History of the Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are a type, or strain, of working terrier; they are not purebred in the sense that they have a broad genetic make-up, a broad standard, and do not breed true to type. You will see different "types" of JRTs, from long-bodied, short, crooked legs to a more proportioned length of body and longer legs. This is a result of having been bred strictly for hunting since their beginning in the early 1800's, and their preservation as a working breed since.

The Jack Russell takes its name from the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest strains of terriers for working fox in Devonshire, England in the mid-to-late 1800's. Rev. Russell (1795-1883), apart from his church activities, had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs; he is also said to be a rather flamboyant character, probably accounting for his strain of terrier's notability and the name of our terrier today.

John Russell maintained his strain of fox terriers bred strictly for working, and the terrier we know of today as the Jack Russell is much the same as the pre-1900's fox terrier. The Jack Russell has survived the changes that have occured in the modern-day Fox Terrier because it has been preserved by working terrier enthusiasts in England for more than 100 years. It is the foremost goal of the JRTCA that the Jack Russell continues in that tradition.

 

Characteristics and Temperament

The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely loyal, intelligent, and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. Unlike some modern breeds, Jack Russells have one type, hunting. Hunting ability is bred into them. It is their nature. The unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first time dog owners. While adaptable to to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to hunt.

These dogs come in three different coat types; smooth (recessive), broken (intermediate), and rough (coarse, longer straight hair, dominant over smooth). All coats shed, smooth coats shed the most. They are adaptable to most climates, and usually handle the cold fine, although some dogs will need a dog blanket or sweater if under 40 deg. Fahrenheit. The color of the coat must be at least 51% white, or all white. Black and/or tan markings are allowed. Height can be between 10" and 15", with a proportionate body length. For showing purposes, terriers are classified in two groups, 10" to 12 1/2", and over 12 1/2" and up to 15". Dogs should appear compact and balanced, always in solid, hard condition. Jack Russells have a short, upright tail, about 4" long. The tail is cropped shortly after birth, and front dewclaws are removed.

 The following is the Breed Standard set forth by the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America taken from the www.therealjackrussell.com

JRTCA Breed Standard

 

Characteristics	The terrier must present a lively, active and alert appearance. It should impress with its fearless and happy disposition. It should be remembered that the Jack Russell is a working terrier and should retain these instincts. Nervousness, cowardice or over-aggressiveness should be discouraged and it should always appear confident.
General Appearance	A sturdy, tough terrier, very much on its toes all the time, measuring between 10" and 15" at the withers. The body length must be in proportion to the height, and it should present a compact, balanced image, always being in solid, hard condition.
Head	Should be well balanced and in proportion to the body. The skull should be flat, of moderate width at the ears, narrowing to the eyes. There should be a defined stop but not overpronounced. The length of the muzzle from the nose to the stop should be slightly shorter than the distance from the stop to the occiput. The nose should be black. The jaw should be powerful and well boned with strongly muscled cheeks.
Eyes	Should be almond shaped, dark in color and full of life and intelligence.
Ears	Small "V" shaped drop ears carried forward close to the head and of moderate thickness.
Mouth	Strong teeth with the top slightly overlapping the lower. The left two bites are acceptable; the far left bite is preferred.
Neck	Clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the shoulders.
Forequarters	The shoulders should be sloping and well laid back, fine at points and clearly cut at the withers. Forelegs should be strong and straight boned with joints in correct alignment. Elbows hanging perpendicular to the body and working free of the sides.
Body	The chest should be shallow, narrow and the front legs not too widely apart, giving an athletic, rather than heavily chested appearance. As a guide only, the chest should be small enough to be easily spanned behind the shoulders, by average sized hands, when the terrier is in a fit, working condition. The back should be strong, straight and, in comparison to the height of the terrier, give a balanced image. The loin should be slightly arched.
Hindquarters	Should be strong and muscular, well put together with good angulation and bend of stifle, giving plenty of drive and propulsion. Looking from behind, the hocks must be straight.
Feet	Round, hard padded, wide, of cat-like appearance, neither turning in nor out.
Tail	Should be set rather high, carried gaily and in proportion to body length, usually about four inches long, providing a good hand-hold.
Coat	Smooth, without being so sparse as not to provide a certain amount of protection from the elements and undergrowth. Rough or broken coated, without being woolly.
Color	White should predominate (i.e., must be more than 51% white) with tan, black, or brown markings. Brindle markings are unacceptable.
Gait	Movement should be free, lively, well coordinated with straight action in front and behind.
Special Notes	Old scars or injuries, the result of work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a terrier's chance in the show ring unless they interfere with its movement or with its utility for work or stud. A Jack Russell Terrier should not show any strong characteristics of another breed.
Faults	Shyness, Disinterest, Overly aggressive, Defects in bite, Weak jaws, Fleshy ears, Down at the shoulder, Barrel ribs, Out at elbow, Narrow hips, Straight stifles, Weak feet, Sluggish or unsound movement, Dishing, Plaiting, Toeing, Silky or woolly coats, Too much color (less than 51% white), Shrill or weak voice, Lack of muscle or skin tone, Lack of stamina or lung reserve, Evidence of foreign blood

