Origin story
The breed was bred in Great Britain by the priest John (Jack) Russell. Russell was not interested in the appearance of dogs; he paid attention only to their working qualities and the factors influencing them: height, chest structure, endurance, jaw strength.
When breeding the breed, he used Fox Terriers, Lakelands, Borders, Bull Terriers, Beagles, carefully and severely culling all puppies that did not meet the basic requirements . As a result of such work, dogs appeared that were ideal for hunting foxes and badgers on foot.
After the death of John Russell, his work was continued by Arthur Heinemann, who began to use Pembroke Dachshunds and Welsh Corgis for breeding.
The first Jack Russell Terrier club was created in 1914, the breed standard approved by the FCI was adopted in 2001.
In Russia, the first representatives of the breed appeared in 1998, in 2000 . The RKF registered the first pair; in 2003, the National Breed Club was created at the RKF and the first National Exhibition was held.
In 1994, the film “The Mask” was released, where the main character’s dog, Milo, was played by a Jack Russell terrier. Representatives of this breed also starred in such films as “Problem Child”, “My Dog Skip”, “Paws”.
Puppies and their cost
Pregnancy in Jack Russell Terrier bitches lasts approximately 58-65 days from the date of mating. Childbirth usually occurs without complications. The average litter is 4-6 puppies.
In puppies up to three months of age, there are practically no signs of the future structure of the coat. Therefore, it is impossible to say with complete certainty what kind of wool will be in the future.
The market price for Jack Russell Terrier puppies varies from 10 to 30 thousand rubles. It is significantly influenced by the color and structure of the coat, working qualities and pedigree of the parents. The offspring from titled ancestors have a promising future and are valued much more expensive; the price of such a puppy can reach 80 thousand rubles.
Be careful, too cheap offers for the sale of supposedly “pedigreed Jack Russell Terrier puppies” should be alarming – this is an obvious culling or crossbred offspring.
Pet character
Jack Russell Terriers have a complex character. These dogs are distinguished by independence, determination, stubbornness, straightforwardness and the ability to make decisions independently, assessing the situation. In addition, they are hyperactive and, if not raised correctly, can cause a lot of problems.
These dogs are hunters, they are characterized by an excellent sense of smell, endurance and high performance, they need long walks and active games..
If a Jack Russell lacks physical exercise, violent energy finds a way out through literally destructive behavior: playing at night, damaging property, digging holes, chasing birds and cats, etc.
At the same time, all shortcomings are compensated by a cheerful disposition, love of life, fearlessness and playfulness. Representatives of this breed are incredibly loyal to their owner, affectionate and friendly.
They react calmly to strangers on the street, but they can be wary, suspicious and even aggressive towards guests, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
They do not try to single out the main person in the house and become attached to all family members, although they can choose a favorite.
They need constant communication and attention and do not tolerate loneliness well.
History of the breed
This breed owes its appearance to the fashion for fox hunting, which was extremely popular in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. And the founder and first breeder of these dogs is the British priest John Russell, who lived in the second half of the 19th century.
Russell himself primarily bred wire-haired dogs similar to fox terriers. However, due to the fact that he paid attention not so much to the exterior as to the working qualities of his dogs, among the livestock of his pets there were not only wire-haired or transitional type terriers, but also smooth-haired ones.
NOTE!
It was the smooth-haired variety of Russell dogs that particularly interested other breeders and hunters. The fact is that at the beginning of the formation of the breed, it was smooth fox terriers that were considered worthy of victories at exhibitions, while dogs with other types of hair were not considered show dogs.
Currently, smooth-haired dogs are also particularly popular. After all, they do not need trimming and at the same time always look elegant.
Attitude towards children and pets
Jack Russells are friendly towards children, get along well with them, and enjoy playing and entertaining them.
At the same time, if the child is under 3-4 years old, training the dog must be approached as responsibly as possible so that it does not snap or try to bite the child if he pulls the dog by the tail during play, for example.
