Jack Russell Terrier (Smooth)

Commonly used as stunt-dogs in cinema for films such as “The Mask” and “The Artist,” the Jack Russell Terrier remains one of the most companionable and intelligent breeds that are popular among families today.

Behavior

Given their size and curiosity, the Jack Russell Terrier is a breed that needs constant, changing stimulation. They do quite well with exercise that involves agility, chasing, and jumping.

If not properly tended to, they will invent their own means of stimulation and games. This can eventually lead to anxiety and destruction, if their needs are not properly recognized.

Even though they are fairly active, they are not vocal dogs, so if they find something or they need something to be tended to, it’s important that they have owners who are able to read dog behavior fairly well.

They are recommended for people who have owned dogs before and know how to train them well. Because of their intelligence and stubbornness, it is recommended that they go through obedience training.

Even though they are small, they are not meant for small apartments or condominiums. They are athletic, and should be treated as such. Unless the owner is ready for continuous walks and games every day, the owner should look at a different breed.

Appearance

Standing about ten to twelve inches tall and weighing up to seventeen pounds, the Jack Russell terrier packs a punch with their small stature. They are muscular and agile, sturdy. Typically, their coat is white, with or without spotting, or can come in other variations such as black or tan. They have a small stubby tail and ears that flop over.

Grooming

In spite of their short hair, the Jack Russell Terrier sheds as much as it has energy. It is recommended for owners to have a rubber mitt and to brush them down with it at least twice a week to avoid having it catch in the furniture instead.

Jack Russell Terriers are unique in the fact that they are genetically bred to have no major problems as found in other breeds. Obviously, this is not an excuse to not take them to the vet for an annual check-up or to not take care of them, but they certainly do well on their own without the problems that the majority of pure-breds have.

History

Like all terriers, the Jack Russell Terrier was bred to hunt foxes and other fast-moving mammals that disturbed livestock and farming life. The distinction with the Jack Russell Terrier was that they were meant for above and below-ground hunting, so even if an animal burrowed down below, they would be able to go after it.

The name originated from Reverend Jack Russell, who would use the Jack Russell Terrier, along with other breeds, to chase down vermin while he was out on his horse.

It is common for the Jack Russell Terrier to be mistaken for the Parson Russell Terrier, given that they both share similar ancestry and purpose for which they were brought into the world. In order to tell the difference, it is important to look at both their history and their potential full-grown size.