The decision to choose a dog breed to keep in your home can change not only the life of the owner and his family. But also change a person’s attitude towards life. Many people are guided by their own character traits when choosing.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a good choice for active people or for families with one or more children. In order to understand whether this breed is fully suitable, you need to know not only the personality traits and price of puppies, but also be familiar with the exterior and nutritional characteristics.
Breed standard
The height at the withers of a Jack Russell Terrier should not exceed 30 cm. Most often for males it is from 27 to 30 cm, for females it is from 25 to 27 cm. If the animal is larger, then this is already a violation of the standard.
The tail should be docked and stand vertical to ear level.
The main color should be pure white. There should be spots on it - black or brown of various shades. The spots are round in shape and should not occupy more than 30 percent of the body.
The coat can be short or slightly elongated, up to the formation of a beard and eyebrows. The type of coat is determined only when the puppy reaches 2 months of age. Previously, few breeders would be able to understand exactly what kind of hair coat a pet will have.
The body should have a slightly elongated, oblong shape of medium length.
The skull is flat, tapering towards the eyes and mouth, shorter from the forehead to the nose (than from the back of the head to the forehead).
The chest should have correct proportions and be deep. The volume of the body in the area of the ribs is 40-43 cm. The lower back should be short and slightly tense.
Appearance of Jack Russell Terrier
Varieties
Until 2001, the Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier had the same standard and were considered subspecies of the same breed in most countries. The origin of these terriers is truly the same. But due to the difference in appearance (the Parson Russell Terrier is higher at the withers and has a more square body), the Russell Terriers were divided. Now they are different breeds with different standards.
For the Jack Russell Terrier, No. 345 of 2001 is valid. If the documents for a purebred puppy indicate a different standard - No. 349, then the future owner is offered either a Parson Russell, or is simply deceived by forging documents.
The Jack Russell Terrier within the standard differs significantly in the texture and appearance of its coat. There are:
- short-haired with a hard hair structure, care for which consists only of combing;
- long-haired - with funny eyebrows and a beard (trimming is required), the wool is a little softer;
- with semi-long hair – quite tough, but requiring trimming.
One litter can have puppies with both short hair and a goatee . This is normal and not a violation of the standard.
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Choosing the right puppy
When you come to the nursery, cheerful Jack Russell Terrier puppies will run towards you, they are no longer newborns and have matured a little, they all wag their tails and look at you with a soulful gaze.
Well, how to choose the appropriate “option” from this variety? Everything is very simple, do as your heart tells you, but don’t forget to ask about the puppy’s pedigree, not only the parents, but also the grandparents. In addition, the pet's passport must indicate vaccinations, have signatures and seals, indicate examinations, and issue breed documents.
We advise you to choose a puppy of this breed at the age of 4 months, or even six - at that time the dog will have all its vaccinations. True, raising a puppy at this age is a little more difficult. The puppy's coat color will even out and Jack will be ready to go to a new family.
You will be given a diet according to which you need to feed your dog. It is important to decide what length of coat your Jack should have - long, smooth and short, or an intermediate option (broken).
It’s also worth taking care of the issue of gender: do you need a girl or a boy as a pet, friend and companion?
The Jack Russell Terrier is predominantly white with tan and/or black spots.
The standard for the Jack Russell Terrier breed stipulates a normal dog height of about 25-30 cm and a weight of 5-6 kg. Some breeders try to sell adult mini-sized dogs or puppies from supposedly mini terriers.
Be aware, in this way, you are being deceived, there are no mini-sized Jack Russell Terrier puppies, and what is prescribed by the standard, as they say, “you can’t cut it out with an axe.”
Also, there are no distinctions based on height and weight, there is only a division into purebred and pedigree, and this is a completely different conversation. A purebred puppy according to all standard parameters is suitable for exhibition breeding and participation in breed exhibitions. Pedigree, as in the case of decorative dogs of the pet class, is simply a pet, but not a participant in exhibitions.
Character and behavior
Jack Russells were originally bred as burrowing terriers for hunting foxes and even rats. For a long time, professional breeders fought for the purity and quality of hunting qualities. And they were categorically against breeding exhibition specimens. But with the decline in the popularity of hunting, this breed was increasingly kept at home due to its cheerful and playful disposition.
The breed appeared in Russia only in the late nineties. Only in 2003, the National Club (Russell Terrier breeds) was organized, and therefore puppies are still quite expensive. Because of this, their popularity is not so high. But many people want to have a dog from the movie “The Mask” at home.
The Jack Russell Terrier is small in stature (up to 30 cm at the withers), so it can be kept freely even in the smallest apartment . As a rule, the pet's toys take up more space, not the pet itself. They are very jumpy and are happy to wake up their owner in the morning. They do not require the selection of an alpha individual in the family. They communicate easily and on the same level with all family members, but they can choose a favorite for themselves.
