The Jack Russell is a cheerful, devoted and loving dog who is spirited, obedient yet fearless. They like toys, games and if well balanced, they like children. They are very intelligent and for this reason it is paramount that you are this dog’s pack leader. They must be given rules and limitations, and understand what they are and aren’t allowed to do, otherwise this will lead to varying degrees of behavioral problems such as snapping, guarding, separation anxiety and obsessive barking. If these behaviors are seen, your Jack Russell has fallen into Small Dog Syndrome, which is where they believe they are the pack leader above humans. Jack Russell’s are very intelligent and need a strong, experienced, firm trainer as if you do not show authority to this breed, they can be difficult to train.
Reverend John “Jack” Russell, who was also known as “The Sporting Parson”, was an enthusiastic fox-hunter and dog breeder who developed the Jack Russell Terrier in the 1800’s. These dogs were used as hunting dogs, mainly for the red fox, and required to be long-legged enough to be able to keep up with the bigger hounds. The colour of the Jack Russell is generally 51% or more being white, with black, brown or tan markings. Brindle markings, as well as black and tan colouring can occur but are rare within this breed.
This breed requires to be combed and brushed with a firm-bristle brush, and to be bathed only when required. The Jack Russell’s are prone to dislocation of the knee caps, inherited eye diseases, deafness, Legg Perthes (a disease of the hip joints) and are also prone to mast cell tumors. In saying that, they do have a life expectancy of 15 years or more.