 Health Issues with Jack Russell Terriers

Extreme care has been taken to ensure  a  healthy, well-socialized puppy. Duncan Chase JRT guarantees your puppy to be in good health, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of sale.  This puppy has been vaccinated and dewormed as age appropriate.  Purchaser agrees to have this puppy thoroughly checked by a licensed Veterinarian, at their expense, within 72 hours (3 days) of purchase to activate guarantee.  Any illness occurring after 72 hours is the purchaser’s responsibility.  Upon examination, if this puppy proves to have a congenital/genetic defect or other such considered serious life threatening medical condition, and is returned immediately with a signed statement from the said Veterinarian detailing its condition, documentation as to types of tests done and their findings and x-rays if appropriate; another puppy will be substituted when available, at the sellers discretion.  Ear mites, worms, other parasites, respiratory infections, and some types of bacterial infections including Coccidiosos and Giardia, any types of mange, are not serious health problems, if properly treated, and therefore are not covered by this warranty.  However, every effort has been made to prevent your puppy from having these problems. 

 Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) can be a serious but is also not covered by the warranty as it is usually caused by too little food (see feeding instructions) and is within Buyer control.  Undescended testicle(s), overbite, under bite, cherry-eye, and hernias are genetic defects, but are not covered by this warranty as they are not life threatening.  Seller reserves the right to have said puppy examined by a Veterinarian of Sellers choice and before any action is taken on this guarantee.  In the rare event of death of the puppy within ten (10) days of purchase, Purchaser is required to have a necropsy done at their own expense.  A copy of the results with the exact date and cause of death must be provided to the Seller before any action is taken on this guarantee.  Seller is not liable for replacement or any medical expenses due to accidents, neglect, theft, carelessness, recklessness, abuse or mistreatment of the puppy.  If purchaser chooses not to have this puppy checked by a licensed Veterinarian as outlined above, Seller is released from all liability regarding the health of the puppy.  Purchaser assumes responsibility for the puppy upon receipt thereof including medical expenses.  No refund/payments will be issued for veterinarian expenses. 

 Seller assumes no liability for landlord disagreements, personal conflicts, or family allergies.  Seller is not responsible for whining, barking, or playful nipping, which is very typical of any puppy.  Seller can not guarantee size, color or other features at maturity, future breeding abilities, show potential or disposition of your pet.  This puppy is sold as a pet and companion animal only (PET QUALITY).  Should Purchaser ever become unable or unwilling to provide proper care for this puppy and is unable to locate a safe, suitable home then Purchaser agrees to return this puppy to the Seller for placement.  Purchaser acknowledges that under no circumstances is the puppy ever to be taken to an animal shelter or other type of facility, which destroys unwanted pets.  

I agree to take good care of this dog; feed and house the dog properly; maintain immunizations, de-wormings and other medical care; and control the dog on a harness or leash when in public, off the premises of the dog’s home.  The dog’s outdoor area will be fenced in and secure or other acceptable provisions will be made to assure the dog is safe when it is outdoors.  I am aware these are a “house dog” and agree to primarily house this dog indoors.  I know this is a serious decision and have thoroughly considered it.  I accept the responsibilities regarding the care of this puppy, and realize it is a long-term commitment.  I have read the agreement; I understand the said conditions as outlined and agree with them.

 

PURCHASER SIGNATURE:  ____________________________________________________

 PURCHASER PRINTED NAME:  _________________________________________________

 

SHOT INFORMATION

 This puppy needs a series of four (4) puppy shots at 3 to 4 week intervals and rabies ht to be fully vaccinated.  One shot is not enough to protect your puppy from serious illness.  Do not expose your puppy to dogs or puppies which are sick or have been sick or which you are not sure fully vaccinated.  Also, for your puppy’s protection, do not take your puppy out to public places such as the park or Pet Smart where unvaccinated animals could be or could have been until he is fully vaccinated.

DATE OF SHOTS:  SEE ENCLOSED YOUR CANINE HEALTH RECORD FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND DATES

PRODUCT USED: 

DATES OF DEWORMINGS:  SEE ENCLOSED YOUR CANINE HEALTH RECORD FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND DATES

PRODUCTS USED: