Jack Russell Terriers are a type of working terrier, bred originally by the Rev. John Russell in Devonshire, England, in the mid-to-late 1800's. Rev. Russell (1795-1863), apart from his church activities, had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs. His first terrier, the immortal TRUMP (bought from a milkman at Oxford) is said to be the foundation of John Russell's strain of working terriers.
The original fox terrier was the same type that Rev. Russell bred in the 1880's, but when it became recognized by the AKC, its conformation quickly changed to suit the whims of the show fanciers. Eventually it evolved into the deep-chested, narrow-jawed. straight-shouldered show breed know as today's Fox Terrier. Rev. Russell continued on to breed his own strain of fox terriers for hunting fox...not for the show ring. These early fox terriers bred by Rev. Russell, later to become know as Jack Russells, were loyal, intelligent, well conformed (straight legged, well balanced, small chested), gamey working terriers, unspoiled by the bench showing and breeding practices of AKC breeds.
Everything about the Jack Russell has fox hunting in mind...coloring, conformation, character, and intelligence. Jack Russells may be smooth, rough or broken coated. The shoulders should be clean, and the chest not broad, as this conformation allows the terrier to follow his quarry down narrow earths. In all respects, the fox is a good model for the Jack Russell - where the fox can go, so must the terrier. He should also be able to keep up with the horses; so, not too short of leg.
The Jack Russell is extremely loyal and bred for intelligence. They are a loyal and affectionate companion, but must be remembered that they are a working breed...bred to work along side their human counterpart -- they have a wondenful relationship with man. Although often happy lounging on the living room sofa, their real love is working the field. Jack Russells are extremely active, and require regular exercise and outdoor activity -- if they receive a sufficient amount, they can be quite content to behave well inside a loving family home, making the best possible loyal family companion!
PJ's Jack Russell Babies
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