You also need to accustom your pet to the child’s daily routine, otherwise he will strive to entertain him almost 24 hours a day.
Jack Russells are jealous, they cannot stand it if the owner pays attention to other dogs.
They treat their relatives negatively, with aggression, and only get along with representatives of their own breed.
Hunting instincts do not allow Jack Russells to coexist with cats or rodents - dogs see them only as prey.
Representatives of this breed live relatively calmly with other pets only if they grew up together, but even in this case it is necessary to monitor their relationships.
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
Jack Russells are the intellectuals of dogs. They are energetic, intelligent, and easy to train if the owner is patient and persistent. As the dog grows older, it will try to take the place of leader in the family and it is important to immediately stop these attempts, otherwise it will stop obeying. With the right approach to education and socialization, representatives of this breed become excellent, loyal, affectionate and cheerful pets.
Character of Jack Russell Terrier puppies
Pets are a living battery; they do not and cannot sit in one place or stand. For Jack Russell Terriers, whose ancestors are hunting dogs , an abundance of physical activity to satisfy natural curiosity is simply necessary.
An owner who does not pay enough attention to his pet risks being left with torn furniture upholstery, damaged slippers, or a lot of chewed things in the house. The sooner the socialization of the puppy begins and its proper upbringing, the more balanced the pet will greet the owner at the door. During walks, the puppy is given games with throwing a stick or other object, and they actively run with it. If you place other types of pets in a house with a Jack Russell Terrier, then the life of the latter can hardly be called sugar. From the first days, puppies hunt domestic rats, hamsters, parrots and kittens . This will not make them enemies, since all animals love movement and jump with the Jack Russell Terrier.
In this regard, a private household is suitable for raising and keeping a puppy, since the dog’s ability to bark for any reason and for no reason will make the surrounding neighbors in the apartment unhappy. And in the courtyard of a private house, Jack Russell terriers dig holes, chase cats, chickens and ducklings. Puppies love small children very much, but they are not left alone with the pet. The child, despite this, causes pain to the dog, which the dog does not like at all. He responds with a bite, which leads to tragedy. Older children become full partners with the dog and partners in outdoor games.
Advantages and disadvantages
Jack Russell Terriers have many advantages, for example:
- sociability, allowing you to find contact with all family members;
- good attitude towards children;
- curiosity and resourcefulness;
- cheerful disposition;
- ability to learn;
- guard qualities and fearlessness;
- devotion;
- small size, allowing you to keep them in small apartments;
- quick adaptation to a new environment;
- possibility of use in canistherapy - treatment with the help of dogs;
- hunting instincts are a definite plus for owners who love hunting;
- endurance and performance;
- unpretentiousness and easy care.
Of course, like any other breed, Jack Russells have their disadvantages.:
- uncontrollable and noisy behavior due to lack of attention;
- the need for serious training;
- need for long active walks;
- gullibility, which can lead to the theft of a pet;
- cunning and manipulative tendencies;
- hyperactivity is a minus for people leading a measured and calm lifestyle;
- aggressive attitude towards same-sex dogs, tendency to fight.
In addition, short-haired representatives of the breed are distinguished by profuse shedding.
Color variations
The breed standard provides for 3 color options (shown in the photo):
- white fur with red spots;
- white coat with black spots;
- white coat with black and red spots (tricolor);
- pure white coat, but this color is extremely rare.
Red color can have any intensity, from the lightest to chestnut.
How to choose a puppy?
When choosing a Jack Russell puppy, you need to understand the standards of this breed so as not to become deceived by a person who has decided to cash in on your desire to have a true friend :
- The predominant color of the puppy's shaggy coat should be white - this is more than fifty percent of the color.
- The white coat may have small black or red spots. Red color can have different tones.
- The Jack Russell Terrier is longer in length than in height. If we compare it with a figure, then we can say that it has a rectangular format.
