Everything about the Jack Russell Terrier dog breed

Author: Olga

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog of a hunting breed, distinguished by its independent and willful character. With proper training, a dog will become an excellent companion, but if you relax, the dog will turn into a home destroyer.

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Description and characteristics of the breed

Today they are smart dogs with a strong build, medium length and flexible body. The breed acquired an elegant appearance, although its hunting qualities deteriorated slightly.

Story

The birthplace of the breed is Great Britain. It owes its appearance to the English vicar Jack Russell, who lived in Devonshire. The priest was fond of fox hunting and dog breeding. The ancestor of the Jack Russell Terrier was a strong, smooth-haired dog that looked like a fox. Reverend Jack Russell bought the dog at the market. Breeding of the breed began with this dog. The main requirement for a dog was endurance and the ability to pursue prey for a long time while hunting.

Jack Russell-bred terriers became popular and made the owner a respected breeder. When the priest died, his work was continued by Arthur Heinemann, a hunter and breeder.

The first breed standard for the Jack Russell Terrier was described in 1904.

Then a short-legged terrier was bred for hunting on foot. The dogs were distinguished by their ferocity and endurance. Welsh Corgis and Dachshunds took part in their breeding. Despite its popularity, the short-legged variety did not meet the standard and was not used for breeding.

Everything changed in 1965, when several individuals were brought to Australia. Local breeders were interested in the breed. The hunting qualities of dogs were little valued here; terriers were considered as pets. Active breeding of animals began.

In 1972, the breed received the official name - Jack Russell Terrier.

At the request of Australian breeders, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale included short-legged dogs in the breed standard approved at the global level in 2001.

Breed standard: main characteristics

The standard stipulates certain traits that the breed must meet:

• ideal height - from 25 to 30 cm;
• weight - 5–6 kg;
• color - spotted (white with brown or reddish, white with black);
• strong, muscular body of oblong shape;
• deep, but not wide chest;
• tail - always in a vertical position during movement;
• the skull is flat, moderately wide;
• powerful and wide jaws, scissor bite;
• eyes dark and small, not protruding;
• ears are raised on cartilage or hanging;
• the coat is smooth, hard or broken.

Varieties

Until 2001, the Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell were considered varieties of the same breed due to their common ancestry. Later, due to external differences, they were separated.

The Jack Russell Terrier is also divided into types:

• short-haired (coarse hair, only combing required);
• long-haired (hair is softer, eyebrows and beard are present, trimming is needed);
• semi-longhaired or brocken (the coat is hard, but requires trimming).

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How long do Jack Russell Terriers live?

Like all small breed dogs, Jack Russell Terriers live a long life if well cared for. They are hardy and have good health. Life expectancy is on average 15 years.

Dossier

Adult height: 25-30 cm. Weight: 6.4-8.2 kg. Characteristic color: white with red and/or black spots. Coat length: short, hard. How long do Jack Russell Terriers live: 12-14 years. Advantages of the breed: sociability, curiosity, intelligence, energy, courage. Difficulties of the breed : aggression towards other animals, habit of digging, demanding, love of attention. How much does a Jack Russell Terrier cost: $200-600. Classification: small breed, hunting.

Character and behavior of dogs

Main character traits of Jack Russell Terriers:

1. Jack Russell Terriers are very sociable and active. They need constant attention from their owner, games and walks. In the absence of proper physical activity, the animal will become hyperactive, aggressive and will spend all its irrepressible energy on damaging the owners’ things.
2. They communicate well with children, but it is important to raise them correctly so that the dog does not snap at the child or wake him up at night.
3. Jack Russell Terriers love to bark loudly and, if not trained, often show character.
4. Aggressive towards other animals. You should not keep a Jack Russell Terrier in a house where there are already pets.
5. It is better to put terriers on a leash on the street, especially near the roadway, otherwise the dog will chase the car.

With proper attention and care, Jack Russells will become wonderful companions, like the famous Milo the dog from The Mask.

According to reviews from owners, Jack Russells are cheerful dogs that can cheer up their owner. They are suitable for active, cheerful people who love long walks and sports.

Jack Russells should not be owned:

• To old people;
• for those who love peace and quiet;
• for those who do not have enough time for a pet.

Temperament

The Jack Russell Terrier is an adventurer by nature. In any life situations, this active dog seeks adventure. Admiring hunting and long hikes, the Jack Russell Terrier at the same time loves to spend time with his family. There he must constantly be the center of attention.

Being an active dog, monotony is contraindicated for the terrier of this breed. Because of boredom, the dog becomes disobedient, and sometimes completely inadequate. Therefore, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it is better not to purchase this breed. A dog of this type simply needs constant physical activity during long walks in the fresh air.

From a very early age, terrier puppies need to be periodically physically stressed and taught the basics of education. Of the entire group of terriers, the Jack Russell Terrier is the friendliest and extremely sociable, no matter how old he is. He is very obedient and therefore easy to educate and train. The main thing in this matter is timeliness. It is necessary to start raising a terrier from the very first days, otherwise he will grow into an uncontrollable dog.

The Jack Russell Terrier and children not only get along well, but are always delighted with each other. Finding a more restless and active companion for children will not be easy.

Care and maintenance

You can keep a Jack Russell in an apartment or a private house. In apartment conditions, the dog especially needs to be provided with physical activity in the form of long walks and games outside.

