About Jack Russells Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers (JRT’s) are known for their intelligence and cuteness. They are bred to be high-energy dogs so keeping that in mind they need to have some strong direction or a dominate pack leader.

The Jack Russell has a very interesting beginning. The breed was started by a fellow by the name of Parson Jack Russell (mid 1800’s). Parson Jack Russell decided that the current fox-hunting terrier he was using for hunting were unsuitable. The current red-bodied terriers that he used to hunt fox with where to similar to the game he was after, so he decided a better breed was needed. It is assumed that he looked at the English Black and Tan Terrier and crossed it with the English White Terrier, resulting in the breed as we have today a white dog with brown, black, or even light tan spots.

As mentioned the JRT’s were primarily bred for hunting. Keeping this in mind, you need to be aware that those hunting instants are still there. Jack Russell Terriers love to dig and jump; they are breed to be high energy dogs. They are also very territorial with food and toys and love of their masters. You must always be the pack leader and dominant ‘alpha male’ with a JRT’. This should be considered especially if you have children under the age of five who may not understand that the dog thinks he is ‘the top dog.’ You may also want to really investigate the breeder of the Jack Russell. Make sure they are not interbreeding or over breeding, and hopefully breeding with the best qualities that a JRT has to offer.

Training Jack Russell Terriers can be a challenge. They are notoriously obstinate and can be difficult to train but with a little patience it is obtainable. The breed is very intelligent and they enjoy the stimulation – so start training early, and do not assume that just because he is a puppy he won’t understand. It is very uncanny how smart they are. As soon as you receive you puppy start training him, you will be glad that you did. Don’t play any rough games with your Jack Russell (like tug of war) as this is teaching him that it is OK to use his teeth. If you are going to play with a toy-make sure that you always win the toy otherwise he will never give it back and most of all do not allow any snappy behavior. You also may wish to enroll him in a dog training program to get him on the right path.