- The ears must be down and cover the dog's ear canal.
- When the dog moves, its tail is directed exclusively upward.
- The nose and edges of the dog's eyelids are pigmented black.
NOTE!
You should be careful when choosing a puppy, because very often Jack Russell Terrier babies with insufficient pigmentation are passed off as unique.
In fact, this feature is a defect.
Types and brief description
According to coat type, Jack Russell Terriers are divided into:
- smooth-haired - the most common type with soft, close-fitting hair;
- wire-haired (aka long-haired) - dogs of this type have a hard, rather long coat, have small eyebrows and a beard;
- Broken (or intermediate) - visually similar to the long-haired type, but the length of the coat is much shorter and lies close to the body of the terrier, there are no eyebrows or beard.
In addition, in 2001, the breed was divided into 2 varieties: Jack Russell Terriers (ICF standard No. 345) and Parson Russell Terriers (IFF standard No. 339) .
They differ in the height of their paws - Parson Russell Terriers have longer limbs.
Pet care
Caring for the coat of a Jack Russell Terrier has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account.
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is daily brushing of the dog, since the dog is quite fluffy. As already mentioned, trimming is best for long-haired pets.
Dogs become accustomed to trimming from 3-4 months..
If you are not sure that you can competently carry out this procedure, then contact a specially trained person - a groomer (the pet in the photo is shown before and after the procedure).
Typically this process is carried out once every three months, and the rest of the time you can simply comb the dog.
Another way to make your dog's appearance more attractive is by cutting it..
Here it is better to trust a professional.
Also, the dog owner can perform basic hygiene procedures for his pet himself.:
- Using special scissors with rounded tips, trim the fur in the groin area.
- Cut off the tassel at the end of the tail.
- Use thinning scissors to remove excess hair on the underside of your dog's neck.
- Trim off tail fringes
You should also remember that the main indicator that everything is in order with your pet’s coat is a well-developed undercoat.
Read more about caring for your Jack Russell here.
Maintenance and care
These dogs were bred specifically for hunters and there were no high requirements for their maintenance, so we can note another advantage of this breed - easy care.
IMPORTANT!
Jack Russells are not suitable for outdoor or kennel keeping - they are sensitive to low temperatures and even when walking in the cold season they need warm clothing.
These dogs should be kept in a house or apartment, setting up a place with a bed or house away from drafts and heating appliances.
Wool and bathing
Coat care depends on its type: smooth-haired dogs need to be combed 1-2 times a week with a rubber brush or a furminator, and pets with hard or intermediate coats need to be trimmed quarterly on their own or in grooming salons.
You cannot cut your Jack Russell with a clipper, this will lead to the loss of the natural structure and texture of the coat..
Problems in grooming are associated with heavy shedding, which peaks in spring and autumn, but in fact, dogs living in apartments shed almost constantly.
Jack Russells should be bathed as needed - approximately 2-3 times a year..
Their fur is capable of self-cleaning, and frequent washing will lead to dry skin.
Ears
Ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned using cotton wool and a special lotion, carefully wiping first the outer ear and then the pinna.
You can prevent ear mite infection by instilling prophylactic drops.
Eyes
Eyes should be wiped daily with a cotton pad soaked in tea leaves or chamomile decoction.
Teeth
When changing teeth, you need to buy special teethers for your pet..
In addition, the dog’s teeth need to be brushed daily with a special brush and toothpaste, and for natural cleaning, give solid treats and dry food.
Paws and claws
After each walk, you need to wash your paws and inspect them for damage..
You also need to trim your nails every 2 weeks, because... if they are too long, the dog will begin to place his paws crookedly, and the load on the joints and ligaments will be distributed incorrectly.
Features of the breed and what it looks like
Speaking about the characteristics of the Jack Russell Terrier, it should be noted that there are quite a lot of them. These include:
External appearance and varieties
The Jack Russell Terrier has several images and types. It comes with or without a beard, and can be smooth-haired, short-haired, wire-haired, long-haired or brocken.