Long-haired with a beard
The character of such dogs is quite restless . Phlegmatic people are better off not getting a Jack Russell, but take, for example, an eternally sleeping pug, because Jack constantly needs active games and communication. This terrier will happily go for a run with its owner, making it even more fun.
Jack Russell Terriers are very good with children . They will entertain not only their own people, but even strangers. But, if you get such a dog for a child under 3 years old, then you need to pay a lot of attention to training. So that the pet does not snap when during play it may be pulled by the tail or squeezed too tightly in a hug. It is very important to explain to the dog that the child has a routine. Otherwise, the terrier will entertain his little charge to the point of complete exhaustion and wake him up at inopportune times.
Photo while jogging
Dogs of this breed have a high level of intelligence , so they are easy to teach commands even without a trainer. Jacks enjoy training and participating in agility competitions (or, more simply, completing an obstacle course for small breeds).
How long do these dogs live? For a long time, because when breeding the breed, interference with healthy physiology was not allowed. But with poor nutrition, there may not be enough energy for the heart, so the condition of cardiovascular system must be closely monitored.
From lack of attention, these terriers can develop neuroses. Then their condition can be compared with the behavior of a hyperactive child. The dog can play at night, drag away various objects and tear them to shreds. Even such a small pet, with attention deficit, can independently destroy a soft bedroom set or deprive the owner of several pairs of shoes.
Active and cheerful
Choosing a puppy
It is not advisable to choose a puppy younger than 2 months. If the breeder offers a younger animal, then this is an alarming sign. It is better to refuse the services of such a person.
A lot of attention needs to be paid to the documents for both the puppy and his parents. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with medical records and vaccination schedules. You can visit the veterinarian together with the breeder for a preliminary examination of the puppy.
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Price
The price for a Jack Russell Terrier from a good breeder with documents starts from $700. And the cost can reach up to $1200. If the puppy does not have a large number of ancestors with a huge number of exhibition awards, then you can buy it for $500.
Without documents, the price drops to 200-300 dollars. It is very rare to find a puppy for $100, but there is a very good chance of purchasing a sick animal or a so-called “cull”. And in the end you will have to spend a lot more money on treating the puppy.
Due to their cheerful disposition, sometimes these terriers may end up in a shelter or return to the breeder if the new owners could not get along with the dog. You can get a dog for free from a shelter, but from a breeder an adult dog can cost from $200 to $500. But there is a danger that the dog could develop a neurotic state. Therefore, you need to be prepared for additional work with a dog trainer if you got a Jack Russell as an adult.
Russell Terrier puppy
Nicknames for Jack Russell Terrier Boy
The “Give a Paw” website will help you choose a good nickname for Jack Russell dogs, which has prepared a huge number of names for dogs for every taste. A Jack Russell boy should choose a courageous nickname that can convey the pet’s energy.
Beautiful nicknames for boys Jack Russell Terriers
#1 Nacho, Charlie, Ricky, Glen, Dani, Diego, Eli, Pablo, Jerry, Poll, Bruce, Chet, Roni, Timosha, Hugo, Patrick, Lyusha, Vito, Chucho, Chus, Sima, Dani, Kiwi, Chris, Barney, Roy, Shusan, Tomi, Tito, Gene, Gary, Bruno, Leo.
#2 Juan, Neil, Beefy, Pancho, Colin, Louis, Brooke, Robie, Hugh, Grego, Archie, Micky, Maurice, Babi, Lance, Vico, Lucas, Ramon, Mars, Sancho, Casper, Jem, Freddie, Sema, Max, Lorrie, Volchek, Luke, Paco, Cosmo, Tosha, Tom, Oscar.
#3 Beautiful names for a Jack Russell boy Adam, Nathan, Cesium, Bruce, Trevor, Oscar, Patrick, Merlin, Watson, Bing, Derek, Hector, Lester, Kevin, Zeus, Simon, Kevin, Monty, Phoenix.
More beautiful names »
Jack Russell Terrier, photo shared by Alexey Runaev.
Beautiful nicknames for the Jack Russell Terrier breed can be found among foreign and Russian names. Above is a list of both common and unusual nicknames for representatives of the breed. The presented names can satisfy the most sophisticated taste of a dog owner.
Cool nicknames for boys Jack Russell Terriers
Mickey, Shaman, Twister, Elwood, Chaplin, Forex, Cactus, Noah, Elvis, Limit, Fruit, Ninja, Lucky, Pegasus, Cupcake, Ramses, Bumblebee, Wally, Rolex, Latte, Scooter, Rocky, Tiktak, Confucius, Muscat, Nimble, Tuxie, Hippie, Nice, Oxford, Rimbaud, Pudding, Hobbit, Espresso, Radar, Pancho, Ozzie, Casper, Ripley, Rembrandt, T-Rex, Scout, Scotch, Conan, Tomahawk.
