Jack Russell Terrier
Group: Terrier
Origin: England
Height:
– Unders: 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm)
– Overs: 12 to 14 inches (30-36 cm)
Weight: 9 to 15 lbs
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Breed Profile
The Jack Russell Terrier breed is a type of working terrier. Since their beginning, in the early 1800’s, the Jack Russell was bred strictly for hunting. The JRT is a unique, versatile working Terrier. He is an intelligent, loyal and affectionate dog, keen, alert and always ready to go. He is also a match for any cat in his ability to catch mice.
The JRT is adaptable, however, he was bred to be a hunting dog and, as such, does require plenty of outdoor activity and exercise. His unique personality makes him desirable to many, but city or apartment living or a sedate lifestyle does not meet the dog’s needs.
It should also be noted that Jack Russells can be aggressive toward other dogs and small animals including cats, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. The breed is fearless and known to take on an adversary twice or more his size.
His coat may be smooth or rough, white, white with black or tan markings, or white with a combination of these colours.
The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog with a suprisingly gentle and kind nature.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Jack Russell Terrier, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Disorders in Jack Russells: A Brief Definition — From the JRTCA
- The Jack Russell Terrier Research Foundation
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Breed Standards
Note: Effective 1 April 2003, the American Kennel Club (AKC) changed the name of the Jack Russell Terrier to the Parson Russell Terrier. This name change was based on a request by the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America which is now known as the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America.
In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognizes the Parson Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier.
In England, Ireland, and Australia, the longer-legged square dog is known as the Parson Russell Terrier while the lower, longer dog is called the Jack Russell Terrier.
The United Kennel Club recognized the short-legged dogs as Russell Terriers until January 1, 2009, when the breed name was revised to the Jack Russell Terrier.
- Breed Standard – JRTCC
- Breed Standard – JRTCA
- Jack Russell Terrier – Official UKC Breed Standard
- F.C.I. Breed Standard No 345
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Photo courtesy of Amblegreen
Additional Information
- Why Kennel Club Recognition Is Wrong For The Jack Russell Terrier
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Breed Listing
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