Coat
The Jack Russell Terrier has a dense
double-coat that comes in three varieties: smooth, rough, and broken.
The smooth coat has an outer-coat that is short and stiff. In the rough
coat the outer-coat is longer. The broken variety is used to describe
both dogs with outer-coats of different lengths or dogs that have
longer hair on specific parts of the body. The Jack Russell Terrier is
primarily white with black, tan, or tri-color markings. They shed
constantly.
Overview
The Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Jack Russell Terrier originated in
England in the 19th century. Their name derived from the Reverend John
Russell, a hunting enthusiast, who was the first person to breed them
for fox hunting. The Jack Russell Terrier is exceedingly adept at
digging and burrowing into foxholes and dens.
Character
The Jack Russell Terrier is sturdy, hardy, and robust in appearance.
They are outgoing with a keen expression. They have an inquisitive
nature. This compact breed is very vocal but is never "yappy". They are
fearless and are completely unaware of their small stature.
Temperament
The Jack Russell Terrier is a loving and devoted breed. They are
spirited, lively, amusing, and energetic. They get along with older,
well-behaved, considerate children. They are not recommended for
children under eight years of age. They do not get along with other
pets. Their natural hunting instinct brings out their aggressive
nature. They are highly intelligent and bold. Their courage often leads
them into dangerous situations that may lead to fatal results. The Jack
Russell Terrier requires an extraordinary amount of human attention.
They are not well suited for a two career family.
Care
The Jack Russell Terrier requires minimal grooming. They need regular
brushing with a firm bristle brush. Bathing should only be done when
necessary. It is important to keep their nails trimmed regularly to
prevent problems. They are easily over-fed and have a tendency to
become overweight. The health issues that affect this breed include
deafness, glaucoma, epilepsy, allergies, and skin problems.
