The Jack Russell Terrier is well-known for its fiery temperament yet small stature. There’s a lot you’ll want to learn about this energetic and oftentimes amusing breed. So here are the top Jack Russell Terrier facts.
Named For Its Creator
This breed is named for the man who created it: Reverend John Russell also known as Parson Jack was the vicar (minister) of Swimbridge, in Devon England. He was also a fox hunter and developed the breed in an attempt to create a more efficient fox hunting dog.
Small With An Attitude For A Reason
The Jack Russell is not a small dog by accident. Both its size and tenaciousness come from its fox hunting ancestry. It needed to be able to fit into small underground tunnels and dens where it would then take on a fox that was fighting for its life, and typically in total darkness.
Three Coat Options
The Jack Russell Terrier coat comes in three types. It may be smooth, rough, or broken. A broken coat looks like a mixture between both the smooth and the rough coat types. The rough and broken coat Jack Russell Terrier, often have longer hairs around the mouth and on the tail than the smooth coat.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Each breed is prone to specific health problems. One of the Jack Russell Terrier health issues is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. This condition causes a failure in the blood supply to the thigh bone of the dog. And this results in it crumbling as it degenerates.
It is typically seen in puppies after six months of age. Pets affected by this condition experience pain when their hip joint is touched and lameness in the hind legs. However, with surgery dogs are generally able to eventually walk and run in a normal manner.
Two Strains
There are actually two strains of this breed: the Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. The Parson Russell Terrier is considered to be the show strain while the Jack Russell is the working strain. However, both do come from the same roots. And both strains can hunt and are also used as pets. You can distinguish from each other by the fact that the Parson Russell Terrier has visibly longer legs than the Jack Russell.
Big Influence In The U.S.
One of the biggest influencers of the breed in the United States was Mrs. Ailsa Crawford. In the nineteen sixties and seventies she was one of the first Jack Russell Terrier breeders in the entire country and produced some of the top dogs in the nation.
She went on to found the JRTCA or Jack Russell Terrier Club of America. It is the largest registry Jack Russell club and registry in the world. And it has worked to preserve the Jack Russell terrier as a true working breed.
The Jack Russell Terrier And Children
While this breed can be good with children it is often recommended for families with kids that are six years old and up. That’s because the Jack Russell’s extreme energy and animated behavior can be intimidating to very young kids.
For those who have their heart set on this breed and do have young children adopting an older more mature dog may be a better option. Children will need to be taught to respect the dog. And like with any breed should always be supervised when with a canine.
Handle Tail
The Jack Russell Terrier tail is docked or shortened, not long after it is born. Although it’s not docked as short as other breeds and actually looks like a handle. This is no accident, as the tail is used as a handle to help pull the dog out of the den or burrow of prey when hunting.
Big Dog In A Small Body
One of the most amusing Jack Russell Terrier facts is that it has no idea it’s so small. Not only does it not realize it’s so small but it really believes it’s the biggest and baddest pooch around. This is often most obvious when it’s around larger dogs, which will often back down from them.
Extreme Energy
Having an extreme amount of energy is one of the Jack Russell Terrier traits. And unlike other breeds, even well-exercised Jack Russells can seem to have a limitless amount. This trait also means it’s a high-maintenance pet and definitely not for everyone.
Despite being one of the small dog breeds, it is not a pet for someone living in a cramped apartment or who does not have a lot of time to spend with their pet. These dogs require active owners but who won’t take their behavior too seriously.
Aggressive Behavior
Many dogs and especially terriers tend to show aggression towards other dogs. With the Jack Russell Terrier, however, aggression is often aimed at household objects and seemingly random items.
Vacuum cleaners, brooms, and mops are common targets especially when they are in motion. Sprinklers and even rocks for some reason also seem to be Jack Russell favorites. However, with this breed just about anything is fair game regardless of its size.
Problem Solving Pooch
The Jack Russell Terrier is known for its intelligence which also happens to help make it an excellent problem solver. However, this isn’t always convenient for its owners. It will often find creative ways to get into things and places you’d never expect possible once it smells something it wants.
Strong Hunting Instinct
One of the Jack Russell Terrier facts that all prospective owners will need to remember is that this is a breed with very strong hunting instincts. A Jack Russell is always looking for prey, whether that be rodents, insects, or even items that look like them. This cannot be trained out of the dog.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Serbian Dog Breeds
While the Republic of Serbia was part of Yugoslavia for most of the 20th century, today it is an independent state. And as such, it has three official Serbian dog breeds to call its very own. So here are the dog breeds from Serbia and what you’ll want to know about...
