Dog Breed Jack Russell Terrier Review

I've owned three Jack Russell Terriers since 1994. They are happy and energetic dogs. Each one has their own personality. I've found that smooth coats shed the most. All of my terriers have been on prescription dog food because of their sensitive stomachs.  

Introduction To My Jack Russell Terriers~
Patches - My first Jack Russell Terrier was a rough coat with black ears. I adopted him at 8 weeks old from a Jack Russell Terrier breeder. He was a ball of energy, loved to cuddle in your lap, and play with basketballs. He died at 9-years old of an unknown illness.

Rustie - I rescued my second Jack Russell Terrier in 2003. He is a smooth coat with dark brown markings. He was abused and very timid when I got him. Now, he is active and loves barking, playing with his tennis balls, and cuddling in my lap.

Nicholas - I adopted a Parson Russell Terrier puppy in 2007. He is a smooth coat with light brown ears and markings. He gets into all kinds of mischief and loves playing with socks, tennis balls, and baby toys. He cuddles all the time and lies in the funniest positions.

Note: The body of a Parson Russell Terrier is longer and taller than a Jack Russell Terrier.

About The Jack Russell Terrier (therealjackrussell.com)~
The Jack Russell Terrier is extremely loyal, intelligent and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. Their funny antics will continually amuse you, their intelligence seems to know no bounds and their assertive nature and boundless energy can at times be overwhelming. The unique personality of this feisty little terrier is capturing the hearts of many, but they are not a dog for everyone.

They are first and foremost bred to be hunting dogs. These little dogs require human attention, outdoor activity, exercise, discipline and an understanding and acceptance of their hunting nature. They have been known to train their owners more often than not.

Jack Russell Terriers can be very aggressive with other dogs, and no more than two should be kept together unattended. There have been many instances of terriers being hurt, even killed, by their fellow terriers. Their natural hunting instinct also brings out aggression towards other small animals such as cats.

One of the Jack Russell Terrier's most surprising qualities is a kind and gentle nature. They are usually friendly with small children. However, they will not put up with even unintended abusive nature from a child.

History of the Jack Russell Terrier (therealjackrussell.com)~
The Jack Russell Terrier takes it name from the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest strains of terriers for working fox in Devonshire, England in the mid-to-late 1800's. Rev. Russell (1795-1883), apart from his church activities, had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs. His first terrier, the immortal TRUMP, is said to be the foundation of John Russell's strain of working terriers.

Everything about this terrier has fox hunting in mind - coloring, conformation, character, and intelligence. The body is compact, totally balanced proportions, the shoulders clean, the legs straight, and most importantly, a small chest. They must also be totally flexible, allowing him to maneuver underground. This conformation allows the terrier to follow his quarry down narrow earths. Originally bred for fox hunting, the Jack Russell Terrier is a versatile working terrier to a variety of quarry including red and grey fox, raccoon and woodchuck.

John Russell maintained his strain of fox terriers bred strictly for working, and the terrier we know of today as the Jack Russell Terrier is much the same as the pre-1900 fox terrier. They have survived the changes that have occurred in the modern-day Fox Terrier because it has been preserved by working terrier enthusiasts in England for more than 100 years; it has survived on its merits as a worker.

My Viewpoint
Jack Russell Terriers require a long-term commitment to obedience, activity, exercise and entertainment. Their unique character, intelligence and high energy level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you, and can bring you great joy.

I would recommend a Jack Russell Terrier to anyone who has the desire, the time, and the energy to give one of these terriers a good home. I treasure and love my two little terriers. Your life with one of these special dogs will never be boring.

I give the Jack Russell Terrier 5 stars! However, I do caution possible owners to do their research of the Jack Russell Terriers before adopting. There are so many of them in foster homes at the Russell Rescue. They have been either returned or left on the streets. It does take a special person to handle this beautiful breed.