Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner’s Guide

Characteristics The Terrier must present a lively, active and alert appearance with its fearless and happy disposition. It should be remembered that the Jack Russell is a working Terrier, and should retain these instincts. Nervousness, cowardice and over-aggression should be discouraged, and the dog should always appear confident.

General appearance A sturdy, tough Terrier, very much on its toes all the time. Measuring between 25cm (10in) and 37cm (15in) at the withers. The body length must be in proportion to the height, and it should present a compact, balanced image, always being in solid, hard condition.

Head Should be well balanced and in proportion to the body. The skull should be flat, of moderate width at the ears, narrowing to the eyes, There should be a defined stop, but not over-pronounced, The length of the muzzle from the nose to the stop should be slightly shorter than the distance from the stop to the occiput. The nose should be black. The jaw should be powerful and well boned with strongly muscled cheeks.

Eyes Should be almond-shaped, dark in colour and full of life and intelligence.

Ears Small V-shaped, drop ears carried forward close to the head and of moderate thickness.

Mouth Strong teeth with the upper set slightly overlapping the lower.

Neck Clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the shoulder.

Forequarters The shoulders should be sloping and well laid back, fine at points and clearly cut at the withers, Forelegs should be strong and straight boned with joints in correct alignment. Elbows hanging perpendicular to the body and working free of the sides.

Body The chest should be shallow, narrow and the front legs set not too widely apart giving an athletic rather than a heavy chested appearance. As a guide only, the chest should be small enough to be easily spanned behind the shoulders by average hands when the Terrier is in a fit, working condition. The back should be strong, straight and in comparison to the height of the Terrier, give a balanced image. The loin should be slightly arched.

Hindquarters Should be strong and muscular, well put together with good angulation and hand of stifle, giving plenty of drive and propulsion. Looking from behind the hocks must be straight.

Feet Round, hard padded of cat-like appearance, neither turning in nor out.

Tail Should be set rather high, carried gaily and in proportion to the body length, usually about 10cm (4in) long, providing a good handhold.

Coat Smooth, without being so sparse as not to provide a certain amount of protection from the elements and undergrowth. Rough or broken-coated without being woolly.

Colour White should predominate with tan, black or brown Markings. Brindle markings are unacceptable.

Gait Movement should be free, lively and well co-ordinated with straight action in front and behind.

The Parson Russell Terrier (The Kennel Club)

General appearance Workmanlike, active and agile, built for speed and endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honourable scars permissible.

Characteristics Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds.

Temperament Bold and friendly.

Head and skull Flat, moderately broad, gradually narrowing to the eyes. Shallow stop. Length of nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. Nose black.

Eyes Almond shaped, fairly deep set, dark, keen expression.

Ears Small, V-shaped, dropping forward, carried close to head, tip of ear to reach corner of the eye, fold not to appear above top of skull. Leather of moderate thickness.

Mouth Jaws strong, muscular. Teeth with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, ie. upper teeth closely overlapping lower lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck Clean, muscular, of good length gradually widening to shoulders.

Forequarters Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back. Cleanly cut at withers. Legs strong, must be straight with joints turning neither in nor out. Elbows close to body, working free of the sides.

Body Ribs not over-sprung. Chest of moderate depth, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average hands. Back strong and straight. Loin slightly arched. Well balanced. Overall length slightly longer than height from withers to ground.

Hindquarters Strong, muscular with good angulation and bend of stifle. Hocks set low and rear pasterns parallel giving plenty of drive.

Feet Compact with firm pads, turning neither in nor out.

Tail Strong, straight, moderately high set carried well up on the move. Customarily docked with length complimenting the body while providing a good handhold.

Gait/movement Free striding, well coordinated, straight action front and behind.

Coat Naturally harsh, close and dense, whether rough or smooth. Belly and undersides coated. Skin must be thick and loose.

Colour Entirely white, or predominantly white with tan, lemon or black markings, or any combination of these colours, preferably confined to the head and/or root of tail.

Size Ideal height at withers: dogs 35cm (14in): bitches 33cm (13in). 2.5cm (1in) above or below is acceptable.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

© The Kennel Club

Docking and the law

A ban on tail docking came into effect in the UK early in the spring of 2007. No dogs can be docked in Scotland, but there are exceptions for certain breeds in England and Wales. Dogs may only be docked by a qualified veterinary surgeon if they are convinced that the dog will be used for work, and even then they have the right to refuse. The puppy should be presented before it is five days old, the vet must have view of the puppies’ dam and the sight of a document signed by the applicant claiming the puppy will be used for pest control. Further proof will be required by the vet in the shape of a shotgun licence issued to the owner of the dog or a letter from a gamekeeper or land owner with shooting rights, a person representing the National Working Terrier Federation (and other responsible persons connected with vermin control) who will state they know the person whose puppy is to be docked and they have been used on property owned or managed by them.

In England, terriers of any type or combination of types can be shown.

In Wales, the law regarding docked terriers is different and is applicable only to the following: Jack Russell Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Lakeland Terriers and Norfolk Terriers but not combinations of breeds.

A dog docked before 28th March 2007 in Wales and 6th April in England may continue to be shown in the UK throughout its natural life.

A dog docked on or after the above dates, no matter where it was docked, may not be shown in England and Wales where the public is charged for admission.

However, dogs legally docked in England and Wales can be shown where the public is charged for entry, so long as It is to be shown in a way to demonstrate its working ability and not for conformity to a Standard. A dog legally docked in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or overseas may be shown in Scotland.

Warning: If a person is found guilty of an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England) the penalty can be a fine of £20,000 or imprisonment of 51 weeks or both.

The Parson Russell Terrier

Chapter 2 (#ulink_94f03c45-9af1-59c0-b942-73d962c2e442)

Acquiring a puppy (#ulink_94f03c45-9af1-59c0-b942-73d962c2e442)

The best time to collect your puppy is when he is about eight or nine weeks old. At this stage, he should be mature enough to settle into his new home with minimal stress and upheaval for both of you. Start socializing him immediately – learning about the world will help make him more confident and less likely to experience behaviour problems later on.

Responsible dog ownership

Introducing a puppy into your home is a big step, particularly if it is the first time you have owned a dog. However, before rushing into buying a dog, it is of prime importance that you decide whether you can manage the newcomer. Do you have enough time to house train, socialize and exercise him? Have you considered the weekly cost of feeding him and sudden expenses you may incur, e.g. a vet’s bill?