Jack Russell Terrier: breed description, character, standards and content

Jack Russell Terrier is a hunting breed dog. This dog is rightly popular with dog breeders and possesses not only protective qualities, but also is able to become an indispensable assistant to a farmer-herder. The material of our article will be useful to those who liked the representative of this breed. We will talk in detail about how the breeding of these dogs began, what the nuances of their exterior are, what the pros and cons of animals are, and also dwell on the aspects of their maintenance.

The story of a ball dog or a little adventurer ready to accompany his master everywhere began in the UK when Jack Russell, a pastor from the county of Devonshire, started breeding dogs for hunting. The priest liked the foxhunt that was fashionable at that time, it was his hand that gave the first description of the appearance of the representatives of the breed. At the same time, his opinion, as an expert, was indisputable at exhibitions of Fox Terriers.

During the breeding of fox-horned dogs, the pastor-breeder inoculated the blood of small bull terriers as well as border terriers and lakeland terriers in his foxes. The dogs he bred were quick and nimble to keep up with the fox on the hunt. Ancestor of the breed was a dog named Trump, which the pastor bought during his studies at Oxford. Her color was white with red markings located at the base of the tail and representing a mask on her head.

The priest paid attention to the ears and chest girth of bred dogs. In his understanding of the exterior, the ears should have closed the auditory orifices, tightly pressed against the head. This was important so that the earth could not get into them when the dog began to dig a hole.

The sternum should be covered by a pair of palms so that the animal can fit in the foxhole without getting stuck. Experiments on breeding work were carried out with the participation of fox terrier genes. but even after the death of the vicar, the work of breeding a working hunting dog did not stop. And because the appearance of the dogs began to change and then went in two directions. Some dogs were more elongated, others had high paws and a square build.

At that time, the dogs bred by the priest were called Pastor Jack Russell Terriers. Subsequently, the name is fixed in the name of the breed. However, a separate breed of Jack Russell Terrier was only in 2001, which contributed to the activists from the UK and Australia.

A remarkable moment separating the modern Jack Russell Terrier from its fellow counterparts is White with red or black markings. Markings of red color may vary shades. Although earlier black color Not particularly appreciated, today these dogs are no less popular among breeders. As for the tones redhead they can be very dark, almost brown.

Another color option is considered tricolor, where the base color remains white, and the spots may be black and red. However, whatever the color of the markings, they themselves must be roundish. At the same time, the total area of ​​the spots should not exceed a third of the dog’s entire coat.

The coat itself may be smooth-haired, having a dense undercoat, pressed against the body. This coat should be stiff and thick. Wool stalks of moderate length do not fit snugly to the body. To the touch they are softer than the coat of the previous type. Also allowed Brocade option, in which the wool can be broken in several places.

This coat has a fit to the body, it does not stick, does not have a beard and mustache. However, the type of coat in these dogs is determined not earlier than two months of age. And even in the same litter, it can be different, and sometimes an experienced breeder cannot recognize it.

The exterior allows the growth of males in the range from 27 to 30 cm, while the height of the individual girl should not exceed 25-27 cm. If the dog is tall, it is subject to disqualification. The average weight of an adult dog is 6 kg. It is believed that Pet's weight should correspond to its height at the rate of 1 kg per 5 cm of height. For example, a dog with a height of 25 cm should weigh 5 kg.

Look like the breed remembered: the appearance of the Russell-Terrier was once glorified by a restlessly jumping dog, starring in the movie “Mask” with Jim Carrey. According to the generally accepted standard, the purebred representative of the breed has a flattened skull box, moderately wide, tapering from the sockets to the jaws. The nose of these animals is painted black, the lips are tight, black, the jaws are deep and powerful. The bite in dogs is correct, scissor.

The eyes of Russell Terriers are small, although their size increases visually due to a dark or even black outline at the edges of the eyelids. Eyelids are characterized by complete closure. Ears can be standing or drooping, they are mobile and structural. The neck of a purebred representative of the breed is strong and strong, the constitution tends to be rectangular in shape, the croup is quite even, the loins are small, the sternum is deep but not wide. The edges of the sternum are determined in front of the shoulders.

