Should You Buy a Jack Russell Terrier?

The Jack Russel Terrier is a feisty, animated dog that gained popularity with the advent of the Wishbone series. However, in real life, these dogs are not exactly like the famous Wishbone. This dog breed is all terrier, and sometimes a Jack Russell's temperament can be overwhelming for inexperienced dog owners.

The Jack Russell Terrier is also called the Parson Russell Terrier, because this breed was created by a parson, Reverend Jack Russell. He bred these dogs to chase down foxes. He needed the dogs to be small enough to fit into the space the fox was hiding in, so he bred them small.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club's Terrier Group. However, the AKC calls these dogs Parson's Russell Terriers to distinguish them from British Jack Russells. This is essential because the AKC feels that these dogs should have long legs, while British breeders favour dogs with shorter legs.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, but strong dog. Their dark almond shaped eyes have a bright eyed, alert appearance. While most Jack Russells have short coats, there are rough coated dogs, as well.

These dogs always are more than half white. The rest of their body has a combination of tan, black and brown markings. The short tail of the Jack Russell Terrier is carried straight up, but is seldom still, as this breed is almost always enthusiastically wagging its tail over something. These dogs weigh in at 13 to 17 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall.

The Jack Russell Terrier and People

The Jack Russell Terrier is a very high energy dog. Regardless of it's small size, this dog does not do well in apartments or small spaces. This dog thinks it is much larger than it really is and will work until it wears out.

A Jack Russell Terrier needs a securely fenced yard. Jack Russells will go over, under, and around obstacles to escape when they are bored. They will even climb trees.

The Jack Russell Terrier will delight in living in the centre of an active family, as long as they aren't overlooked in the bustle of family life. They love a great deal of attention and thrive on playing games with children, such as chasing down and retrieving balls. You should make certain you don't ignore obedience training because of the Jack Russell's small size. These dogs need the structure that commands provide. Jack Russell Puppy classes will also help you socialize your puppy, so he learns to play well with other dogs.

The Jack Russell Terrier and Health

The Jack Russell Terrier can suffer from eye and ear problems, including deafness. However, overall, this is a healthy breed.

Feeding a Jack Russell Terrier is not too costly, as these dogs do not eat large quantities of food. However, if your dog becomes hyper, you may want to consult your veterinarian about using a lower protein food.

The Jack Russell Terrier and Grooming

The smooth coated Jack Russell Terrier requires very little grooming. However, rough coated dogs should be groomed at least once a week. Be sure to check regularly your dog's nails to be sure they aren't too long.

The Jack Russel Terrier can be a fun family pet. As long as your family isn't filled with couch potatoes, the Jack Russell may be the perfect breed for you.

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