Jack Russell Terriers

by: Richard Cussons

How it all began for the Jack Russell Terrier. In the mid-1800's Parson Jack Russell, whose love of fox hunting was unmatched, declared the terriers of the time unsuited for their work -- the red-bodied terriers were too similar to the quarry, he claimed, making it more difficult to know which was the dog and which was the fox. He wanted a white dog, something that would stand out among the forest and never be confused with his prey. So, the Jack Russell Terrier was imagined and, when (as it is assumed) the English Black and Tan Terrier was crossed with the English White Terrier, the breed was realized.

Parson Jack Russell could now go hunting, as could the rest of the England.

The frenetic grace and flexibility of the Jack Russell makes it the ideal hunting dog, but its spirited nature appeals to those seeking just a companion. And, standing between ten and twelve inches and weighing between fourteen and eighteen pounds, the Jack Russell can easily become a family house pet... with the right family.

As with all terriers, the Jack Russell is not a dog for the novice owner. This is, by nature, a stubborn and demanding breed. Also, with its natural hunting instincts, it has a tendency to "attack" other animals, chew and dig. Often, families do not expect this kind of behavior, due to the breed's size, and are overwhelmed. Jack Russell rank as one of the top dogs abandoned by their owners, simply because they were deemed bad dogs. Most people do not realize what it means to own a terrier and cannot handle it.

A Jack Russell Terrier will make an excellent companion for the right kind of person, one who has had experience with dogs (terriers, more importantly) and who understands what needs to be done. Owning a Jack Russell means giving him plenty of activity, attention and discipline.

Terriers are very much like children: you have to devote yourself to them, in all aspects. They require a firm hand to control their natural hunting instincts. A Jack Russell will need an owner who is more stubborn than he is.

These dogs deceive people due to their size. Few believe--until they experience it for themselves--that such a little dog can have such a big personality. The Jack Russell doesn't see himself as a little dog, however. He's just a big dog who happens to be smaller than the others.

His temperament matches, if not exceeds, other breeds. From this, you may believe that owning a Jack Russell is foolish. That is not true. With the right owner -- one who knows how to indulge their need to hunt, but who can also keep them calm -- these dogs can be true joys. Terriers are, by nature, highly intelligent tricksters, very loving and loyal to their owners. They are just also stubborn and more willing to do what pleases them. For someone's first pet, this is not a wise choice. A Jack Russell would dominate you. But, for someone who has had Terriers before, this could be an energetic companion.

Too many of these dogs are abandoned or given away because an owner cannot deal with their digging, jumping (this breed can easily scale five feet), climbing or barking. They do not realize that this is what the Jack Russell was bred for: this is not a dog meant to sit on your lap all day and sleep; this is a dog bred for action. If you cannot give it to him, he will not excel in the environment.

And, that is not to say that you must take the Jack Russell hunting--though, for those who do hunt, you could not ask for a better breed. This simply means giving him lots of exercise and attention and, of course, discipline. Training is a must and you will always be putting the teachings to use as Terriers will test you daily. But, if you are up to the challenge, the Jack Russell Terrier will never let you down.

About The Author

Richard Cussons is a a champion for dogs of all breeds and Jack Russells Terriers in particular. You can find out more about Jack Russells at www.jackrussellsavvy.com

by: Trisha Adams

I didn't like Jimbo much when we first brought him home.

At the time, we had an old Dauchsand named Frank that was so easy going, so easy to take care of. Frank needed no supervision. He just didn't have any inclination to push the envelope in any way. And this is what we were used to. We had no idea what we were in for. Nor did poor old Frank... or our poor old cat Peter.

But talk about cute. This Jack Russell puppy was the epitome of adorableness. But what a little arrogant brat he could be!

Peter was very protective of his dignity and enjoyed his daily walk across the yard to his own private latrine area. Needless to say, things would never be the same for Peter. His dignity and suave stride was quickly converted to panic and a terrorized sprint as Jimbo, who lay in scheming but patient wait, knowing full well Peter's daily routine, sprung from cover and ran that poor cat up the nearest tree.

I'll never forget the look on Peter's face as he glared at the little tyrant skip away in glee. And, after a few deep swallows and recovering his now damaged pride, Peter slowly and gracefully climbed down, swearing his certain and eternal hatred for Jimbo every downward step of the way.

And I wish I could tell you that relationship improved over time...but the only thing that improved is that Peter got his claws into Jimbo enough times to keep him at bay... most of the time anyway.

Now Frank was a bit of a different story. Jimbo idolized Frank, and Frank was like a doting grandfather to Jimbo, a little too doting I always thought. For instance, they would service each other with flea-biting sessions. Well, I say each other, but it was mainly Jimbo that was serviced. He would clench Frank's foot between his sharp puppy teeth while Frank would commence with flea-biting. If, however, Frank wanted to stop, Jimbo would bear down on his foot. And poor old Frank could not stop until Jimbo released him! So you can see why I had a hard time liking this dog.

But Frank adored Jimbo, and Jimbo followed Frank everywhere he went. The two were inseparable although Frank's sweet disposition never quite wore-off on Jimbo. He has remained the dynamo tornado even up to the present.

Frank and Peter have long since died and Jimbo is our only pet... who is now nine years old. You wouldn't know it though.

That's one of the amazing things about Jack Russells, they neither look old or act old. He, who is a short legged Russell, will still challenge any dog, no matter the size or stance. He will still chase every cat, rabbit or squirrel no matter the time of day, and chase them with extraordinary youthful lightning speed.

As for me? I fell completely in love with him, even though it took some time to get to know him. While he does, and always will I suppose, be predisposed to what is rightly named the 'Napoleon Complex', this Little General, in all his lasting arrogance, has won my heart and admiration as being the most unique and endearing personalities I've ever known.

Trisha Adams
Jack Russell Terrier Pics & Tics
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