The paws of the Russell Terrier are powerful and strong, their pads are soft and round, the walk itself is springy. The tail in the process of movement rises to a vertical position. When the dog is calm, it can hang. The standard allows docking of the tail, although today this practice is often suppressed by the rules of individual exhibitions.

Jack Russell Terrier is incredibly active and energetic. This dog is not peculiar laziness or empty pastime. Despite its small size, this animal with a strong will and ability to understand the owner almost from half a word. In this case, the owner of the animal can love to unconsciousness.

At the same time, this dog does not know such a feeling as shyness. If necessary, she makes decisions instantly. In order for a raised pet to grow from a puppy, it is necessary to start training and training it as soon as possible. Otherwise, a fool grows out of the dog, creating problems from scratch. Lack of education can manifest itself in different ways. For example, with a lack of attention and petting, a pet can afford to sharpen its teeth on the master's furniture, show aggression to strangers or brothers of the dog world.

Such races can become in the absence of the possibility of getting rid of a large amount of unspent energy. It is impossible to call the behavior of these dogs angelic: they become cute and obedient as a result of competent education.Given their passion for ball games, frisbee, mini agility and other subjects, this is used in training. Remarkable is the fact that These dogs can burst balloons in seconds.

Compared to other types of terrier, creeps are considered more balanced in terms of behavior. In addition, they do not spend as much time on barking and stubbornness as their relatives. These dogs are well trained and generally unpretentious, although they are naturally born athletes. With constant physical exertion and due attention, they do not cause problems for the owners, they grow up with strong-willed and developed pets.

They are characterized not only by playfulness: these dogs can safely be called positive generators. With respect to children, they are compliant and friendly, but this is the case when the pet grows with the children. As for pets, the Russell Terrier friendliness does not extend to them. The reason for this is congenital hunting instinct, with which the dog can do nothing.

A distinctive feature of the Jack Russell Terrier is need for permanent employment. If the dog is not in business, she starts to get bored and look for some kind of occupation up to digging the floor. Her curiosity sometimes knows no bounds But this animal is not suitable for every breeder. For example, an elderly owner simply will not be able to give a pet the necessary discharge, such a breeder will have a hard time keeping a russell.

With respect to strangers, these animals exhibit both interest and alertness. Given their craving for adventure, they need to be walked on leashes, letting go of them in well-known places. At the same time during walking it is necessary to give the pet an opportunity to completely splash out energy, the dog must run, jump. The jumps of these beauties seem to be laid in the genes, if the dog cannot jump over the obstacle, he proceeds to the digging.

Like any dog, Jack Russell Terrier has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, the positive qualities of a dog include the fact that there is not much need for its placement. However, if the dog bed does not take up much space, then the area for dog toys is sometimes required considerable. In this case, the animal may have its own priorities for this or that thing.

The disadvantage of a jack can be called his habit of waking the master in the morning. His usual habitat requires constant communication, running around and vanity. With a man who is far from the sport and prefers to lie on the sofa for a long time, the dog of this breed will be bored.

Russell needs a strong hand, the owner, making morning jogs, who loves to travel, go camping, go to nature. With small children, these animals do not always get along. The reason for this is the dog's unwillingness to put up with when he is pulled by the tail or hugged to suffocation. The answer to this behavior may be a demonstration of the roar. And although a dog of this breed bites rarely and in the case, this behavior may scare the babies.

The advantage of these animals is excellent appetite with which they sweep their food. However, it is the passion for all edible that sometimes leads to a set of excess weight. At the same time, dogs can be compared with a perpetual motion machine, which is good not only for them, but also their owners.

Friendliness and lovefulness make dogs the favorite of the whole family. But among the representatives of the breed there are individuals with a jealous character.They are not very patient when care and caress go to another pet. If, in addition to them, there are other pets in the house, Russell Terriers will try to take a leading position among them. These attempts can turn into dog clashes, and at these moments dogs usually behave especially bravely, defending their positions.