Terriers whose coat has a structure of broken hairs are usually called Brocken.
All varieties of Jack Russell Terrier belong to the same group of dogs, but are carriers of a special set of genes responsible for coat. A visual comparison can be made between them, but in terms of working, physiological and psychological characteristics they are identical representatives of the same breed.
Read more about the varieties of this breed here.
Courage
The courage of such terriers, sometimes even reckless, can be envied. It is this feature that often leads to their death.
They are ready for a momentary attack, cocky. They can’t stand cats, they chase chickens and, without compromise, they get into fights with dogs that are obviously taller and stronger (this is especially true for males). This often results in painful injuries and lengthy treatment.
Character of an adult dog
In Jack Russells, he is naturally charismatic and impulsive, which will require a special approach and attention. Under no circumstances should raising a puppy be left to chance.
Training
Such an energetic dog will require a sufficient amount of mental and physical activity (from 1.5 hours 2 times a day). This is the only way to save your home from destruction. Training Jack Russells is a fun activity. These dogs happily perform difficult tricks and show good results in agility.
Health and life expectancy
In general, Jack Russell Terriers can boast of good health and longevity, that is, you can already understand how many years they live. They live up to 15 years or more, provided proper nutrition and care. Hereditary diseases are rare for the breed, since their carriers are not allowed for breeding.
Feeding
In terms of food, the Jack Russell Terrier requires a competent and balanced diet that will support its athletic and physical shape and provide the pet with energy. He should not be overfed and become obese. The best food is premium dry food (holistic) for dogs leading an active lifestyle.
Remember that the long-legged Jack Russell Terrier does not exist in nature. A dog with long legs, which has an external resemblance to the Jack Russell, is a representative of a different breed and is called the Parson Russell Terrier. There is also no classification division into mini and maxi.
Otherwise, Jack Russell is no different from his four-legged brothers in intelligence. Caring for it is simple and includes a standard set of measures. He is bathed when he gets dirty, dead hair is combed out, and if necessary, trimmed.
It is mandatory that the dog's ears are cleaned of wax and dirt, his eyes are looked after, the condition of his teeth is monitored, he is vaccinated, and treated against fleas, ticks and worms.
The Jack Russell Terrier breed is not suitable for outdoor keeping, and in the cold season, at temperatures of -5% and below, walking it is recommended in special clothing.
Allergenic or hypoallergenic
The Jack Russell Terrier is not a hypoallergenic breed. It should not be given to allergy sufferers. Losing hair, epidermis, and dog saliva can cause an exacerbation of the disease.
Health characteristics and main diseases
Jack Russell Terriers have fairly good health, but are prone to certain breed diseases, including:
- Lens luxation is a disease in which the lens of the eye shifts, causing the dog to experience lacrimation, photophobia and squinting, the shape of the pupil is disrupted, this disease leads to complete blindness and can only be treated through surgery;
- cataract is a pathology characterized by a decrease in the transparency of the lens of the eye, the formation of a cloudy film on the eyes, due to which vision is impaired, the dog goes blind, the disease is treated surgically;
- ataxia is a disease inherent in this particular breed, in which coordination of movements is impaired, balance is lost; a dog lives with such a disease for a maximum of 2 years;
- displacement of the kneecap is a pathology leading to arthritis, rupture of the knee ligaments, immobility;
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease – necrosis of the femoral head;
- von Willebrand disease is a blood disease characterized by regular spontaneous bleeding.
Also typical for Jack Russells:
- glaucoma;
- "Colli's anomaly";
- congenital blindness or deafness;
- dysplasia;
- progressive retinal atrophy;
- arthritis;
- dysplasia.
NOTE!
According to experienced breeders, diseases typical of this breed are extremely rare.
Diseases acquired as a result of improper care include obesity and allergies.
