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
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. An Irish-type
called Jack Russell Shortys have shorter
legs than the English-type.
Temperament
The
Jack Russell Terrier is a perky, merry,
devoted, and loving dog. Spirited
and obedient, yet absolutely fearless.
Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and
playing with toys. Friendly and generally
kind to children who have been taught not
to tease or strike the dog. They are
intelligent, yet willful and determined.
They can be slightly difficult to train
and need a firm, experienced trainer.
The Jack Russell can be aggressive with
other dogs if not well trained and socialized.
Some have killed or been killed in dog fights.
Early socialization can help substantially
moderate this trait. They have strong
hunting instincts (stronger than your average
terrier) and should not be trusted with
other small animals. They like to chase
and explore. Be careful not to let them
off the lead unless they are very well-trained.
Jack Russells like to bark and dig. They
tend to get restless and destructive if
not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised.
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. This is a BIG dog
in a little dogs body. The owner needs
to be as strong-willed as they are, or this
little guy will take over. With the
right owner this little dog can really excel,
but is not recommended for those who have
not had prior experience with terriers. 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,
Weight
Height:
10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
Weight: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Health
Problems
Some
are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps,
inherited eye diseases, deafness, Legg Perthes-a
disease of the hip joints of small breeds
of dogs.
Living
Conditions
The
Jack Russell Terrier will do okay in an
apartment if it is sufficiently exercised.
They are very active indoors and will do
best with at least an average-sized yard.
If the Jack is kept in an apartment, the
dog should have a person home with it during
the day unless the dog is crate trained.
Even then, the owner better expect to get
some exercise or be pestered to death for
belly rubs and tug of war games when he/she
gets home.
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.
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
Jack Russell Terrier was developed in 19th
century England by a clergyman named Jack
Russell. This feisty little terrier was
used to hunt small game, particularly fox,
by digging the quarry out of its den. Breeders
have emphasized its working ability, so
the standard is very broad, encompassing
a wide range of accepted body types. On
English hunts, the Jack Russell Terriers
were supposed to be long-legged enough to
keep up with the hounds. The energetic
and playful Jack Russell makes a good family
companion. Some of the Jack Russell's talents
include: hunting, tracking, agility, and
performing tricks.
