Jack Russell Terriers
Understanding the Fox Hunting Terrier
Jack Russell terriers were bred to be hunting dogs. According to the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain, Jack Russells were developed in the 19th century by the Reverend John Russell, an accomplished dog breeder and hunter. John Russell worked extensively to modify the color patterns and size of the breed in order to make it a better hunter and more easily distinguishable from the foxes these terriers were bred to hunt.
Identifying the Jack Russell Terrier
Although foxhunting has lost popularity over the years, Jack Russell terriers have morphed into a pet breed that can be a welcome addition to the right household. Small in size, the average Jack Russell terrier weighs less than 18 pounds. They are predominantly white, with colored markings on their head, face, and tail. Markings can range from black to tan, and tricolor patterns are common. They can also be distinguished by their long legs.
Jack Russell Terrier Temperament
Their size can be deceptive. Jack Russell terriers have an innate desire to hunt prey. This inclination makes them very active and often aggressive. They do not react well to the domination hierarchy in multiple-dog households and can be the cause of frequent strife. They will also often act aggressively toward much larger dogs, presenting a danger to others and themselves. Their aggressive behavior and natural hunting skill can also make them a threat to any small animals in the household or nearby. This includes cats.
Good Companions for Jack Russell Terriers
Jack Russells have lots of energy and are not a good candidate for lap dog status. They love to play, run, bark, and can be good companions for active children or adults if they are treated with respect, given boundaries, and provided with stimulation. They are not cuddly by nature. Naturally intelligent, they can be fun to watch, but can also direct their energies toward destructive occupations like discovering ways to get out of the yard, digging obsessively, and barking if they are not trained, exercised, and stimulated with toys and games.
For owners with active lifestyles, patience, and room indoors and out for their Jack Russell to run and explore, this can be an affectionate and entertaining breed. Possessing a stable genetic makeup, Jack Russell terriers are naturally long lived, with fewer congenital health issues than many other breeds, although congenital deafness is a documented problem.
If you can give them attention, patience, and a physical outlet, a Jack Russell terrier may be the active companion you have been looking for.
Learning More About Jack Russell Terriers
Every year Jack Russell terriers are abandoned and destroyed for behavioral issues that might have been addressed and handled successfully with a little foreknowledge and understanding. If you are considering an adoption, consult your local Jack Russell terrier rescue, or visit a breeder or shelter in order to interact with these engaging animals. The more you understand about them going into the relationship, the more successful your experience will be.
Jack Russell Terriers have energy to spare
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