Long-Haired Dog Breeds
There's a certain elegance and beauty when it comes to dogs with long hair. While these breeds do require extra maintenance and patience, they're well worth it not just for their stunning coats but of course for the companionship they provide as well. So here are some...
Swiss Mountain Dog Breeds
The Swiss Sennenhunds or Swiss mountain dogs are a unique group of dogs with tricolor coats from the Swiss Alps. And while experts may disagree on their exact origins, one thing is for sure these canines are a special bunch. So here are the four types of Swiss...
Setter Dog Breeds
The setter breeds are known for their top-notch bird hunting abilities, intelligence, love for their family, and of course their long and attractive coats. While they may be similar, each of them is uniquely different. So here are all four of the setter dog breeds and...
Finnish Dog Breeds
With over 180,000 lakes and the majority of its land covered by green forests, Finland is a country of natural beauty. It has long, freezing, and dark Arctic winters. However during the short summer months, the sun is shining around the clock, this natural phenomenon...
Prague Ratter Facts And Information
The Prague Ratter is a rare dog from the Czech Republic. These small yet feisty dogs make wonderful companions and are also very popular for keeping away rats and other vermin. Keep reading to find out more amazing Prague Ratter facts and information! The Prague...
Brazilian Terrier Facts
True to its name, the Brazilian Terrier is a Brazilian dog breed that was initially bred for chasing down rats and other vermin. And there is a lot you’ll want to know about these amazing little dogs. So keep reading to find out more amazing Brazilian Terrier facts...
Alaskan Dog Breeds
Alaska is considered by many to be the “Last Frontier.” It’s a state that is well-known for its majestic natural beauty and at the same time for being a place that is wild and unforgiving. So it’s no surprise that the dog breeds from Alaska were developed not only to...
Rough Collie Facts And Information
The Rough Collie is a large, courageous dog breed that excels in hard work. These dogs are also highly affectionate and make great family pets. Read on to find out more Rough Collie facts and information! They Originated In Scotland And Wales Two Collie dogs...
Romanian Miortic Shepherd Dog Facts
True to its name, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is a Romanian dog breed that specializes in protecting livestock. These gentle giants also make wonderful family companions. Read on to find out more amazing Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog facts and information! The...
Fila Brasileiro Facts
The Fila Brasileiro is a Brazilian breed known for its strength, tenacity, and occasional aggressiveness. These dogs are highly protective of their owners and are not at all suitable for novice owners. Read on to find out more amazing Fila Brasileiro facts and...
Old English Sheepdog Facts
The Old English Sheepdog is the most classic of the shaggy-looking dogs. These intelligent and athletic dogs are hard workers, but they also make loving family companions. Read on to find out more amazing Old English Sheepdog facts and information! The Old English...
Cesky Fousek Facts
The Cesky Fousek, also known as the Bohemian Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon, or the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointer, is a versatile hunting breed. These dogs make excellent hunting companions, but they are also a popular choice as guard dogs. Read on to find out more Cesky...
Cesky Terrier Facts
The Cesky Terrier, also known sometimes as the Bohemian Terrier or Czech Terrier, is a lively dog breed with a penchant for playfulness. These dogs can be wary with strangers, but are incredibly affectionate to their family members. Read on to find out more amazing...
Russian Spaniel Facts And Information
The Russian Spaniel is a versatile gundog, watchdog, and even a loving family companion. These small dogs are strong and athletic, as well as devoted to their owners. Read on to find out more amazing Russian Spaniel facts and information! The Russian Spaniel Is A New...
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Facts
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small dog with a big name and an even bigger heart. These dogs were bred to hunt rabbits, but also make energetic and loving companions. Read on to find out more amazing Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen facts and information! The...
Short-Legged Hounds
Hounds with short legs aren’t just adorable, but they have many advantages over their long-legged counterparts. While each specific breed is different typically shorter dogs can get into areas where bigger canines can’t and they’re also slower, which allows them to be...
Dogs With Yellow Eyes
There’s no doubt that dogs with yellow eyes make quite an impression. And there are quite a few special canines that have this unique and recessive trait. So here are some of the top dog breeds with yellow eyes and what you’ll want to know about each of them....
Sled Dog Breeds
Sled dogs have been used for centuries to carry important goods across frigid and difficult terrain. These hard-working dogs also make amazing pets! The following are the best sled dog breeds and what you'll want to know about each of them. What Makes a Great Sled...
Finnish Lapphund Facts
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog that was bred to herd reindeer in its native country, Finland. These intelligent and energetic dogs are extremely popular in the Nordic countries, but can be difficult to find in other places. Read on to find out more amazing...