Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, is a small, energetic dog breed originally bred in England during the 19th century. It was developed by Reverend John Russell, who aimed to create a terrier breed suitable for fox hunting. These dogs were highly valued for their keen hunting abilities, agility, and tenacious nature, making them ideal for flushing out foxes from their dens. Over the years, the breed's popularity spread worldwide due to its charming personality and adaptability.
- Origin
- England
- Alternate Names
- Parson Russell Terrier, Russell Terrier
- Life Expectancy
- 12-14 years
- Average Male Height
- 10-12 inches
- Average Female Height
- 10-12 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 9-15 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 9-15 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Smooth, Rough, Broken
- Coat Colors
- White
- Coat Pattern
- Tan Markings, Brown Markings, Black Markings, Cream Markings, Tri-color Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Jack Russell Terriers can suffer from deafness, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), and eye disorders such as primary lens luxation. They may also be affected by craniomandibular osteopathy, degenerative myelopathy, hyperuricosuria, late onset ataxia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (CDDY and IVDD risk) with or without chondrodysplasia (CDPA), and congenital myasthenic syndrome.
Personality and Behavior
Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent, lively, and fearless dogs with strong personalities. They are bursting with energy and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Due to their hunting background, they possess a natural prey drive and may chase small animals or show a tendency to dig. Early socialization and training are essential to help them channel their energy positively and develop good manners.
These dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners and can be affectionate and loving companions. However, they may not always get along with other pets, particularly small animals, due to their strong hunting instincts. Their bold nature can sometimes make them stubborn and independent, which can pose training challenges for novice dog owners.
Jack Russell Terriers have a double coat that consists of a dense, coarse outer coat and a soft undercoat. The coat can be either smooth or rough. Smooth-coated Jack Russells have short, flat hair, while rough-coated Jack Russells have longer, wiry hair. Both coat types are relatively easy to groom, requiring regular brushing to remove loose hair.
Fun Facts
The name "Jack Russell Terrier" is often used interchangeably with "Parson Russell Terrier." Both names refer to the same breed, but some countries and kennel clubs prefer one name over the other.
Jack Russell Terriers have been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials due to their charming appearance and spirited personalities.
The famous detective dog "Eddie" from the TV series "Frasier" was played by a Jack Russell Terrier named Moose.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/ https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_jack_russell_terrier https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/3/
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/JACK-RUSSELL-TERRIER-345.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/jack-russell-terrier