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| Jack Russell Terrier |
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The Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) blasted onto the American scene in the 1980s and quickly grew to incredible popularity. And why not? The darling of the equestrian set, the dog originally appeared in stables and barns as a ratter with incredible physical and personality appeal. It's compact size and big attitude made it an ideal companion and entertainer. As its popularity grew so did the controversy among its fanciers to pursue or not to pursue AKC recognition. In a move that can only be considered highly questionable to the best interest of the breed, the resulting split created essentially a second breed, the Parson Russell Terrier which is recognized by the AKC. Originally, the only difference between the Jack Rusell and Parson Russell Terriers was the opinion of the people who owned them and whether registration with the AKC was pursued. With the passage of time, there is little question (as indicated by innumerous references of the past) that the Parson Russell and Jack Russell Terrier will become more and more disparate and separate. The Jack Russell Terrier is the original and still currently enjoys status with a strong group of fanciers and strong parent club which encourages rescue, many events a year and other aspects of enjoying their breed. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Terrier |
Height: 10-15 inches |
| Weight: 9-16 pounds |
Longevity: high teens |
| Colors: brindle is disallowed, rather white over more than half the body with black, brown or tan |
Coat type: smooth, rough, broken but not woolly |
| Recognized Registries: JRT Club of Britian, JRTCA and others |
| Overall Appearance: Compact and muscular, the JRT is clearly a Terrier with its expression and square build. Small drop ears, alert expression and predominate white rough/smooth coat complete the picture. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: very high |
| General Nature: |
varies can be exceptional but tends toward reactive |
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with Children: how well behaved are the children? If well socialized, the JRT should still be closely supervised with children |
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with other pets: variable, they are a ratter after all and may see cats and other animals as prey |
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with dogs: variable but often good if properly socialized |
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| Socialization requirements: high |
| Ideal home characteristics: one that appreciates the quick, clever, comic, reactive and very energetic personality. Great choice for someone alone seeking a devoted companion. |
| Temperament Notes: It's compact size and easy coat would lead many to conclude it is a good choice for many homes. This is NOT true. The JRT is far too clever and active to fit into homes where the dog would be left alone for great chunks of time. |
| Training requirement: moderate: housetraining, socialization, basic manners and some ongoing activity they are a working dog after all |
| Trainer notes: The trainer who hopes to shape the JRT must keep in mind that this is a dog bred to work independently. As a result, his/her natural nature is not to look to a human companion for guidance in what to do next. As a result, while basic obedience can be a bit of a challenge for the trainer that lacks a sense of humor, fun or patience, more advanced activities like Flyball, Agility and more can be an incredible adventure with the JRT as they constantly seek to improve their style and skill. At the same time, woe to the family that does all the basics (or not even that) by the time the dog is a year old and then thinks they have a trained couch potato! This is not the breed for an inactive home. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: early 1800s |
| Country of Origin: Great Britain |
| Original Function: ratter |
| History: as they were developed purely for hunting ability without regard to type, it is difficult to pin down the 'origins' of the breed per se. Definitely descended from the greatest British ratters from the Middle Ages on. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: too large |
| Health Notes: luxating patellas, eye problems, deafness |
| Health Testing: BAER, CERF |
| Questions to ask Breeder:
How long have you had Jack Russell Terriers?
Why do you have Jack Russell Terriers (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Jack Russell Terrier?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Jack Russell Terrier?
How would you describe the ideal Jack Russell Terrier home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Jack Russell Terrier?
How do you assist or help Jack Russell Terriers in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: http://www.terrier.com/rescue/rescuemenu.php3 -JRT Rescue by the JRTCA
http://adopt-a-jack-russell.1-800-save-a-pet.com/ - Jack Rusell Terrier Rescue
http://www.russellrescue.com/ - Russell Rescue (whose name adroitly sidesteps the name issue) and was formerly the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America Rescue
http://www.jrtrescueco.org/ - Jack Russell Terrier Rescue of Colorado
http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/azrussellrescue.html - Arizona Jack Russell Terrier Rescue
http://www.jackrussellrescue.com/ - Jack Russell Rescue
http://www.dirt-dog.com/PNWJRTN/ - Pacific NW Jack Russell Terrier Rescue |
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| Other Resources |
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