Characteristics and Temperament
The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely loyal, intelligent, assertive, and entertaining. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. The unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first time dog owners. While adaptable to to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to hunt.

These dogs come in three different coat types; smooth, broken,and rough. All coats shed, smooth coats shed the most. They are adaptable to most climates, and usually handle the cold fine, although some dogs will need a dog blanket or sweater if it is really cold. The color of the coat must be at least 51% white, or all white. Black and/or tan markings are allowed. Height can be between 10" and 15", with a proportionate body length.

For showing purposes, Jack Russell terriers are classified in two groups, 10" to 12 1/2", and over 12 1/2" to 15". They should be compact and balanced, always in solid, hard condition, while also being supple and flexible. Jack Russells have a short, upright tail, about 4" long. The tail is cropped shortly after birth, and front dewclaws are removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the television Jack Russell Terriers?

"Eddie" on the television show Frasier. He is a rough coat. "Milo" from the movie "The Mask" is a smooth coat. The puppy in the RCA commercial. "Barkley" from the movie "Clean Slate" with Dana Carvey. More recent has been a terrier in an MCI commercial. Also, the Nissan commercial has a JRT in it, and there is a pizza commercial where a JRT and a shaggy dog lick sauce off a giggling child's face. The PBS show "Wishbone" features the JRT Wishbone.

How much should I expect to pay for a Jack Russell Terrier

Most breeders of good quality dogs that can be registered are charging anywhere from $600.00 to $1000.00 for a puppy. Don't forget all the other costs involved with owning a dog -- vaccinations, neutering/spaying, food, toys, crate, home improvements (better fencing), books, obedience classes (a must!), etc. You might be able to adopt a Jack Russell from Russell Rescue for a lower up-front purchase price.

Are Jack Russell Terriers as energetic as they seem?

Jack Russell Terriers are very energetic dogs, with a big need for regular exercise. They are working dogs, and need to have a job, whether it be keeping your yard free of rodents (digging is normal and common, since they are bred to dig after quarry), chasing a ball, or going for a run or long walk with it's owner. Sitting on the couch peacefully all day is not in a Jack Russell's agenda. They require more of a time commitment than some breeds.

Will a Jack Russell be happy in an apartment situation?

Given the exercise requirements of the Jack Russell, a home with a large, fenced yard is more appropriate. They do not take well to inactive, sedentary lifestyles. However, if you are at home during the day or are able to provide regular exercise, it may work. They need a 5-6 foot high fence, since they are known to jump, climb, and even dig under fences. Many of the Jack Russells in the Rescue are there because the owner underestimated the attention requirements of the terrier.

_Will a Jack Russell Terrier get along with my cat, other pets, and children?

Cats and other small pets (rodents) will usually not work with a Jack Russell because these dogs are first and foremost hunting dogs. They see the cat or hamster/rat/guinea pig as prey (quarry). This is not true for all Jack Russells, and if brought into the household as a pup, most could be trained to live with a cat. Many Jack Russell owners are horse people. Jack Russells are not herding dogs, so the horse isn't of interest to them. Children under the age of six can be a problem, unless the child is taught how to properly handle the terrier. Having the natural assertive terrier characteristics, however, the Jack Russell will not put up with even unintended abusive behavior from a child. This should be carefully considered, particularly with children under six.

Are Jack Russell Terriers aggressive?

They can be very aggressive with other dogs (not just other terriers), and in certain cases, more than two terriers shouldn't be kept together unattended. It is very important that prospective Jack Russell owners understand this sometimes harsh part of the terrier's nature.

All About Terrier Trials

Traditionally, the Jack Russell Terrier trial is made up of three divisions: conformation, go-to-ground, and racing. Obedience, agility, and search 'n' sniff are also being included more often in these events.

Conformation classes are judged much like any other dog show. The winner is the dog that most closely matches the breed standard. In addition to conformation and movement, the dog is judged on temperment; as in all things having to do with Jack Russells, the best working dog is being sought.

Go-to-Ground consists of wooden liners placed in a trench dug in the ground. They are made to resemble as closely as possible natural earth where a dog might encounter fox or other prey. At the end of the course is a cage with two or three rats. The terrier is judged on how quickly it it gets to the liners and finds the rats, and on how it "worries" its quarry. The judge wants to see the Jack Russell bark, growl, dig and whine.

The Racing division is probably what first attracts and most excites both terriers and owner at these trials. A sanctioned track is at least 150 feet long, and is a straight course (sometimes with jumps added) with a starting box at one end and a stack of hay bales with a hole in the middle (the finish line) at the other. A lure (usually a piece of scented fur) is attached to a piece of string that is pulled along by a generator. The dogs are muzzled for safety because of the excitement. The first dog through the hole in the haybales is the winner--and the winner, despite the impediment of the muzzle, usually has the lure clamped firmly between its teeth.

The JRCTA gives out three types of Certificates for working. The Natural Hunting Certificate Below Ground in the Field, the Sporting Certificate, and the Trial Certificate. The Trial and Natural Hunting Certificate can only be awarded to a terrier by a sanctioned working judge.

Although the JRTCA has not yet adopted rules covering obedience work, some trials offer obedience competitions. The individual trial officials can tell you the requirements for their events.

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Resources - Publications About Jack Russell Terriers:

_The Jack Russell Terrier -- An Owner's Guide to A Happy Healthy Pet_ by Catharine Romaine Brown.

_The Complete Jack Russell Terrier_, by Brian Plummer. Great book on the hunting with JRTs, with training tips and more

_The Making of the Parson Jack Russell Terrier_ written by Jean & Frank Jackson and published in England.

The JRTCA has a bi-monthly newsletter called "True Grit." It has 80-100 pages (this has changed with the format changing from 8.5 x 5.5 to 8.5 x 11--new page length is 40 to 50) of information, including updates on what is happening in the Club and with JRTs worldwide with articles on veterinary medicine, breeding, and general interest. It also contains poems, humorous stories and advice and training of hunting, as well as listings of JRT trials throughout the country and shops which carry JRT items. The newsletter is available free only with a JRTCA membership.

Rescue

The majority of the dogs that end up in the Russell Rescue are unwanted simply for being Jack Russells by nature and behavior. Owners often find that they were unprepared for the care required for this feisty terrier; and did not understand the nature of the breed, and their instinctive desire to hunt. Owners are often gone all day, and therefore unable to provide the time, attention, and level of activity necessary to this active little dog.

Consider a Rescue dog before a puppy... give a Jack Russell Terrier a second chance at a good terrier life!