Other care tips:

1. Brush your dog's coat once a week to remove dead hair.
2. Wash your Jack Russell no more than once a month or when dirty. Wash your dog's paws or clean them with a damp cloth after walks.
3. Wipe your eyes with a cotton pad soaked in tea to remove natural secretions.
4. Brush your teeth 2-3 times a week using a special brush and dog toothpaste or a bone for cleaning teeth.
5. Gently wipe the ears with a damp cloth once a week to remove wax and dirt. Try not to touch the membrane.
6. Monitor the condition of the nails and trim them 1-2 times a month.
7. The dog's sleeping place should be in a secluded place away from cold and drafts.
8. Walk at least twice a day. The duration of the walk is at least half an hour.

In general, the dog is easy to care for.

Dog health

How long do Russells live? The average lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier is sixteen years. If you monitor your dog’s health, get the required vaccinations on time, and periodically consult with a veterinarian, your dog will be able to live for many more years.

The Jack Russell Terrier is naturally in excellent health, but some individuals of this breed can develop inherited diseases. Examples of diseases that are most common in this breed:

• hip dysplasia;
• displacement of the kneecap;
• Perthes disease;
• displacement of the eye lens;
• Collie eye anomaly.

What to feed your dog?

The dog is fed twice a day. The diet may consist of professional dry food or natural food - it is up to the owner to decide. The main thing is a balanced diet.

Suitable natural products:

• lean meat;
• sea ​​fish without bones;
• rice and buckwheat;
• chicken and quail eggs (give once a week);
• low-fat cottage cheese and kefir;
• vegetables (except legumes).

Feeding restrictions:

• pork and lamb (strictly prohibited);
• fatty and sweet foods.

Training and education

Representatives of this breed are highly trainable.

Basic training tips:

1. You need to train and raise a dog from childhood. Jack Russells have an independent nature, so the sooner you start training, the better.
2. It is necessary to establish a psychological connection between the pet and the owner. First, teach commands that relate to the animal’s psyche (respond to a name, walk on a leash, know the place, approach the owner when called, know the “no” command). There are no restrictions on the number of teams.
3. Only one family member should be involved in raising the animal.
4. It is advisable to carry out training in the form of a game. Use toys (bones, balls, frisbees).
5. For following a command, your pet should be rewarded with a treat.
6. Jack Russells are very active, so it is better to train them on special sports grounds for dogs.

The video talks about methods of training and raising Jack Russell Terrier puppies. Filmed by the Dog Training channel.

Training

The Jack Russell Terrier is a very smart dog. And very active. Long exercises will tire him, so it is better to learn commands in a playful way, for example, while walking. These are active dogs that strive to please their owner, so the best approach is patience, affection and praise.

Important! It is better to start training as soon as you pick up the puppy. Repeat your requirements for your dog day after day. Even a mastered command needs to be practiced periodically, then the dog will become a model of obedience.

Choosing a puppy

When buying a puppy, pay attention to the following points:

• place of purchase;
• price;
• pedigree;
• animal health.

Where to buy and how much does it cost?

The price and place of purchase of a puppy depends on the class of the animal (PET, BREED or SHOW):

1. If you do not plan to participate in exhibitions or engage in breeding, buy a puppy without a pedigree (PET class). Such puppies cost about 10–12 thousand rubles and are the most budget option. You can purchase them through an advert or from a shelter.
2. A puppy with serious family documents (BREED class) will cost about 35 thousand rubles. You can buy it in a nursery, sometimes through an advertisement from trusted breeders.
3. A Jack Russell capable of participating in exhibitions (SHOW class) costs about 50 thousand rubles. Such terriers are sold in special nurseries located in large cities of Russia.

What to look for when choosing?

When choosing a puppy, you need to remember that a healthy Jack Russell Terrier is cheerful and inquisitive, eager to communicate with people.

If the puppy is lethargic and inactive, this indicates illness or other abnormalities.

Adaptation

Extremely sociable dogs of this breed become very attached to the owner and his family. Therefore, they constantly want to be not only nearby, but also in the center of everyone’s attention.

Being a straightforward and stubborn dog, Russells are jealous of other representatives of the fauna, sometimes expressing open aggression. If the terrier of this breed is not adapted to the world around him from an early age, the dog will simply become uncontrollable and will attack all animals. During their first walks, Jack Russell Terrier puppies are taught not to chase cats and yard dogs.

Despite such features in the pet’s character, at home he will easily make friends with both other dogs and cats. But a terrier of this breed will still try to dominate, that’s his character.

"Russells" can treat passers-by during a walk calmly, while they greet guests in their home with a little aggression and loud barking.

Video

The video talks about the Jack Russell Terrier breed. Filmed by ZooMisto channel.

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How much does a Jack Russell Terrier cost?

The price in Russia will vary depending on the following factors:

1. Pedigree.
2. Dog health.
3. Reproductive abilities.
4. The presence or absence of defects.

The approximate price of a puppy is 20-70 thousand rubles. If a pet is offered for sale at a lower price, this may indicate that it is not purebred or has health problems.

Let's look at how to choose a Jack Russell Terrier puppy. It is important to monitor his behavior. A healthy pet usually shows curiosity and begins to sniff its future owner. A cowardly dog ​​will try to escape. It is also worth paying attention to the appearance - the condition of the coat, eyes, tail, nose.

Video: description of the Jack Russell Terrier breed and their character