Nutritional Features
When feeding Jack Russells, you need to follow 2 rules - the diet must be balanced and you cannot mix natural food and ready-made food.
With a natural diet, the dog's diet should consist of 60% meat and the remaining 40% from dairy products, vegetables and cereals.
Products allowed for Jack Russell:
- lean boiled meat;
- boiled lean sea fish without bones;
- boiled offal;
- dairy and fermented milk products;
- vegetables;
- rice and buckwheat porridge.
It is forbidden to give:
- fatty meats;
- tubular bones;
- freshwater fish;
- spices and herbs;
- corn, beans, potatoes;
- fried, spicy, salty, sweet and smoked foods.
With a natural diet, it is necessary to give your pet additional vitamins and minerals.
In case of feeding with ready-made food, it is necessary to buy only super-premium or holistic food.
Most popular brands:
- Artemis Maximal Dog;
- Innova EVO;
- Royal Canin;
- Hills;
- Bosch;
- Artemis.
Your pet should always have free access to clean, settled or filtered drinking water.
Due to the tendency of these dogs to become obese, it is important to follow a feeding schedule and control portion sizes..
Keeping an adult dog at home
Jack Russell Terrier: description and characteristics of the breed
The Jack Russell Terrier requires special care and maintenance. An adult terrier needs a place where he can walk in the fresh air every day, satisfying his needs for movement. Ideally, there is a fenced plot of land near the house without vehicle traffic. But this is not necessary, he can be taken to a park, planting, quarry, etc., where you can remove the leash from him and let him frolic.
Given the Jack Russell's small size, it can do well in a small apartment. However, it is worth remembering that if the owner does not have enough time for the dog, it is not worth getting such a breed. To ensure the necessary physical activity, the owner must walk the pet at least one hour a day.
How to feed an adult Jack Russell Terrier
The diet of an adult Jack Russell Terrier should replenish the required amount of vitamins and microelements. Before the puppy is 1 year old, the owner needs to decide what to feed the dog - natural food or ready-made food. The transition from natural food to prepared food or vice versa is quite difficult for the animal; digestive problems often arise, and the pet refuses food.
Ready food
For optimal food selection, consult your veterinarian.
If the owner prefers ready-made food, it must be of high quality
Dog food comes in the following types:
- Economy class. They are made from poor quality products, they contain very few vitamins and microelements;
- premium class. The composition does not include by-products, a certain percentage of vitamins is provided;
- super premium class. Made from quality products. The advantage is the composition, which provides the required amount of vitamins and microelements. This type of food will be more expensive than other types. When consuming it, your pet does not need additional vitamins or supplements.
Important! When dry food enters the stomach, it increases in volume and absorbs liquid. Your pet needs constant access to water, otherwise constipation may occur due to dehydration.
Natural feeding
If you prefer natural feeding, you should keep in mind that the menu should be varied and balanced. The diet should contain the following products:
- meat - at least 50% of the total food. Ideally, feed the animal beef. You can also give by-products, but you should not abuse them;
- cereals (25% of the total food). You can cook oatmeal, rice and buckwheat;
- vegetables (15-20%);
- fish. From time to time, instead of meat products, you can give fish without bones;
- fruits. Instead of treats, you can pamper your four-legged dog with small portions of bananas, apples, and pears.
Education and training
Jack Russells are smart, quick-witted and have a good memory, but the training process is complicated by their innate stubbornness and cunning.
It is necessary to start raising and training your pet from an early age, immediately letting him understand who is in charge in the house and what is allowed and what is not..
It is important to maintain consistency and stability, training must be regular, and patience and perseverance are required from the owner.
It is best to raise a dog in a playful way; you cannot beat it; if punishment is required, you can take the animal by the withers and shake it.
The Jack Russell needs to learn commands such as “come”, “place”, “sit”, “lie”, “near”, “fu”, “give” and “fetch”.
