Jack Russell Terriers are a small sturdy breed of dog, but don't let appearances fool you. They may be small in size, but they make up for it in personality!
These little dogs were bred for fox hunting by the Englishman John Russell in the late 1700's. He wanted to produce a dog with stamina, courage and determination. You can find all of these characteristics in the modern Jack Russell!
Being a small breed, Jack Russell Terriers have long lifespans and many have been known to reach their late teens. They're generally a healthy dog but there are a few hereditary problems in the breed. Their eyesight may be affected by luxating lenses, and some dogs can develop orthopaedic conditions of their hip and knee.
One of the best known Jack Russell Terriers was Nipper, the dog who was featured in Francis Barraud's painting "his Master's Voice". Most people would be familiar with the painting of the little dog staring at a phonograph.
Appearance
The Jack Russell Terrier as an adult reaches 40cm in height, and unless they are overweight, they don't weigh any more than 10kg.
They have a watchful, alert expression and are always interested in what's happening around them.
Their coat is predominantly white with black, brown or tan markings, particularly on their head. This breed has three coat types: smooth, rough and broken coated. The latter is a combination of smooth and rough coats. They are easy to maintain, as you only need to brush them once or twice a fortnight to keep their coat in good condition.
Temperament
This is not a breed for everyone. They have a lot of energy, and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They have been bred to hunt, and are not usually happy living the life of a couch potato. If you're not an active person, you may find that your Jack Russell Terrier becomes bored and moody, and we all know that a bored dog gets up to mischief!
These dogs need early socialisation to avoid them becoming aggressive towards people and other dogs.
Being a hunting breed, Jack Russell Terriers are athletic, spirited and fearless. They may bark excessively, and they may not be tolerant of young children. Owners of these little dogs enjoy a devoted companion with a cheerful disposition that loves to play games, go for long walks then curl up on the couch at the end of the day.
Working and Tasks
Because of their enthusiasm and high energy levels, Jack Russell Terriers are happiest when they have a job to do. It may be something as simple as obedience classes, flyball racing or agility training; something that still allows them to use their brain and burn up some of that energy. Some dog clubs offer earthdog training where these small hunting terriers can learn to go to ground to hunt out their quarry. This allows them to do what they were bred to do, and they love it.
Even though Jack Russell Terriers aren't big dogs, they're not suitable for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or live in an apartment. They need too much mental stimulation and exercise, and their tendency to bark can be a problem. However, if you like to get out for a good long walk every day, and you enjoy training you canine companion and keeping their mind active, the Jack Russell Terrier may be your perfect match!