In the second half of the 18th century, the nobility was fond of fox hunting. Each hunter hired trusty foxhounds to chase the animal through the forest. But the fox would sometimes manage to evade pursuit and hide in its den. To coax the fox out of its hiding place, the ancestors of modern Jack Russell terriers were used. Small dogs were sent into the den where the fox was hiding, and after a brief struggle, the fox would leap out into the arms of its pursuers.
Since then, the Jack Russell Terrier breed has undergone changes, especially thanks to the English pastor Jack Russell, who, in addition to his church activities, was also a keen dog breeder. Since 2001, it has been officially There are two types of breed:
- Parson Russell Terrier, distinguished by its long legs;
- Jack Russell Terrier is a short-legged, short-statured dog.
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Jack Russell Terrier Hunting Skills
The breed's ancestor is believed to be a smooth-coated white dog purchased by Jack Russell. This sturdy dog proved to be an agile and indispensable hunting companion. Prior to this, Scottish terriers with long hair and short legs were used to catch small animals. The renowned breeder gradually developed a new breed of working terriers, subsequently founded the British Kennel Club, and actively participated in dog shows.
Modern representatives of the breed are distinguished by their short stature and weigh less compared to their ancestors, but their hunting habits have remained to this day. They are used to catch rodents (rats) and badgers, and terriers are also successful in luring foxes out of their dens. After the death of Pastor Russell, the Club's secretary, experienced hunter Arthur Heinemann, continued to refine the breed. He invested considerable effort in maintaining the working condition of the dogs and defined the first standard characteristics.
In the early 20th century, vast agricultural and hunting lands were divided into fenced areas. The terrain left for hunting was rocky and ill-suited for horseback hunting. Gradually, the Jack Russell Terrier breed became shorter-legged, as the dogs did not run long distances behind a hunter on horseback. The resulting subspecies became slow-moving, but distinguished by endurance and a feisty nature.
Recognition of the Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier
The popularity of the short dogs was not as great as that of the long-legged Parson Russell Terriers, which dominated all dog shows at that time. But the English were also interested in short petsThey were seen not as hunters but as pets, and were subsequently exhibited. The dogs continued to chase rabbits and tear up rat holes, but the breed's working qualities were of little interest to anyone.
Dog breeders were committed to further improving the Russell Terrier. The club, registered as the Jack Russell Terrier, gave the breed its official name and continental recognition in 1972. By 1990, up to 2,000 individuals of this breed were registered. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale included the small dogs in its unified standard.
Characteristics of the Jack Russell Terrier breed
Basic external description
Dogs have an unsightly appearance, but that doesn't stop them from becoming movie stars. One of these adorable dogs stars in the famous comedy "The Mask." While their screen fame portrays a funny, obedient, and intelligent animal, in reality, Jack Russell Terriers are anything but angels in everyday life. Achieving complete obedience requires a lot of work, starting from an early age. So, what characteristics distinguish this breed from others?
Jack Russell Terriers weigh from 5.5 to 9 kg, the height of a fully grown individual is about 25-32 cm, males are distinguished by their larger size and weight;- the skull has a clearly defined transition area from the top of the head to the muzzle, and a characteristic narrowing of the protruding jaw towards the nose;
- the narrow chest goes into a strong short neck, on a straight back the lumbar part protrudes slightly;
- the body rests on straight front legs with collected pasterns, the hind legs are strong and have excellent muscles;
- The dogs have a black tip of the nose and dark eyes with a black border around them, hanging ears that are mobile;
- The tail is small in size, straight and almost always docked, with thick fur.
Jack Russell Terriers weigh from 5.5 to 9 kg, the height of a fully grown individual is about 25-32 cm, males are distinguished by their larger size and weight;Types of dogs by coat length
Within the standard breed distinguish subspecies of animals:
- dogs with short and coarse hair;
- animals with long hair have a beard and fluffy eyebrows growing on their muzzle;
- dogs with medium-length hair.
The last two varieties are sometimes called "broken".
Coat color
The Jack Russell Terrier's white coat can have yellow, black, red, and brown spots, but they typically don't blend into one another or merge. These are common among the breed. completely white specimens, which are considered albinos. If the colored spots predominate and the white shade accounts for less than half of the body surface, this is considered a breed fault.
Sometimes puppies are born without any red, brown, or yellow in their coats, their bodies being black and white. This coloring is called tricolor, and if a little red is added, it's called tricolor. Mixed-color puppies are also considered faulty.
The personality of Jack Russell Terrier puppies
Pets are like living batteries; they cannot and do not know how to sit or stand still. For Jack Russell Terriers, whose ancestors are hunting dogsPlenty of physical activity is essential to satisfying a cat's natural curiosity. An owner who doesn't give their pet enough attention risks ending up with torn furniture, ruined slippers, or a whole host of other chewed-up items in the house.
The earlier a puppy's socialization and proper training begin, the more balanced the pet will be when its owner greets them at the door. On walks, the puppy is encouraged to play games with sticks or other objects, and is actively run with. If other pets are added to a Jack Russell Terrier's household, their lives are far from rosy. Puppies from the first days they hunt domestic rats, hamsters, parrots and kittensThis will not make them enemies, as all animals love movement and jump with the Jack Russell Terrier.
