Jack Russell Terrier
Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier was originally a working terrier that would go to ground after foxes, not to finish the kill, but to bolt them back out for the waiting pack hounds. Still sometimes used in this fashion, today it is more commonly found around the world as a companion.
Jack Russell Terrier Standards
- AKC (Terrier)
- FCI (Group 3)
- KC (Terrier)
- UKC (Terrier)
- 10-15"
- 14-18 lbs
- small terrier
- v-shaped ears are button or drop
- tail may or may not be docked
- coat may be smooth, broken, or rough
- white with black and/or tan markings
History of the Jack Russell Terrier
The history of the Jack Russell Terrier begins in England, with Reverend John Russell from Devon. He was a 19th century parson that carried a passion for fox hunting and developed a strain of terriers that were mostly white he used on hunts. The original dogs had long enough legs to keep up with horses, but were still small enough to burrow and bolt foxes. Later the breed was further developed in Australia and commonly used as ratters. In time they would split into the two types, differing by longer and shorter legs. The naming of the two breeds has been debated among kennel and breed clubs and still causes confusion. Most consider the longer legged version as the Parson Russell Terrier and the shorter as the Jack Russell Terrier, however the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the shorter as simply the Russell Terrier.
Related Breeds:
- Parson Russell Terrier