Lifespan
When developing the breed, breeders did not interfere with healthy physiology, so Jack Russell Terriers have a fairly high life expectancy: with proper care and suitable living conditions, these dogs live 13-16 years.
Appearance
The Jack Russell Terrier is a fairly active and hardy dog. It has an oblong and very flexible body of medium size and interesting color. The dog boasts an instant reaction, so the breed is characterized by a light chest and well-developed muscles.
Due to the rectangular build, it seems that the dog does not grow upward at all, but only stretches out in length, but this is not so. Based on the parameters specified in the RKF, in adulthood, the Jack's distance from the chest to the withers should be equal to the distance from the elbow joint to the floor. The tail is docked solely at the request of the owner.
Head
The dog has a proportional head, a flat skull, which gradually tapers towards the muzzle. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is well defined. The nose is pure black. The lips fit very tightly to the jaw, the cheekbones are square, have very well-developed muscles, and form a scissor bite. The teeth are strong and strong. A damaged jaw as a result of hunting is not considered a fault, but underdeveloped muscles are grounds for disqualification from the exhibition.
Related article: How to choose a healthy Jack Russell Terrier puppy
The eyes are almond-shaped, almost black, and the eyelids close very tightly. If the eyeball has a slight bulge, then this is considered a defect and the dog cannot participate in performances. The ears of Russell Terriers are dense and strong, hanging down, sometimes raised on cartilage. The shells are very mobile, thanks to which the animal can turn its ears 80°. But erect ears are considered a flaw. The neck plays a huge role in the proper development of the breed, so it should be muscular and proportional to the body. It is responsible for the balance of the body and helps hold the dog's head. Therefore, an elongated, thin, strong neck is a sign of a breed defect.
We recommend this article:
How to choose a healthy Jack Russell Terrier puppy
Body type
The correct physique has a rectangular shape and a very straight back. Since the chest is light and large loads are contraindicated for it, the lower back took on this role. Despite the insufficient development of the chest, it is quite deep and wide; If you look at the rock from above, the ribs are clearly visible from behind the shoulders. An adult Jack Russell Terrier dog has a chest volume of 40–43 cm. In a calm state, the tail is lowered down; when excited, it straightens and takes a vertical position. If the tail has been docked, its length should correspond to the level of the ears in a standing position.
The angularity of the shoulder design allows the elbow joint of the paw to be clearly fixed. The muscles on the shoulder blades are moderately developed, the bone itself is tilted back. The forearm is smooth and straight - this can be seen when looking at the dog from the front. The paws are round in shape, with small toes located on soft pads. If the toes are turned outward or inward, this indicates a clear defect in the animal.
Hind limbs
The hind legs are strong, well developed, and help maintain the balance of the body relative to the weak shoulder blades. The joints are located low at a special angle, which allows the dog to show maximum agility when hunting.
Similar article: History of origin and description of the Jack Russell Terrier breed
How and whom to choose? Price range
It is better to buy a dog from a trusted specialized nursery, after asking the breeder about the health of the puppy and its parents.
In a healthy and purebred Jack Russell puppy:
- white coat with spots of red or black;
- dark eyes with black rims;
- black nose without discharge;
- medium-length tail, not curled into a ring;
- limbs straight and even;
- straight and level back.
The puppy should be active, playful and curious.
When choosing between a dog and a bitch, you should remember that girls are more affectionate and calm, they have a more balanced character, while boys are more energetic and courageous.
Males also tend to mark territory and lose control when they smell a bitch in heat; girls don’t have these problems, but they go into heat twice a year, during which their behavior can change.
What is the price? Prices for a purebred puppy with all the necessary documents start from 35 thousand rubles, show-class puppies that compete for prizes at exhibitions are sold for 50 thousand rubles. and more .
If the documents and titles of the parents do not matter, then a Jack Russell can be purchased for 13-20 thousand rubles.
