Jack Russell Terrier

Frequently confused with its cousins the Parson Russell Terrier (mid-weight, but larger body size) and the Russell Terrier (shorter-legged and stockier), the Jack Russell Terrier is a strain of working terrier that has its origins in fox hunting in 19th century England.

The Jack Russell Terrier is named after Reverend John Russell (1795-1883) who bred superb fox terriers in Devonshire, England.  One of the founders of England’s Kennel Club in 1873, Reverend Russell judged fox terriers, but maintained his dogs strictly for working ability and refused to enter them in shows.

19th century fox terriers entered in shows gradually experienced conformational changes that resulted in breeds such as the the Toy Fox Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier.

On the contrary, English terrier enthusiasts continued Reverend Russell’s tradition of breeding the Jack Russell Terrier strictly for its working ability. Because of this, today’s Jack Russell Terrier most closely resembles the working fox terrier of the 19th century.

Weight: 14–18 pounds (6.4–8.2 kg)
Height:  10–15 inches (25–38 cm)
Coat: Three different varieties: smooth, broken and rough.
Color: White, Black & White, White & Tan.
Life span: 13-16 years

Temperament: Stubborn, Fearless, Intelligent, Energetic, Athletic, Vocal.

Health: May be susceptible to lens luxation, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, deafness, and eye disease.

Special Interest:
• Also used to hunt raccoon and woodchuck.
• Reverend Russell’s first terrier, Trump, was the foundation of his strain.

Classifications:
AKC: Terrier
ANKC: Group 2 (Terriers)
NZKC: Terrier
UKC: Terrier
FCI: Group 3 Terriers, Section 2 Small #345

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