By: DOGeNEWS
Originally bred in the 19th century by Parson Jack Russell, an
avid hunter, selected traits that would assist him in hunting.
Working dogs, Jack Russell Terriers were bred to be fearless and
feisty to flush out prey from the forest, particular foxes. As a
working dog, Jack Russell Terriers tend to have an athletic
build and boundless energy. Jack Russell Terriers are very
intelligent, but also willful and stubborn, which can make them
extremely difficult to train without consistency.
As a hunting and working dog, Jack Russell Terriers do have the
hunting instinct in them and have been know to consider smaller
household pets prey. However, this does not mean that they
cannot be good family pets. Jack Russell Terriers are usually
very good with children and gentle with them if they understand
how to approach dogs. Jack Russell Terriers live 15 years or
more. They grow to an average 10 to 12 inches in height and 14
to 18 pounds in weight. Jack Russell Terriers have several
different types of coats of the shorthaired variety (some are
smooth, some are not) but all are easy to maintain with regular
brushing.
Jack Russell Terriers are suited for all kinds of living, but
do need to be exercised regularly, at least once a day, due to
their seemingly boundless energy. Without regular opportunities
to exercise and play, they will become bored and begin to bark
at everything and become destructive. If a Jack Russell Terrier
must be left alone for an extended period of time without the
opportunity to exercise, it is recommended that they be crated
until it is possible to let them exercise.
Jack Russell Terriers are fearless and will run off without
thinking. A fenced in area is a must for a Jack Russell Terrier,
but the fence needs to be deep enough as they are diggers, and
tall enough to not jump over. An average sized Jack Russell
Terrier can jump five feet quite easily. There are some health
concerns with the breed. Some Jack Russell Terriers are prone to
dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness,
Legg Perthes - a disease of the hip joints, and cataracts.
Currently, there is some dispute about the breed and breed
standards. The AKC does not officially recognize the Jack
Russell Terrier, considered a working dog. It only officially
recognizes the Parson Russell Terrier.
There is a website that has great information on Jack Russell
Terriers and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that
pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions,
best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat
Facts, and can be found at this url:
http://www.dogandca tfacts.com
