<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> Developed in 19th Century England by clergyman 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 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 Terrier makes a good family companion.
<b>Description:</> This small, compact, athletic dog looks like a less refined, working fox terrier. White (at least 51%) with reddish, black, tan or brown markings, especially on the head and tail. The skull is flat between the ears, then tapering. The stop is defined, but not abrupt. The nose is black and the almond-shaped eyes dark. The V-shaped ears fold forward. The Jack Russell has a flexible body and fairly small chest (easily spanned by the average man's hands) to enable him to go to ground after his prey. The docked tail is carried gaily and set fairly high. Comes in smooth, broken and wire-haired varieties.
<b>Notes:</> Likes to chase and explore. Be careful not to let off lead unless very well trained. Tends to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well- exercised. Prone to a type of dwarfism where the dog has deformed shortened legs. To show, owners must strip the coat. There are several Jack Russell Terrier clubs which have each set up slightly different breed standards and registries. The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, founded in 1976 and the Jack Russell Terrier Breeder's Association register only those individual dogs which meet their standards. Only dogs without hereditary defects may be registered. Jack Russells may also be registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and with "The Kennel Club" of Great Britain.
<b>Personality:</> Perky, spirited and loving. Absolutely fearless. Cheerful and amusing. Enjoys games and playing with toys. Friendly and generally kind to children who have been trained not to tease or strike the dog. Intelligent, yet willful and determined. Needs firm, experienced training. 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. Strong hunting instinct--do not trust with other small animals.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good only when raised with children from puppyhood.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Moderately protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Not particularly dependent or independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Some trimming or stripping (little skill required).
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Long (15 or more years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, agility, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, Inc., P.O. Box 4527 Lutherville, MD 21094
Jack Russell Terrier Breeders Association, P.O. Box 115 Winchester Center, CT 06094
<b>Photo Caption:</> JACK RUSSELL TERRIER
Heliwar Henry of Somerset and Heliwar Tip of Somerset. owned by Julie Sunkler. Photograph by Caroline Tugel.
