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TheJack Russell Terrier is a Britishbreed of smallterrier. It is principally white-bodied and smooth-, rough- or broken-coated, and can be any colour.
It derives from dogs bred and used forfox-hunting inNorth Devon in the early nineteenth century by a countryparson,Jack Russell – for whom the breed is named – and has similar origins to the modernFox Terrier. Though closely similar, it is a distinct and different breed from theParson Russell Terrier.[3]
Jack Russells are an energetic breed that rely on a high level of exercise and stimulation. It has gone through several changes over the years, corresponding to different use and breed standards set by kennel clubs. Recognition by kennel clubs for the Jack Russell breed has been opposed by the breed's parent societies – which resulted in the breeding and recognition of theParson Russell terrier. Jack Russells have appeared many times in film, television, and print – with several historical dogs of note.
The small white fox-working terriers were first bred by theReverend John "Jack" Russell, aparson andhunting enthusiast born in 1795,[4] and they can trace their origin to the now extinctEnglish white terrier.[5] Difficulty in differentiating the dog from the creature it was pursuing brought about the need for a mostly white dog,[6] and so in 1819 during his last year of university atExeter College, Oxford,[7] he purchased a small white and tan terrier female named Trump from a local milkman[8] in the nearby smallhamlet ofElsfield[9] orMarston.[10] Trump epitomised his idealFox Terrier,[11] which, at the time, was a term used for any terrier which was used to bolt foxes out of their burrows.[5] Her colouring was described as "...white, with just a patch of dark tan over each eye and ear; whilst a similar dot, not larger than a penny piece, marks the root of the tail."[12] Davies, a friend of Russell's, wrote: "Trump was such an animal as Russell had only seen in his dreams".[7] She was the basis for a breeding program to develop a terrier with high stamina for the hunt as well as the courage and formation to chase out foxes that had gone to ground.[13] By the 1850s, these dogs were recognised as a distinct breed.[14]
An important attribute in this dog was a tempered aggressiveness that would provide the necessary drive to pursue and bolt the fox, without resulting in physical harm to the quarry and effectively ending the chase, which was considered unsporting.[citation needed] Russell was said to have prided himself that his terriers never tasted blood.[14] This line of terriers developed by John Russell was well respected for those qualities, and his dogs were often taken on by hunt enthusiasts. It is unlikely, however, that any dogs alive today can be proved to be descendants from Trump, as Russell was forced to sell all his dogs on more than one occasion because of financial difficulty, and had only four aged (and non-breeding) terriers left when he died in 1883.[citation needed]
The Fox terrier and Jack Russell terrier type dogs of today are all descended from dogs of that period. However, documented pedigrees earlier than 1862 have not been found. Several records remain of documented breeding by John Russell between the 1860s and 1880s. The Fox Terrier Club was formed in 1875 with Russell as one of the founder members; its breed standard was aspiration, and not a description of how the breed appeared then. By the start of the 20th century, the Fox Terrier had altered more towards the modern breed, but in some parts of the country the old style of John Russell's terriers remained, and it is from those dogs that the modern Jack Russell type has descended.[7]
Many breeds can claim heritage to the early Fox Terrier of this period, including theBrazilian Terrier,Japanese Terrier,Miniature Fox Terrier,Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz,Rat Terrier, andTenterfield Terrier.[15]
Following Russell's death, the only people who made serious efforts to continue those strains were two men, one inChislehurst with the surname of East, and another inCornwall named Archer. East, at one point, had several couples, all of which were descended from one of Russell's dogs. The type aimed for were not as big as the showFox Terrier and were usually less than 7 kg (15 lb).[6]
Arthur Blake Heinemann created the first breed standard and, in 1894, he founded the Devon and Somerset Badger Club, the aims of which were to promotebadger digging rather than fox hunting, and the breeding of terriers suitable for this purpose. Terriers were acquired from Nicholas Snow ofOare, and they were likely descended from Russell's original dogs, as Russell would probably have hunted at some point with Snow's hunting club and is likely to have provided at least some of their original terriers.[7] By the turn of the 20th century, Russell's name had become associated with this breed of dog.[17]
The club was later renamed the Parson Jack Russell Terrier Club.[7] Badger digging required a different type of dog than fox hunting, and it is likely thatBull Terrier stock was introduced to strengthen the breed, which may have caused the creation of a shorter legged variety of Jack Russell terrier that started to appear around this period. At the same time that a split was appearing between show and working Fox terriers, a further split was occurring between two different types of white terrier, both carrying Jack Russell's name.[6] Heinemann was invited to judge classes forworking terriers atCrufts with an aim to bring working terriers back into the show ring and influence those that disregard working qualities in dogs. These classes were continued for several years by various judges, butCharles Cruft dropped the attempt as the classes were never heavily competed. Following Heinemann's death in 1930, the kennel and leadership of the club passed to Annie Harris, but the club itself folded shortly beforeWorld War II.[6][7]
