Considering a Jack Russell Terrier?

The Jack Russell Terrier is a feisty, energetic dog that gained popularity with the advent of the Wishbone series. In real life, of course, these dogs are not exactly like the famous Wishbone. This dog breed is all terrier, and sometimes a Jack Russell's temperament can be overwhelming for inexperienced dog owners.

The Parsons Dog

The Jack Russell Terrier is also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, because a parsonthe Reverend Jack Russell himselfcreated this breed in the mid-1800s. He bred these dogs to chase down foxes. He wanted the dogs to be able to fit into the space the fox was hiding in, so he kept them small.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club's Terrier Group. However, the AKC refers to this breed as Parson Russell Terriers to differentiate them from British Jack Russells. This is necessary because the AKC believes these dogs should have long legs, while British breeders prefer dogs with shorter legs.

Alert and Enthusiastic

Jack Russell Terriers are small, but strong. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes have a bright, alert appearance. While most Jack Russells have short coats, there are rough-coated dogs, as well. Their coats are always more than half white. The rest of their bodies have a combination of tan, black and brown markings. The short tail of the Jack Russell Terrier is carried straight up. Its rarely still, though, as this breed is almost always enthusiastically wagging its tail over something. These dogs weigh in at 13 to 17 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall.

Energy to Spare

The Jack Russell Terrier is a very high-energy dog. Despite it's small size, this dog does not do well in apartments or small spaces. This dog thinks it is much larger than it actually is, and will work or run until it wears itself out. A Jack Russell needs a securely fenced yard. Jack Russells will go over, under, and around obstacles to escape when they are bored. They will even climb trees.

Jack Russells enjoy living in the midst of an active family, as long as they aren't overlooked in the bustle of family life. They love plenty of attention and thrive on playing games with children, such as chasing down and retrieving balls.

Needs Training

Dont let the Jack Russells small size fool you into neglecting obedience training. These dogs need the structure that commands provide. Remember, they are first and foremost hunting dogs. The traits and skills that make them excellent hunting dogs (i.e., digging, barking, aggressiveness, ability to follow scent) are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to give them up. They require firm, consistent discipline.

Best As An Only Pet

Jack Russells hunting instincts have sometimes caused them to harass, injure or kill other small pets, such as cats, birds and rabbits. Raising a puppy with a cat does not guarantee the cats safety. Usually the Jack Russell Terrier makes the best pet when its the only pet.

Low Maintenance

Feeding a Jack Russell is not too expensive, since these dogs do not eat large quantities of food. However, if your dog becomes hyper, you may want to consult your veterinarian about using a lower protein food.

Smooth coated Jack Russells need very little grooming. However, rough coated dogs should be groomed at least once a week. Be sure to check your dog's nails regularly to be sure they aren't too long.

Jack Russells can suffer from eye and ear problems, including deafness. Overall, though, this is a healthy breed.

A Fun Pet

The Jack Russell can be a fun family pet. As long as your family isn't filled with couch potatoes, the Jack Russell may be the perfect breed for you.

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