Parson Jack Russell Terrier

General: The Jack Russell Terrier was developed in the south of England in the 1800’s as a white terrier to work European red fox both above and below ground. The terrier was named for the Reverend John Russell, whose terriers trailed hounds and bolted foxes from dens so the hunt could ride on. To function as a working terrier, he must possess certain characteristics: a ready attitude, alert and confident; balance in height and length; medium in size and bone, suggesting strength and endurance. Important to breed type is a natural appearance: harsh, weatherproof coat with a compact construction and clean silhouette. The coat is broken or smooth. He has a small, flexible chest to enable him to pursue his quarry underground and sufficient length of leg to follow the hounds. Old scars and injuries, the result of honorable work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a terrier’s chance in the show ring, unless they interfere with movement or utility for work or breeding.

Origin: England.

History: A fox-hunting breed developed in southern England nearly 200 years ago. As is true of many early white fox terriers, he is in all likelihood the result of a cross between the Old English White Terrier, now extinct, and a black-and-tan terrier similar in type to the early Manchester. The Jack Russell has been bred to possess several distinct characteristics: sound trotting gait and length of leg to follow the hounds, compact flexible chest and length of body to go to ground on fox, and strong head and muzzle and the will to hold the fox at bay. Jack Russell's were known in this country as early as the 1930s and possibly before.

Temperament: Bold and friendly. Athletic and clever. At work he is a game hunter, tenacious, courageous, and single minded. At home he is playful, exuberant and overwhelmingly affectionate. He is an independent and energetic terrier and requires his due portion of attention. He should not be quarrelsome. Shyness should not be confused with submissiveness. Submissiveness is not a fault.

Size: 12-23 pounds.

Today's Uses: Many are still used as hunter today and are very popular pets. Some have weight pulled and done rather well for its size.

Jack Russell Terrier "Miss DeMeaner"

Owned by Renee Glover

Visit the Jack Russell Terrier Photo Gallery to see more photo's

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