It should be understood that although these animals are considered hardy dogs, but they are not immune from bad heredity. Some individuals may have not only congenital, but also acquired diseases. For example, to the number of possible illnesses can be attributed to such a problem as Perthes disease, which appears in puppies in the form of lameness. In addition, these dogs may have dislocated knee caps, hip dysplasia, deafness, heart disease, epilepsy, and sclera malformations.

Buying a purebred puppy is not an easy task, it is necessary to approach it informationally grounded. If the buyer is inexperienced, it’s better to invite an independent expert to help determine which puppy should be chosen.

If a specialist cannot be found, it is necessary to rely on the basic knowledge about the exterior and appearance of a particular child. At the same time, it is necessary to remember that you can buy a baby only from a trusted breeder in a nursery with a good reputation. These puppies are more expensive, but subsequently the buyer will not have to treat the animal in expensive clinics for a long time or constantly run up against its uncontrollable behavior. You can take a baby as early as 2 months, when meeting with him you need to pay attention to the degree of activity, color type, gait and behavior in general.

If the puppy is too lethargic and apathetic, this may indicate his illness. If he starts to throw, it can talk about poor socialization and, possibly, unstable psyche. At an early age puppies should not show excessive aggression towards people and be able to communicate with each other. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the conditions of the puppies in the nursery.

Mother and her babies should be neat and clean. They must have their own toys, as well as documents (veterinary passport and pedigree). The more generations will be indicated in the pedigree, the better. Other things to consider when purchasing are type of animal that can be domestic and exhibition.

The range of prices in this case is not talking about marriage, but about the level of the animal. For example, if a buyer needs a pet who can take part in exhibitions, he will have to spend on him the amount from 50 to 60 thousand rubles. At the same time, a typical working puppy will cost about 15-18 thousand rubles.

Keep the dog of the breed in question can be in the conditions of a city apartment, and in a private house. However, practice shows that the pet of this breed feels more comfortable in its home. The reason for this is excessive activity and great freedom in games and walks, which allows pets living in country and private homes. Often, the owners living in apartment buildings, justify themselves by the fact that a dog needs only once a day to go for a walk.

In addition to walks, it is necessary to take the animal out into the street every time he wants to go to the toilet. In general, the animal adapts well to different climates, it loves to frolic under the sun in the summer and does not deny itself the pleasure of plowing the fluffy snow in winter. Many breeders in the cold season bring the dogs to the street in warm clothes. At the same time, the range of such products today is so diverse that it is possible to easily choose an option even taking into account the build and age of a particular pet.

From the first day of appearance in the house the puppy should be its place, as well as its own territory. This is a key rule of the content that teaches the pet to understand the basics of education. You can find a place for a dog so that there are no drafts on its square. Also, it should not be in the immediate vicinity of heat sources (for example, you can not "settle" Russell Terrier by the fireplace).

Dishes from a new member of the family should be their own. Under no close relationship can you make it from your own plates and bowls used by family members. If the animal is to eat and drink from them, in the future they will be perceived as its property, which for some reason people use. There should not be a shortage of dishes either: a dog should have three bowls: for dry food, liquid and water.

Care and hygiene must be regular.: it is not possible to wash itself and comb the animal. A characteristic feature of the dogs of this breed is the fact that they molt throughout the year if they are kept at home. However, wool does not cause much trouble if you get rid of dead hair on time. For combing terriers hard wool must be purchased special trimmers, called furminators.

These devices are convenient because without much effort and in a short time allow you to save the pet from dead wool, preventing the growth of a new fur coat. It is simpler to care for the woolen cover of other types of brushes: it is quite enough for them to simply brush them. As for washing, then Frequent water treatments are not recommended for these dogs.

However, the lack of the need for frequent bathing does not relieve the wearer of the need for foot hygiene after each walk. Every time you come home, you must wipe the dog's paws with a wet towel or special napkins for animals. In addition, it is necessary to inspect them for the presence of cracks and wounds. Besides, Do not forget to inspect the pet daily for the presence of ticks and fleas, which it can bring from the walk.

