Jack Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Origin & History
The Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier & Russell Terrier descend from working terrier lines developed by Reverend John "Jack" Russell in early 1800s England. These dogs were bred specifically for fox hunting with these exceptional traits: stamina to keep up with horses, courage to face foxes & intelligence to work independently underground.
They later split into three separate breeds due to differing preferences in: height, leg length & working style
The Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) is unmatched in ratting and rabbiting skills. He can clear barns and fields of pests in hours. They are used by farmers worldwide for rodent control.
The JRT makes an elite 'Earthdog' competitor wiht his natural instinct for locating quarry underground. With his combined speed, intelligence and problem solving skills, he makes an excellent Agility dog.
Comparing the three breeds, the JRT would be considered the 'wild child' of the three!
An eager and entertaining breed, they are not for the faint of heart!
Stats:
- Height: 10-15 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 13-17 pounds
- Coat: Smooth, rough, or broken; weatherproof
- Colors: White with black, tan, or brown markings
- Lifespan: 13-16 years
Breed Divergence
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Extremely high energy; needs intense daily exercise | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Intelligent but stubborn; needs creative training | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Low maintenance; weekly brushing | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Good with older children; may be too energetic for toddlers | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Excellent; very alert and vocal | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Not recommended for first-time owners | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Extremely high; will chase anything that moves | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Frequent; very vocal breed | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Can be dog aggressive | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Deafness: Especially in predominantly white dogs
- Eye Problems: Including lens luxation and cataracts
- Allergies: Skin sensitivities
- Ataxia: Neurological movement disorder
- Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative spinal disease
- Hyperuricosuria: Excessive uric acid, can lead to kidney stones
Please see the Jack Russell Terrier Health Registry and parent breed clubs for health testing recommendations.