Its ancestors were as resolute and determined as were their masters and breeders»to build a dog that would excel in ratting (hunting vermin) in baiting, in going to ground, and in protecting the grounds. So it makes sense that today»s Jack Russel Terrier is an excellent, agile, obedient companion. As well, since Jack Russell Terriers were bred for a primary purpose»the chase and tackle»they continue to perform well as hunting dogs.
A typical working terrier in the past, the Jack Russell Terrier actually had a different name»the Parson Russell Terrier. But it earned its now better known, atypical name by way of its founder, the Reverend John Russell, who developed the breed»then dubbed it the Jack Russell Terrier--in southern England in the 1800's. Unlike the terriers bred for ratting, paddling, and hunting, too, this breed had one primary purpose: to hunt with foxhounds and chase and then tackle the red fox.
Then, at 12 to14 inches and 13 to17 pounds, the medium-sized, energetic Jack Russel Terrier with the keen hunting instinct became, too, a devoted companion and family member.
And this is what the breed is today. Performing, the Jack Russell Terriers have the standard hunter characteristics»courage, tenacity, and endurance. At rest, while they don»t have a restful nature, per se, they are typically affectionate and attentive.
But the Jack Russel (sic) Terrier needs attention, too. Since this type is fairly aggressive»known to get into fights and known to chase and kill small animals»it needs a firm and socialized training. In addition, since the breed is known to be fairly independent, and a digger and climber, too, it needs to be leashed (or not allowed to take off), needs to be engaged in meaningful activity by its loved ones, behaving best when playing and performing tricks, for example, and moving about enough to exercise its innate needs to run and chase. Therefore, a spacious enough yard is ideal for it to run, chase, and play.
Also ideal for the Jack Russel (sic) Terrier is a living environment that allows for interaction. Not too happy if left alone with nothing to do, the breed will do what it knows, chewing and digging at anything it deems entertaining and engaging as if it were a 19th century fox it were digging out of a hole.
The Jack Russell does not need bathing (as like most terriers it is prone to dry skin) very often, but if it is a smooth-haired variety it can do well with a rubber brushing once a week and if it is of the broken- or wire-haired variety, needs a bristle brushing once a week as well.
But more importantly, with its feisty, fearless, and energetic ways, the Jack Russell Terrier needs most of all to play. A lot.
The rest of the needs of the Smooth Fox Terriers with staying powers that outlast the best foxes and the Wire Fox Terriers with the hardy and cocksure personalities are simple if you are up to it»if you are up to the antics of two terrier breeds that are always a surprise. Even to the Master.
