Jack Russell Terrier Breed?

After watching my neighbour’s adorable Jack Russell chasing a ball in the snow and playing with the kids, I was reminded what a fun breed they are.

DOG BREED DESCRIPTION:

They are small, confident, compact working dogs with balanced rectangular bodies standing 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder. Their large dark, almond-shaped eyes and cute ears and nose give them a smart, expressive and appealing look.

The AKC descibes them as : Alert, Inquisitive, Lively

History

The origins of the Jack Russell Terrier, also known as Parson Russell, Parson Russell Terrier and Russell Terrier are believed to trace back to Reverend John “Jack” Russell (1795-1883), who was a parson and hunting enthusiast in England. The breed reportedly descended from the hunting terriers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries and was developed by the reverend to flush foxes from their underground holes. Russells were bred to be swift enough to run with hounds and tough but compact enough to go to ground and bolt prey. They were then further developed in Australia as a companion dog. Since the parson’s day, the lines of the two terriers have diverged and are now recognized as two distinctly separate breeds by many.

The Parson Russell Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1997 and is the club’s 145th breed.

Temperament

Jack Russells are usually highly energetic, friendly, vocal, fearless, lively, inquisitive and intelligent. They often have a high prey drive and love chasing discs and balls (and small animals).

They like to entertain and be entertained and can find their own fun and get destructive if bored, although Talent Hounds stars Macho, Sweetie, Lulu and Shivers are super chill. when not performing and out playing.

Jack Russell Training

They are generally highly trainable and excel at tricks, agility, and other activities and sports that exercise both their minds and bodies.

You often see them on TV and in movies for example legendary trainer Omar Von Muller’s dog Uggie, was a Jack Russell terrier famous for his roles in Water for Elephants and The Artist.

We have quite a few incredibly talented JRT’s in our Talent Hounds community, live shows and videos includingSam the trick dog, Macho the dock diving champion, trick dogs and actors Sweetie, Lulu, and Shivers, Jessie the trick dog (JustJessie) and disc champion Mabel.

See the spotlight on these talented individual dogs here.

Three JRT Positive Dog Training Tips from Sam’s trainer:

• Tip 1.) One of my major tips in training is to make sure you and your dog are both having fun. It should not be a chore for you to have to train your dog and your dog should not think it’s a punishment. Keep it positive and reward based.
• Tip 2.) Another tip is to not train too long at a time.  You should not train for a whole hour, especially with no breaks. It shouldn’t be about accomplishing a new trick but building a stronger bond together as the tricks get harder. I recommend 10-minute training sessions. This gives your dog time to think it over until the next session. They may even improve by then.
• Tip 3.) Make sure to end training sessions on a positive note – don’t give up or get angry when your dog is not getting it right. Build and shape behaviours in stages. Take a step back and repeat something they did know.  Wait until they get it right and reward big. That way your dog will be looking forward to the next training session, so they can get it right again.

Jack Russell Grooming

Although commonly associated with short smooth coats around here, it is not uncommon for the breed to sport rough or broken coats as well. They are predominantly white with brown/tan and/or black markings.

The Russell Terrier’s rough and ready appearance is easily maintained with weekly brushing.

Are Jack Russells Hypoallergenic?

Jack Russell Terriers are a moderate shedding breed. Most shed seasonally. They are not listed by the American Kennel Club as suitable for people with allergies.

Are Jack Russells a Good Family Dog?

Although popular as a city dog, Jack Russell Terriers do need lots of training, exercise and play. They are often loving and affectionate dogs who can do well in homes with older children who understand how to interact with them. They are probably unsuited to families with small children or that do not understand their athleticism and time to train them and keep them busy. They love to run, dig, jump, fetch and chew. Lots of activity, attention, supervision and structure required.

BREED TRAITS:

Sizes: small
Personality: athletic, energetic, fearless, intelligent, vocal
Kid Friendly (1-5): 3
Activity Level (1-5): 5
Trainability (1-5): 5

Hair lengths: short
Shedding (1-5): 3
Jobs: dog sports, hunting, sporting, tricks

More about Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier Dog Breed from friends:

“The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed who is fearless, devoted, and loyal towards their owners. They are always on the go, and wanting to learn new things. I love this breed because someone had told me they were a very hyper breed and if I was looking for a dog that was a big dog, but in a small dog body then the JRT was for me and would fit the bill on doing tricks and smart all rolled into one. My oldest JRT helps me get through tough times like when having a panic attack she will come over to me and help me calm down which helps with my attacks. My other JRT she just loves to be the loner as one would say; as she don’t like to be crowed which is fine by me as I love her just as the same, and would not change a thing about her. Now my next JRT she is my trick dog as she loves to learn new things and as we grow together in learning tricks it helps us with our bonding. My JRT’s are very calm and not hyper like one had told me; which is okay by me as I love them all and how each one is different and I would not change anything about them. This is why I love love the Jack Russell Terrier.” - Marcy

“Jack Russells are loving, energetic, bundles of joy. They are always by your side through the good times and the bad times, and is always willing to make you smile with their funny personalities and antics. Jack Russells are very intelligent and can catch on to tricks very quickly. They are always willing to try new things and enjoy doing them as long as there with there best friend. Although Jack Russell’s are not for everyone because of their “hyper energy.” They sure are loyal little pals that will stick with you forever!” - Evan

Rescues/Adoption:

Jack Russell Terrier Rescue, Ontario (JRTRO)

Comments

1. Marcy says Thanks Talent Hounds for getting the info out there about this crazy, but yet loving breed. People need to know how they came to and understand them before ever thinking on getting one…..Not many have passed the CGN test which mine have and it feels great knowing that I had done good by this breed. Thanks for sharing the info….Reply
   • Talent Hounds says Thanks so much Marcy for sharing your beautiful talented girls with us as well as your insights and training tipsReply