Jack Russell Terrier Information, A Little Dog with a Big Personality Why This Breed is So Beloved

BY | June 18 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
Jack Russell Terrier Information, A Little Dog with a Big Personality

The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred by a priest, who needed help hunting small game, and with the aggressive personality, it excelled at the sport.

Small BreedX-Small BreedPatella LuxationEpilepsySkin AllergiesJack Russell Terrier

Is The Jack Russell Terrier Dog Right For You?

  • 1Jack Russell Terriers can be a handful with their demand for attention and restless behavior.
  • 2Although small in size, they are lively, courageous, and at times aggressive.
  • 3Untrained Jack Russell Terriers cannot be left alone: their destructive nature and require an owner who enjoys activity.

HISTORY

Named for the Reverend responsible for breeding them, the Jack Russell Terrier was first bred in the 19th century to help the Rev. John Russell with his fox hunts, needing a terrier with slightly longer legs in order to keep up with the hounds, but still small enough to root the fox out of their den. Since the emphasis has been placed on the working ability of the Jack Russell, the breed has been split into two groups, the Jacks, which are the working type, and the Parson Russell Terriers, which are the breeds that go to shows.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Toy/Small

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    Lifespan

    15 or more years

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    Hair Length

    Medium

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    Male Height

    10 - 12 inches (25 - 31 cm.)

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    Male Weight

    14 -18 pounds (6 - 8 kg.)

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    Female Height

    10 - 12 inches (25 - 31 cm.)

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    Female Weight

    14 -18 pounds (6 - 8 kg.)

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    Litter Size

    4 - 8 puppies, average 6 puppies

Personality

Even though the Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog, they have a huge personality. So big, in fact, that without the proper leadership they will become unruly and rambunctious. They are incredibly bright, loving, and loyal dogs and they are great with kids so long as the kids play nice, but they should not be left alone with other, smaller pets. If they are allowed to think that they are pack leader, this could result in certain detrimental behaviors, such as snapping, excessive barking, and guarding areas they believe to be theirs. They also require a fair amount of exercise, otherwise they might become restless. .

Color

Jack Russell Terriers can range from black to tan, brown and tan, black and brown, tan and red, or white and tan.

Health Concerns

Jack Russell Terrier has a lifespan of 15 years. Normally healthy, the breed is susceptible to:

More on Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terrier Information: Health
The Diets for Jack Russel Terriers
How to Groom a Rough Coated Jack Russel Terrier
Train a Jack Russell Terrier Puppy to Fetch
What Are Jack Russell Terriers Compatible With?

 

 

 

Appearance

This small but well-proportioned hunter is just over a foot tall, so as to fit into burrows when on a hunt. They weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 pounds and are relatively sturdy and tough for their size. Their head should be in proportion with the rest of their body, with a flat skull that is wider towards the ears and narrows towards the eyes. Their muzzle tapers down to a tiny black nose, with a powerful jaw.

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