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Jack Russell Terrier
- Courageous
- Strong willed and energetic
- Average height and weight: 23cm; 4kg
The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog. He is extremely loyal, intelligent, and assertive. His greatest attribute is his working ability, closely followed by his excellent qualities as a companion. Unlike some modern breeds, Jack Russells have one main task, hunting. Hunting ability is bred into them. It is their nature. The unique personality of this feisty terrier is rapidly gaining popularity, but they are not a dog for everyone, especially first-time dog owners. While adaptable to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to hunt.
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- Bred for hunting
- Originates from England in the late 1800s
- Named after a Reverend
Jack Russell Terriers are a type, or strain, of working terrier. They are not pure-bred in the sense that they have a broad genetic make-up, a broad standard, and do not breed true to type. You will see different 'types' of JRTs, from long-bodied, short, crooked legs to a more proportioned length of body and longer legs. This is a result of having been bred strictly for hunting since their beginning in the early 1800s, and their preservation as a working breed since.
The Jack Russell takes his name from the Reverend John Russell, who bred one of the finest strains of terriers for working fox in Devonshire, England in the mid to late 1800s. Rev. Russell (1795-1883), apart from his church activities, had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox-hunting dogs; he is also said to have been a rather flamboyant character which probably accounts for his strain of terrier's notability and the name of our terrier today.
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Jack Russell Terriers:
- are active
- are small but feisty
- need lots of exercise and space
- have a high hunting instinct
Jack Russell Terriers are very energetic dogs, with a big need for regular exercise. They are working dogs and need to have a job, whether it be keeping your yard free of rodents (digging is normal and common, since they are bred to dig after quarry), chasing a ball, or going for a run or long walk with it's owner. Sitting on the couch peacefully all day is not on a Jack Russell's agenda. They require more time than some breeds.
JRTs can be difficult to deal with because they are true hunting dogs. They should be kept on the lead when in rural/country areas, because if they take off after a squirrel or other quarry they will not hesitate to dig and go underground. They have been known to stay underground with their quarry for days with no food or water.
Basically, a Jack Russell is a tough dog in a small package.
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