In order to make sure that the nickname suits the dog, you can also familiarize yourself with its interpretation. These could be some cool nicknames for Jack Russell boys, which will allow the pet to become the center of attention on walks. The Jack Russell Terrier is a hunter and athlete, which can also be emphasized by the chosen name.
Names with meaning for Jack Russell Terrier
- Natsumi – wonderful summer;
- Honcho – leader;
- Sin – real;
- Akira – bright;
- Hikari – light;
- Takara – treasure;
- Suzume - sparrow;
- Jiro – second son;
- Arata – new;
- Daisuke – literally: great help;
- Akito - autumn;
- Haruki – shining;
- Izumi – stream or fountain;
- Daiti – wise, intellectual;
- Naoki – honest, correct;
- Aiko – beloved, beloved;
- Etsuko – child of joy;
- Natsu, Natsuko – born in summer;
- Hinata – sunflower;
- Hibiki – sound, echo;
- Oki - open sea;
- Kameko – child of a turtle, “long-liver”;
- Hiro – generous;
- Hachiro is the eighth son;
- Hoshi – star;
- Ayame – iris;
- Hoshiko is a star child;
- Kyoko is a happy child;
- Ayumu – sleepwalker;
- Shiro is the fourth son;
- Hayato - falcon;
- Tsukiko – moon child;
- Midori – green (color);
- Akane – rich red (color);
- Kaori - perfume, pleasant smell;
- Yuki – snow;
- Katsu – victory;
- Shinju - pearls;
- Rokuro – sixth son;
- Megumi - blessing;
- Kokoro – heart, soul;
- Haruko is a spring child;
- Nari or Nariko - thunder;
- Miyako is a beautiful child of the night;
- Hotaru – firefly;
- Ren – lotus;
- Kotone - sounds of a lute;
- Ichiro – first son;
- Michiko is a child of beauty.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a hunting breed of dog. Photo from Dmitry Tretyakov.
Care and maintenance
In terms of keeping, the Jack Russell Terrier can be considered very unpretentious . This is due to the hunting past of this breed. If the coat is long, then it needs a little trimming. If it is short, then it is enough to use high-quality products and periodically comb the animal. The most important thing is a large abundance of toys (especially for sharpening teeth) and communication. And then there will be no problems with this terrier.
What is the right way to feed a dog?
Since this breed was formed not with an emphasis on beauty (when one has to neglect health for the sake of appearance), but on physical performance, there are no special requirements for the diet.
The main thing is to provide a balanced diet, taking into account the high energy consumption. It is best to choose high-quality food from the Innova or Orijen brands. Or special diets for active dogs. If you plan to feed natural food, then it is best to organize meals taking into account the advice of breeders.
On a walk
Conditions of keeping Jack Russell Terrier
Dogs of this breed make wonderful pets, but they are not suitable for everyone.
- Often unprepared owners get such animals, and then do not know how to deal with this indomitable creature, because the character of the Jack Russell Terrier is very lively.
After all, without proper constant training, daily long walks and games, Jack Russell can release his energy at home in your absence. These dogs are capable of chewing furniture out of boredom, tearing off wallpaper and generally doing a bunch of dirty tricks.
In this case, it is better to keep the pet in an apartment in a cage, providing it with drink, food and a sleeping place. It may seem strange to keep a dog in a cage in an apartment, but the apartment itself is essentially a cage for him. So at least in your absence you will be calm about the safety of your things.
The cage should not be small. The dog should move calmly along it without hesitation.
Jack Russell Terrier is a truly loyal and devoted friend. He will miss you every day while you are at work. But when the owner returns home, this dog’s joy knows no bounds!
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage and at the same time the disadvantage of the breed is its gullibility and cheerfulness . The dog must be carefully trained so that it distinguishes strangers from its own. Otherwise, there is a risk of the animal being stolen.
A high level of intelligence allows you to quickly find a common language with the dog in any matter. But intelligence implies cunning, so you should not miss the moments when the Jack Russell Terrier begins to manipulate the owner.
The main advantage is that any child will be crazy about such a pet . Very often, these terriers can turn a withdrawn, physically undeveloped child into an active and sociable one.
Jack Russell Terriers are often used to treat depression or to interact with people who have disabilities. In canistherapy (treatment with the help of dogs), these dogs help improve the condition of children with cerebral palsy, autism and other disorders.
If you are determined to get a Jack Russell Terrier, then the main word that should guide the future owner is “attention . The dog needs a lot of physical activity, plenty of toys and communication. If you constantly force her to sit still or do not pay attention to the terrier, the animal will begin to waste away. May become more aggressive and take out his emotions on things.