Today’s dog breed: Jack Russell Terriers
Introduction: This is a series of blog posts “About Dogs.” If you are thinking about getting a dog, you may want to follow along. The more you know about dog breeds, the easier it will be to choose the best pet for you.
Jack Russell Terriers
Jack Russell Terriers are feisty, energetic dogs, that are convenient for taking on road trips, can be happy in an apartment, and don’t need the amount of exercise that a large dog does. However they seem almost tireless at times, and will require some additional attention if they are going to be happy. Remember, dogs are pack animals, and they will look to you and your family to fulfill that role.
This dog breed is all terrier, and sometimes a Jack Russell Terrier’s temperament can be overwhelming for inexperienced dog owners.
They have a tendency to be chewers, especially when young, so be prepared to have something for them to chew on that won’t get them into trouble. It has been recommended by many that you never leave a Jack Russell puppy alone. These little dogs are extremely smart, easy to house break, happy in a kennel, and will certainly benefit from an obedience course, especially when young.
Jacks are very good with children, and are also excellent watchdogs that will bark and warn you of anything that they think is out of the ordinary.
A small feisty dog like the Jack Russell Terrier is a great way to ward off any possible intruders from your home. Jacks have a sense of fearlessness, and alertness about them that is extremely endearing.
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 wanted the dogs to be small enough to fit into the space the fox was hiding in, so he kept 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 differentiate them from British Jack Russells. This is necessary because the AKC feels that these dogs should have long legs, while British breeders prefer dogs with shorter legs.
Jack Russell Terriers are small, but strong dogs. 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 rarely 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 is a very high energy dog. Despite it’s small size, this dog will only do well in apartments or small spaces, if you are willing to walk the several times per day. This dog thinks it is much larger than it really is and will work until it wears itself out.
A Jack Russell 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 in order to find something to do.
Jack Russells enjoy living in the midst of an active family, as long as they aren’t overlooked in the bustle of family life. They love plenty of attention and thrive on playing games with children, such as chasing down and retrieving balls.
You should make sure you don’t neglect obedience training because of the Jack Russell’s small size. These dogs need the structure that commands provide. Puppy classes will also help you socialize your puppy, so he learns to play well with other dogs.
Jack Russells can suffer from eye and ear problems, including deafness. However, overall, this is a healthy breed.
Feeding a Jack Russell is not too expensive, 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.
Smooth coated Jack Russells need 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 Russell 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.
For more information, check out Wikipedia’s page here >>
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Signoff1″]