Hygiene of the ears and eyes is carried out regularly. This should be done 2-3 times a month. Earwax is removed with a cloth moistened with a special tool. When redness is detected in the ears or eyes, the animal is immediately taken to the veterinarian for an appointment. In addition, the reasons for contacting a specialist can be discharge from the eyes and an unpleasant smell from the ears.

It is necessary to clean the teeth of the dogs with the frequency once a week. To pet did not resist such a procedure, it should be accustomed to it as soon as possible. This should be done through special snacks, sold in specialized stores, as well as with the help of zoos and brushes for dog teeth. Pastes for humans are contraindicated for dogs, as well as brushing your teeth with a finger strap.

If they get up, this is considered a serious drawback, and therefore, in order to prevent such a defect, they must be glued with a patch. If the situation is running, you have to solve the problem surgically.

There are no special feeding requirements for the Russels. Like other dogs, they can be fed with natural food or dry granulated food of concentrated type. Given the small size of the dogs of this breed, the feed on them takes a bit. Due to the fact that it is concentrated, its amount per serving is less than the volume of natural food.

In addition, ready-made industrial food is convenient because it significantly saves time for feeding a pet and has all the necessary vitamins and trace elements. However, it is completely balanced. only in premium versions and type of holistic. In cheap analogues, the main ingredient is not meat, but meat meal, which is obtained at best from by-products, and at worst - from shredded hooves.

Considering that poor-quality feed can lie on the store shelves for a long time, the buyer risks purchasing a stale product as well. If it is decided to feed the dog with natural food, you should immediately exclude pork and lamb from the list of allowed products. Meat in the diet should be low-fat. Suitable beef, turkey, calf and chicken.

In addition, you need to make sure that for the animal to eat boneless sea fish, buckwheat and rice porridge. We need an active pet and vegetables (with the exception of legumes) that can be flavored with vegetable oil. We must not forget about fermented milk products, which in this case include kefir and low-fat cottage cheese. About once a week you need to treat your pet with eggs (chicken and quail will do).

In order for the dog to receive everything necessary for growth, development and maintenance of health, it is necessary to add to it when choosing natural food. special vitamin complexes. It is important to understand the nuance that animal food should be varied.

You can not discount the mind, which has an animal. In the process of learning it can be stubborn. Given that, in addition to physical exertion, he needs both intellectual, monotony and mediocrity will put an end to learning. If the breeder has no experience in raising a dog, at first you can contact a professional dog handler.

The dog is tricky by nature, but because she will quickly understand how to take a dominant position, managing her caregiver. Despite the fact that Russell terriers do not get along well with their kin, with early socialization, you can correct this behavior. You can not shift the training and instilling certain rules from day to day, only in this case the owner will grow up a dog that is neutral towards passers-by and strangers.

When training, Russell will have to be patient and firm. This will allow to establish itself in the role of authority. You can not shout and beat the dog: training can not be built on the fear and hatred of his master. In order for an animal to willingly carry out commands, it is necessary to include various games and rewards in the learning process. In addition, classes should be diversified and combined with outdoor activities.

Jack Russell Terrier justifies the title of one of the most intelligent and capable of training dogs. This is evidenced by reviews of dog breeders left on the information portals on the Internet. According to the owners, these animals, even without special training, if necessary, can show a few tricks, engaged in their improvement. They like to learn if the course is built in a game form.

Also, as noted in the comments, these beauties are able to become companions for people with an active lifestyle. They quickly adjust to the rhythm of life of the owners and gladly go on every street walk. If the dogs are sad, then, according to the owners, this may indicate poor health or longing for the owner. Some commentators write that with age, Russell Terriers may not become as active.

The size of the puppies, according to the breeders, vary. In a month a baby can weigh from 0.7 to 1 kg with a growth of 8 cm. At 2 months its growth increases by 2 cm, in 3 the growth is 11 cm with a weight of 2.5-3 kg. In six months, the baby weighs from 4 to 4.3 kg, and its height at this time is 15 cm. After a couple of months it increases by 4 cm.

Look at the Russell Terrier breed in the video below.