straight action in
front and behind. Old scars or injuries, the result of work or accident, should
not be allowed to prejudice a terrier's chance in the show ring unless they
interfere with its movement or with its utility for work or stud. AnIrish-type
called Jack Russell Shortys have shorter legs than the English-type.
Temperament
The Jack Russell Terrier is
a cheerful, merry, devoted, and loving dog. Spirited and obedient, yet
absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and playing
with toys. Stable Jack's are friendly and generally kind to children.
Children should be taught not to tease or hit the dog. They are
intelligent, and if you let them take an inch, they can become willful and
determined to take a mile. It is paramount that you are this dogs pack leader.
He needs to be given rules to follow, and limitations as to what he is and is
not allowed to do. Do not let this little dog fall into Small Dog Syndrome,
where he believes he is pack leader to all humans. This is where varying
degrees of behavior problems will arise, including, but not limited to
guarding, snapping, separation anxiety, and obsessive barking. They are highly
trainable, able to perform impressive tricks. They have been used on TV and in
the movies. However, if you do not show authority towards the dog , they can be
difficult to train. They need a firm, experienced trainer. Jacks who have
been allowed to take over can be aggressive with other dogs. Some have killed
or been killed in dog fights. Be sure to socialize the Jack. They have
strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average terrier) and should not be
trusted with other small animals. This hunting dog likes to chase, explore,
bark and dig. Only let them off lead if they are well trained or in a safe
area. Will get restless and destructive if they do not receive enough exercise and activities to occupy their keen
minds. Jack Russells climb,
which means they can climb over a fence, they also jump. A Jack that stands 12
inches high can easily jump five feet. JRTs are not the breed for a
inexperienced dog owner. The owner needs to be as strong-willed as they are, or
this little guy will take over. With the right owner the Jack can really
excel, but is not recommended for those who do not understand what it means to
be a dogs true pack leader. Jacks who are mentally stable, with all of their
canine instincts met, will not display these negative behaviors. They are not
traits of the Jack Russell, but rather human brought on behaviors, which are a
result of inefficient leadership, along with a lack of mental and physical
stimulation. They will thrive with a job to do. The Jack Russell Terrier
must present a lively, active and alert appearance. It should impress with its
fearless and happy disposition. It should be remembered that the Jack Russell
is a working terrier and should retain these instincts. Nervousness, cowardice
or over-aggressiveness should be discouraged and it should always appear
confident.
Height: 25-38 cm
Weight: 6-8 kg
Living Conditions
The Jack
Russell Terrierwill do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised.
They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized
yard.
Exercise
The Jack
Russell Terrier is a pleasant companion when it is sufficiently exercised;
however if they do not get enough, they may become a nuisance. They need to be
taken on a long, daily, brisk walk. In addition, he will be in his glory with space
to run, hunt and play. If the Jack is left alone during the day be it in an
appartment or a house, they should be well exercised before the human leaves
for work by taking them on a long pack walk or jog, and then taken out again
when they return home.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or
more years.
Grooming
All coat types
are easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and
bathe only when necessary. To show, owners must strip the coat. Like the rough
coat, the broken coated Jack needs to be stripped out also.
Origin
The breed was
named after a clergyman named Rev. John Russell. They were used as a small game
hunting dog particularly for red fox, digging the quarry out of its den in the
mid-1800s. On English hunts, the dogs needed to be long-legged enough to keep
up with the hounds. Breeders had emphasized its working ability, so the
standard was very broad, allowing a wide range of accepted body types. Not happy
with this wide variety of working type Jacks, as of April 1st 2003 the Jack
Russell Terrier Association of America, was changed to the Parson Russell
Terrier Association of America. The working types remained Jack Russels while
the American show types became known as the Parson Russell Terrier. Some of the
Jack Russell's talents include: hunting, tracking, agility, and performing
tricks.
Vir:
dogbreedinfo.com
