| How it all began for the Jack Russell Terrier. In | | | | Terriers are very much like children: you have to |
| the mid-1800's Parson Jack Russell, whose love of | | | | devote yourself to them, in all aspects. They |
| fox hunting was unmatched, declared the terriers | | | | require a firm hand to control their natural hunting |
| of the time unsuited for their work -- the | | | | instincts. A Jack Russell will need an owner who is |
| red-bodied terriers were too similar to the quarry, | | | | more stubborn than he is. |
| he claimed, making it more difficult to know which | | | | These dogs deceive people due to their size. Few |
| was the dog and which was the fox. He wanted a | | | | believe--until they experience it for |
| white dog, something that would stand out among | | | | themselves--that such a little dog can have such a |
| the forest and never be confused with his prey. | | | | big personality. The Jack Russell doesn't see |
| So, the Jack Russell Terrier was imagined and, | | | | himself as a little dog, however. He's just a big |
| when (as it is assumed) the English Black and Tan | | | | dog who happens to be smaller than the others. |
| Terrier was crossed with the English White | | | | His temperament matches, if not exceeds, other |
| Terrier, the breed was realized. | | | | breeds. From this, you may believe that owning a |
| Parson Jack Russell could now go hunting, as could | | | | Jack Russell is foolish. That is not true. With the |
| the rest of the England. | | | | right owner -- one who knows how to indulge |
| The frenetic grace and flexibility of the Jack | | | | theirneed to hunt, but who can also keep them |
| Russell makes it the ideal hunting dog, but its | | | | calm -- these dogs can be true joys. Terriers are, |
| spirited nature appeals to those seeking just a | | | | by nature, highly intelligent tricksters, very loving |
| companion. And, standing between ten and twelve | | | | and loyal to their owners. They are just also |
| inches and weighing between fourteen and | | | | stubborn and more willing to do what pleases |
| eighteen pounds, the Jack Russell can easily | | | | them. For someone's first pet, this is not a wise |
| become a family house pet... with the right family. | | | | choice. A Jack Russell would dominate you. But, |
| As with all terriers, the Jack Russell is not a dog | | | | for someone who has had Terriers before, this |
| for the novice owner. This is, by nature, a | | | | could be an energetic companion. |
| stubborn and demanding breed. Also, with its | | | | Too many of these dogs are abandoned or given |
| natural hunting instincts, it has a tendency to | | | | away because an owner cannot deal with their |
| "attack" other animals, chew and dig. Often, | | | | digging, jumping (this breed can easily scale five |
| families do not expect this kind of behavior, due | | | | feet), climbing or barking. They do not realize that |
| to the breed's size, and are overwhelmed. Jack | | | | this is what the Jack Russell was bred for: this is |
| Russell rank as one of the top dogs abandoned | | | | not a dog meant to sit on your lap all day and |
| by their owners, simply because they were | | | | sleep; this is a dog bred for action. If you cannot |
| deemed bad dogs. Most people do not realize | | | | give it to him, he will not excel in the environment. |
| what it means to own a terrier and cannot handle | | | | And, that is not to say that you must take the |
| it. | | | | Jack Russell hunting--though, for those who do |
| A Jack Russell Terrier will make an excellent | | | | hunt, you could not ask for a better breed. This |
| companion for the right kind of person, one who | | | | simply means giving him lots of exercise and |
| has had experience with dogs (terriers, | | | | attention and, of course, discipline. Training is a |
| moreimportantly) and who understands what | | | | must and you will always be putting the teachings |
| needs to be done. Owning a Jack Russell means | | | | to use as Terriers will test you daily. But, if you |
| giving him plenty of activity, attention and | | | | are up to the challenge, the Jack Russell Terrier |
| discipline. | | | | will never let you down. |