All About
Jack Russell
Terrier Dogs
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Jack Russell Terrier, with the Respectable Name and History
By: Stephanie Hetu
It's ancestors were as resolute and determined as were their
masters and breeders to build a dog that would excel in ratting
(hunting vermin) in baiting, in going to ground, and in
protecting the grounds. So it makes sense that today's Jack
Russell Terrier is an excellent, agile, obedient companion. As
well, since Jack Russell Terriers were bred for a primary
purpose the chase and tackle they continue to perform well as
hunting dogs.
A typical working terrier in the past, the Jack Russell Terrier
actually had a different name the Parson Russell Terrier. But it
earned its now better known, atypical name by way of its founder,
the Reverend John Russell, who developed the breed then dubbed it
the Jack Russell Terrier--in southern England in the 1800's.
Unlike the terriers bred for ratting, paddling, and hunting, too,
this breed had one primary purpose: to hunt with foxhounds and
chase and then tackle the red fox.
Then, at 12 to14 inches and 13 to17 pounds, the medium-sized,
energetic Jack Russell Terrier with the keen hunting instinct
became, too, a devoted companion and family member.
And this is what the breed is today. Performing, the Jack Russell
Terriers have the standard hunter characteristics: courage,
tenacity, and endurance. At rest, while they don't have a restful
nature, per se, they are typically affectionate and attentive.
But the Jack Russell (sic) Terrier needs attention, too. Since
this type is fairly aggressive known to get into fights and known
to chase and kill small animals it needs a firm and socialized
training. In addition, since the breed is known to be fairly
independent, and a digger and climber, too, it needs to be
leashed (or not allowed to take off), needs to be engaged in
meaningful activity by its loved ones, behaving best when playing
and performing tricks, for example, and moving about enough to
exercise its innate needs to run and chase. Therefore, a spacious
enough yard is ideal for it to run, chase, and play.
Also ideal for the Jack Russell (sic) Terrier is a living
environment that allows for interaction. Not too happy if left
alone with nothing to do, the breed will do what it knows,
chewing and digging at anything it deems entertaining and
engaging as if it were a 19th century fox it were digging out of
a hole.
The Jack Russell does not need bathing (as like most terriers it
is prone to dry skin) very often, but if it is a smooth-haired
variety it can do well with a rubber brushing once a week and if
it is of the broken- or wire-haired variety, needs a bristle
brushing once a week as well.
But more importantly, with its feisty, fearless, and energetic
ways, the Jack Russell Terrier needs most of all to play. A lot.
The rest of the needs of the Smooth Fox Terriers with staying
powers that outlast the best foxes and the Wire Fox Terriers with
the hardy and cocksure personalities are simple if you are up to
it if you are up to the antics of two terrier breeds that are
always a surprise. Even to the Master.
For more really great info and lot's of fun stuff for
Terrier Dogs & Terrier Dog Lovers.....Please visit:
Happy Terrier Dogs A virtual Paradise for
Terrier Dogstarget="new"
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Reprinted with permission
Copyright © 2005
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