A private home is ideal for raising and keeping a puppy, as the dog's ability to bark at any and all occasions will make neighbors unhappy. In a private yard, Jack Russell Terriers dig holes and chase cats, chickens, and ducklings. Puppies are very fond of small children, but they are not left alone with the pet. The child, unwittingly, causes the dog pain, which the dog does not like. The dog responds with a bite, which leads to tragedy. Older children become full partners with the dog and play partners.
Dangers lurking
Jack Russell Terrier puppies have a natural curiosity and quick wit. to satisfy emerging curiosityDuring walks, the owner monitors the animal's movements; inattention can lead to injury. While chasing a moving target, the Jack Russell Terrier simply disappears from the owner's sight and gets lost.
The ideal option is a large enclosure or yard for walking, fenced with an obstacle. Make sure the fence is sturdy; a Jack Russell Terrier puppy will easily find a way to escape. Dogs of this breed make wonderful companions for their owner and all family members, and are known for their loyalty and kindness.
Puppies don't like to be left alone, so buying a Jack Russell Terrier will likely prevent you from being left alone. This breed isn't recommended for older people, as its activity level doesn't align with a sedentary lifestyle.
Dog care
The animal's tough skin requires regular stripping, namely, removing dead hair from a puppy's body A special knife is used. If the dog owner is a novice, they may not perform the procedure with due care and injure the skin. This procedure should be performed by a professional who can perform it properly.
Jack Russell Terriers don't tolerate frequent bathing well. The breed description states that their coats are naturally dirt-repellent, so after a vigorous walk, paws and soiled areas should be wiped with wet wipes or towels. Female puppies should be bathed after their heat cycle.
Raising and training your pet
Miniature hunters are easy to train. Training with a puppy begins immediately after two months of age. They teach them to recognize their name and are trained to follow commands:
- Dog training is carried out outdoors, using specialized areas, open spaces in the park, on the street or in a stadium;
- After successfully completing a task, the puppy is rewarded with a piece of tasty cheese or meat;
- To begin with, the pet is taught simple commands such as “no”, “sit”, “heel”, “come to me”, “lie down”, while there is no double meaning in the voice and tone of pronunciation;
- sometimes the owner trains the puppy to follow commands using a word used only by the owner;
- If the dog does not follow the command, you cannot use physical violence against him; it is better to praise him again.
Pet understands the dominant role of the ownerJack Russell Terriers are not prone to becoming dominant, so they view their owners as friends. If trained to speak basic words, they can be walked safely in crowded areas without fear of aggression.
Purchasing puppies
Price of Jack Russell Terriers
The price depends on the puppy's appearance and pedigree. Prices range from $250 to $1,200. Within this price range, there is an average standard price, expressed as in the range of 400–750 dollars.
A reputable dog breeder sells puppies with papers starting at $700, sometimes setting a higher price. For those looking for a cute companion, regardless of "stardom," they sell rejected animals or sick animals whose treatments require significant financial investment.
Sometimes, unable to cope with the active nature of Jack Russell Terriers, owners decide to part with the dog and they give him to a shelterFrom there, the puppy is adopted by new owners free of charge. But, as with any action, there are pitfalls in this case, such as the pet's nervousness due to poor upbringing in the past.
Choosing a dog
Before purchasing a puppy, determine the purpose of buying it. If a person is buying a friend and doesn't care about the pedigree, they can buy a dog at a market or online, where a photo of the puppy is readily available.
Completely different selection requirements apply to pets that participate in competitions, contests, and exhibitions. Specifically for them, high prices from breeders, which guarantee high pedigree and the presence of all the qualities and characteristics inherent in purebred puppies. To purchase them, you must contact the kennel.
Feeding a puppy
After acquiring a small puppy from a kennel, club, or private owner, avoid abruptly changing its feeding conditions. It's important to remember whether the puppy was fed dry food or weaned to a natural diet.
A natural diet contains three-quarters animal food and only the remaining 25 percent is plant-based foods, which includes grains, fruits, and vegetables. Puppies are given a specific amount; overfeeding is not recommended, as rapid weight gain can lead to musculoskeletal problems.
The norm is calculated as a percentage of the puppy's weight; up to one year, 10% of the weight is taken as the norm. For adult dogs, the norm is only 3-6% of the pet's body weight. The amount of meat included in the diet also varies. Animal food accounts for only 60% of the total weight, with the remainder made up by vegetables and cereals.
Feeding dry food is convenient for both the owner and the puppy, as the granules contain the necessary set of carefully selected vitamins. For dogs give one type of foodAlternating between two or more dry foods is not recommended. When transitioning to a different dry food, carefully introduce small portions and monitor the body's reaction.
In conclusion, it's worth noting that by acquiring a puppy for their home, owners and family members receive a true, living, friendly miracle. However, it's important to remember that joyful moments aren't the only ones for owners; pets can get sick, and leaving them without help is simply unavoidable. Before deciding to buy a puppy, it's important to carefully consider all options and consider the physical and financial aspects.
