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!
Tibetan Dog Breeds
Tibet is the highest region on the planet, known for the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. However, among other wonders, it’s also where a handful of incredible dogs were developed. So here’s your guide to the Tibetan dog breeds and what you'll want to know...
The Top Pug-Like Dogs
The Pug is known for its flat and wrinkly face and small size. However, for those who like the appearance of the breed but prefer something a little bit different, there are a few other options. So here are some other Pug-like dogs that may be more your style. French...
Is A Beagle A Hunting Dog?
Is a Beagle a hunting dog? This may sound like a funny question to a hunter. And that’s because this breed has become such a popular family companion that many people are totally unaware of its hunting roots and abilities. A Hare Hunter There are records of small...
How Much Exercise Does An Akita Need?
If you love your Akita Inu, you’ll make sure it gets enough exercise to stay fit and healthy. But how much exercise does an Akita need? Read on to find out. Akita Exercise Basics In general, this breed needs a moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis. Ideally,...
What Does Akita Mean In Japanese?
The Akita is a large and extremely loyal dog from Japan. But what does Akita mean in Japanese? This is a question commonly asked by admirers and owners of the breed alike. And here’s the answer. Named For A Prefecture The Akita originated in northern Japan on the...
Beagle Facts And Info
The Beagle is not just a family dog but a hunting hound. And this little hunter has a lot to offer. Here are some of the most interesting Beagle facts and info that you’ll want to know about this breed. Possibly Named For Its Size No one knows for sure how the...
Akita Facts
The Akita is a powerful and loyal companion dog. It’s a breed that’s not only large but looks like a bear. Here are some more Akita facts and info you’ll want to know about this fascinating breed. A Japanese Export The Akita is a Japanese dog breed. It originated on...
Pug Facts
The Pug is easily one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world. And with its adorable wrinkled face, convenient size, and friendly personality it’s no wonder why. So here are some of the top Pug facts every admirer of the breed will want to know. From China...
Great Dane Facts
A canine the size of a pony, the Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. However that’s just the beginning, there are many more fascinating Great Dane facts that set this breed apart from all others. And here are some you're sure to find interesting....
Weimaraner Facts
The Weimaraner is a canine with a shimmering coat that was created as a hunting dog for the elite. And those aren’t the only special things about this breed. Here are some of the most interesting Weimaraner facts. Named For Its Place Of Origin The English name,...
West Highland White Terrier Facts
Today the West Highland White Terrier is a loving family pet. However, in the past, this white little dog was a dedicated vermin hunter. That’s not the only interesting thing about this breed, here are the top West Highland White Terrier facts you’ll want to know. A...
Chinese Shar-Pei Facts
Most often known for its wrinkles, the Chinese Shar-Pei also has a blue-black tongue and a very unique temperament. But that’s just the start; here are some of the most interesting Chinese Shar-Pei facts that help set this amazing breed apart! A Breed From Ancient...
Chow Chow Facts
The Chow Chow is a dog with a blue-black tongue and ancestry dating back to ancient times. But that’s just the start; here are some of the most interesting Chow Chow facts that help set this amazing breed apart! Resembles Both Bears And Lions The fluffy yet stout Chow...
Rhodesian Ridgeback Facts
A lion hunter with a unique coat, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog that’s athletic and naturally protective. But that’s just the start, here are some of the most interesting Rhodesian Ridgeback facts that help set this amazing breed apart! A Distinct Ridge The...
Border Collie Facts
Created to herd sheep, the Border Collie is a dog that’s not just agile but incredibly smart. And here are some of the most interesting Border Collie facts that help set this amazing breed apart. A Distinguishing Name The Border Collie gets its name from the fact that...
The Border Collie Guide
The Border Collie is considered by many to be one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. This top-level sheep herder has a serious work ethic and will do best in working environments or with families who can provide it with an abundance of activity. Quick Stats...
The Chow Chow Guide
A blue tongue and scowling expression are just two of the unique characteristics that set the Chow Chow apart. This ancient breed is low-energy, however, will require an owner with experience who can understand its temperament. Quick Stats Group: Non-Sporting Size:...
The Chinese Shar-Pei Guide
The Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the most unique looking of all breeds and at one time it was one of the rarest. This wrinkly dog has a purple tongue and long history in its native land. Quick Stats Group: Non-Sporting Size: Medium Height: 16-20 inches (41- 51cm.)...
The Irish Terrier Guide
The Irish Terrier is known for its glowing red coat and its fiery disposition. This breed makes an excellent companion that is also considered to be hypoallergenic. Quick Stats Group: Terrier Size: Medium Height: 18 inches (46 cm.) Weight: 25-27 pounds (11.3-12.3 kg.)...
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Guide
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred to take on African lions. It’s a hunter, companion, and guardian all rolled up into one and with a very unique feature: a ridge of hair on its back that grows in reverse. Quick Stats Group: Hound Size: Large Height: 24-27...