The Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is my favourite dog breed. I have always owned Jack Russell Terriers since a child. Milo, my current Jack Russell is my third. He was also the most problematic, as I rescued him from Manchester dogs home the year after I graduated. He was five years old, and not in a good way, Although I was used to the breed, this was very different to the other two that I had bought up from puppies.

I have come to learn that Jack Russells are extremely affectionate, intelligent and rewarding dogs. But they are not without their problems! Most Jack Russells that display problematic behaviour is due to lack of exercise, entertainment and discipline. I decided to write this lens to help anyone considering getting a Jack Russell. Make sure you are fully prepared before taking one on. But if you do take a Jack Russell and have the time and energy to dedicate to him or her, it could be the best decision you ever make!

Image copyright: Amy Trumpeter

The Jack Russell Terrier was first bred by the Mr. John Russell. He was a Reverend and a parson and hunting enthusiast born in 1795. He bought a small white and tan terrier called Trump, who was the basis for a breeding programme to develop a high stamina hunting terrier.

The aim was to breed a dog with the courage to chase out foxes that had gone to ground, but without the aggressiveness that would result in their harming the fox. John Russell bred and developed this line of terriers, and by the 1850s they were a recognised as a distinct type of Fox Terrier. After his death in 1893, his dogs were taken on by other hunting enthusiasts. They were initially known as Russell Terriers.

Around the turn of the century, the secretary of the Parson Jack Russell Terrier Club bred a strain of terriers for badger digging. These needed the brave character and endurance of the Jack Russell Terrier, which were crossed with Bull Terriers to give a stronger and harder dog with shorter legs than the original type, described as Jack Russell Terriers.

In 1974, the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain was established, but the club was opposed to Kennell club recognistion for the breed. In 1983, the Parsons Jack Russell Terrier club was formed to seek recognition for a variation of the breed, and they were first recognsed in the United Kingdom as the Parsons Jack Russell Terrier in 1990. The Parsons Jack Russell terrier is bred to Kennel club standards and has longer legs than the Jack Russell Terrier.

Jacl Russells today come in many different types and sizes, with long or short hair, and the reason for them not being Kennel club registered may have a lot to the diverse nature of the breed. The Fox Terrier and the Parsons Russell Terrier are the closest recognised Kennel Club Breeds.

As Jack Russells were bred for hunting and badgering, they are very sturdy dogs. I refer to my Jack Russell as 'indestuctable!' They can be very territorial and protective of their owners. Some can show signs of aggression towards other dogs and sometimes children if they are not properly socialised, although it depends on the individual dog.

They are high energy dogs, so if you want to get a Jack Russell, be prepared for lots of walks in all types of weather! You will need to intellectually stimulate them with tricks and training - don't forget, they were bread to work and so need the mental stiulation as well as a lot of exercise.

They can be stubborn and authoritative, so it is important not to let your Jack Russell Terrier become the 'alpha male'. You can assert authority over your dog by not allowing him or her on beds and furniture. Also you can show that you are in charge by making sure that he eats after you eat, and does not beg for scraps from the table. This doesn't mean that you can't cuddle your dog and show him or her affection, but it must be on your terms, not the dogs. Therefore, when it is cuddle time, he or she must be invited.

Any dog that shows signs of aggression must be dealt with and properly trained. I didn't realise how bad Milo was with other dogs until my friend highlighted it as aggression. I was upset at first, but then got a trainer in to help me to deal with the problem.

If your dog bites someone, you run the risk of having to have the animal muzzled or even destroyed. and a lot of their aggression comes from fear or protection. By walking in front of him or her, and tugging the lead with a firm 'No!' you can assert authority over him or her and the dog will be less likely to show aggression to try to protect you.

You can also calm his or her fear by rewarding him when the threat is near (e.g. another dog or a car). Jack Russells respond well to praise, so if your Jack Russell gets a treat every time he sees a car, he will be distracted, and learn to associate the threat with positives.

If your Jack Russell is displaying problems in the house, such as weeing indoors or chewing things, it may be because he or she just needs more attention. Most behavioural problems are because the dog is not exercised or intellectually stimulated enough. Have a read of my next sections on Walking to Heel and tricks for your Jack Russell Terrier.

Your Jack Russell will become very excitable when he realises it is time for a walk, so make sure that he/she sits to have his/her lead on. If your Jack Russell can't calm down (which is often the case with mine!) then make sure that you give the dog a few minutes to calm before opening the door. Then make sure that YOU are the first one out of the door before your dog, again asserting your authority to limit bad or aggressive behaviour.

It is important to teach your dog to walk to heel early on. Your Jack Russell must not pull on the lead, he/she should walk by your side. If he or she pulls too much, just tug the lead gently and command 'heel'. You cannot hurt him or her if he has a normal collar. I prefer not to use a choker chain, I don't think it's necessary if a dog is trained properly.

If your Jack Russell persistently pulls on the lead, you can start to step backwards, forcing your dog to turn around (dogs can't walk in reverse!). Your JRT will soon stop pulling as much when he or she realises that it doesn't him or her very far!

Jack Russells are very prasie motivated, so do tell him or her 'Good dog!' when it is going well. Treats can also be used when your Jack Russell is walking to heal properly.

Jack Russells tend to be quite destructive with their toys! I have found that Kong Toys are sturdy and long lasting.

After teaching your dog the basics (sit, down, stay), exercise his/her brain with one of the following tricks or activities with your Jack Russell Terrier...

1. Find it! Let your dog smell a treat to get the scent. Then shut him/her out while you hide it somewhere in the room. When your Jack Russell comes in, say the command 'find it!' and your dog will sniff around the room till her or she finds the treat. I's amazing how quickly they pick this one up!

2. On your Nose! Tough for the hungry Jack Russell! Ask your dog to STAY while there is a biscuit on his/her nose, and when you say 'good dog' your Jack Russell should toss it up and catch it!

3. Agility and Flyball. Your Jack Russell will pick up agility and flyball extremely quickly - watch the video below!

Agility is a great way to excerise and have fun with your Jack Russell Terrier - they really enjoy it. You can join a class, or buy equipment for your garden.