Smooth Jack Russell Terrier: appearance, nature and rules of care

Jack Russell Terriers belong to hunting dog breeds. Their historical homeland is the United Kingdom. In this country, they were first bred for hunting burrow animals. Today, these dogs are considered not only unsurpassed hunters for badgers and foxes, but also widely distributed as companion dogs for active people.

These dogs owed their name to British Jack Priest Jack Russell, who lived in the English county of Devon. He was known as an excellent rider and passionate fox hunter using terriers. In the second half of the XIX century, Russell took an active part in the work on the standard fox terriers. Due to the fact that for many years he had successfully crossed hard-haired terriers of various breeds and colors, the hunting qualities of these dogs improved markedly.

Now in their historic homeland in England, Jack Russell Terriers are used as hunting and farm dogs. In addition to fox hunting, they can also successfully hunt hares and water rats, exterminate rodents. The French use this breed in order for dogs to bring wounded game, to help hunt down rabbits and deer. In the Republic of South Africa, these animals most often play the role of guard dogs that react sensitively to extraneous noise and will not let out strangers. Jack Russell Terriers were introduced to Russia in 1998, and are currently one of the most popular breeds among companion dogs.

In this breed, on the basis of the characteristics of wool, it is customary to distinguish three varieties: smooth-haired animals, long-haired animals and an intermediate variant, which is called brocade. Jack Russell Terriers with short hair (smooth-haired) have long enjoyed great popularity. They can be seen in films and advertising, they often live in families of “stars” of cinema and television. It is this kind of Jack Russell Terrier that is very unpretentious in content, does not need trimming, their wool always looks well-groomed and neat.

There are the following standard characteristics of the appearance of smooth-haired broods:

• head should be wedge-shaped, muzzle shorter than the skull;
• the rim of the eyelids, lips and nose are always black;
• ears are allowed both raised and drooping;
• jaws strong and strong, scissor bite type;
• the neck is of medium length with well marked withers;
• the chest is deep but not wide;
• back straight, not very long muscular loin;
• the front legs are straight and elastic, the hind legs have strongly developed muscles, the paws are small with moderate toes;
• the tail can be both crooked and normal, but it should never be rolled into a ring;
• the coat is smooth and short, tight to the body, with well-developed undercoat;
• color should be at least 51% white, on a white background red or black spots of any shape are allowed, while a three-color color (white with red and black spots) is also the norm;
• standard height - 25-30 cm, weight standard - 5-6 kg.

Smooth Jack Russell Terriers are loyal, intelligent and energetic dogs. According to the descriptions of breeders, they have a cheerful and affectionate temper, they are easy to bring up. These pets are very fond of long walks and all kinds of games in the fresh air, as well as trips and hiking trips. Russells are very hardy and brave, but they are cunning and love to play pranks. They love children, but because of the highly developed hunting instinct, they can attack other dogs, cats or birds.

Smooth-haired Jack Russell Terriers are compact and simple to maintain in city apartments or in private homes. It is only necessary to comply with some recommendations of experienced dog breeders to care for them.

• Coat The coat of these dogs requires minimal grooming. But smooth-haired Jack Russell Terriers can shed heavily, so it is advisable to clean their coat with a special brush every day. During shedding, it is necessary to comb the hair with a special comb or mitten. The short coat of these animals has an amazing property of self-cleaning from dirt and dust, so you need to bathe them only in case of very strong pollution.
• Hygiene. Auricles, eyes and teeth should be regularly inspected and cleaned, but do not do it too often. If the dog walks a lot on asphalt or other hard surfaces, the claws do not need a grooming.
• Feeding. Dogs of this breed can be fed either with fresh natural products or with premium premium food. Do not overfeed your pet, make sure that its weight is within normal limits. Giving food to an adult dog should be 2 times a day.
• Conditions of detention. Remember that this hunting breed needs great physical exertion, animals need to run and jump a lot. Obligatory long walks (at least 2 hours a day), games with a ball or with a flying disc (frisbee) are required. You should also know that these dogs do not tolerate loneliness well and can spoil and nibble accessible objects, so it’s better from childhood to accustom an animal to a room for some time in an aviary. Consider the fact that Jack Russell Terriers are very jumping, and can easily overcome the one and a half meter fence.
• Prevention of possible diseases. This breed is characterized by good health and strong immunity. But you should know that the eyes, joints and the heart can be the weak points of a Russell. They have such a disease as ataxia, which is expressed in impaired coordination of movements and loss of balance.

When choosing a short-haired Jack Russell terrier puppy, it should be borne in mind that in one litter there may be kids with different types of coat. Before you bring your puppy home, remove all available wires, chemicals, clothing and shoes, as these dogs love to chew on everything. Highlight a small terrier a warm corner without drafts and heating devices next to the stove bench. Get modern latex toys, they are safe and easy to maintain. Know that you cannot play rope pulling games with a puppy, this prevents the formation of a correct bite, and the kid is also forbidden to go down the stairs by himself, he cannot be lifted by the paws to avoid damage to the joints.

From 2 months of age with a small pet you need to regularly engage in, accustoming him to the society and the execution of commands. In the diet should be raw lean meat, boiled boneless fish, eggs, cereals, vegetables, cottage cheese. It is strictly forbidden to sweet, salty, fried, fatty and smoked food. It is preferable to use for feeding rack with fixed bowls.Do not forget about the veterinary inspection, age-appropriate vaccinations, prevention of helminth infection and treatment of flea and tick hair.

Jack Russell Terriers are dogs for active people who love sports and travel. They are friendly, quick-witted and fearless. With proper training and care, dogs of this breed can live very long and be active and loyal friends and companions.

For more information about the Jack Russell Terrier breed, see the following video.