FollowingWorld War II, the requirement for hunting dogs drastically declined, and with it the numbers of Jack Russell terriers. The dogs were increasingly used as family and companion dogs.[citation needed]
TheJack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) was formed in 1976 by Ailsa Crawford, one of the first Jack Russell terrier breeders in the United States. Size ranges for dogs were kept broad, with the ability of working dogs awarded higher than those inconformation shows. An open registry was maintained, with restricted line breeding. Registration for the club is made at adulthood for Jack Russells, rather than at birth, to ensure the breed's qualities remain, given the open registry.[citation needed]
Several breed clubs appeared in the United Kingdom during the 1970s to promote the breed, including the Jack Russell Club of Great Britain (JRTCGB) and the South East Jack Russell Terrier Club (SEJRTC). The JRTCGB promoted the range of sizes that remain in its standards today, whereas the SEJRTC set a minimum height for dogs at 33 cm (13 in). While the JRTCGB sought to ensure that the breed's working ability remained through non-recognition with other breed registries, the SEJRTC activity sought recognition with the UKKennel club.[18] In 1983, the Parson Jack Russell Club of Great Britain (PJRTCGB) was resurrected to seek Kennel Club recognition for the breed. Although the application was initially rejected, a new standard was created for the PJRTCGB based on the standard of the SEJRTC, and under that standard the breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1990 as the Parson Jack Russell terrier.[19] Jack was dropped from the official name in 1999, and the recognised name of the breed became theParson Russell Terrier.[20]
In the late 1990s, theAmerican Kennel Club explored the possibility of recognising the Jack Russell Terrier.[citation needed] This move was opposed by the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America as they did not want the breed to lose its essential working characteristics.[citation needed] The Jack Russell Terrier Breeders Association formed and petitioned the AKC; the breed's admission was granted in 2001. Under the AKC-recognised standard, the size of the breed was narrowed from the previous club's standard, and the name of the AKC-recognised Jack Russell Terrier was changed to Parson Russell Terrier,[citation needed] with the Jack Russell Terrier Breeders Association renamed to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America.[citation needed]
TheAustralian National Kennel Council (ANKC) and theNew Zealand Kennel Club (NZCK) are some of national kennel associations that register both the Jack Russell terrier and the Parson Russell terrier;[21] however, the size requirements for the Jack Russell terrier under both those standards would classify a dog as a Russell terrier in the United States.[22] In 2009, there were 1073 Jack Russells registered with the ANKC, compared to 18 for the Parson Russell terrier.[23] Other modern breeds are often mistaken for modern Jack Russell terriers, including their cousin the Parson Russell terrier,[24] the Tenterfield terrier,[25] and theRat Terrier.[26] Several other modern breeds exist that descended from the early Fox Terrier breed, including theBrazilian Terrier,Japanese Terrier,Miniature Fox Terrier,Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz,Rat Terrier, andTenterfield Terrier.[27]
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Due to their working nature, Jack Russell terriers remain much as they were some 200 years ago.[28] They are sturdy, tough, and tenacious, measuring 25–38 cm (10–15 in) at thewithers,[29] and weigh 6–8 kg (14–18 lb).[citation needed] The body length must be in proportion to the height, and the dog should present a compact, balanced image. Predominantly white in colouration (more than 51%) with black and/or brown and/or tan markings,[29] they exhibit either a smooth, rough or a combination of both which is known as a broken coat. A broken-coated dog may have longer hair on the tail or face than that which is seen on a smooth-coated dog.[30]
The head should be of moderate width at the ears, narrowing to the eyes, and slightly flat between the ears. There should be a defined but not overpronounced stop at the end of the muzzle where it meets the head, and a black nose. The jaw should be powerful and well boned with a scissor bite and straight teeth. The eyes are almond shaped and dark coloured and should be full of life and intelligence. Small V-shaped ears of moderate thickness are carried forward on the head.[citation needed] When the dog is alert, the tip of the V should not extend past the outer corner of the eyes. The tail is set high and in the past was docked to approximately 10 cm (5 in) in order to provide a sufficient hand-hold for gripping the terrier.[citation needed]
The Jack Russell should always appear balanced and alert.[29] Thered fox is the traditionalquarry of the Jack Russell terrier, so the working Jack Russell must be small enough to pursue it. Red foxes vary in size, but across the world, they average from 6–8 kg (13–17 lb) in weight and have an average chest size of 30–36 cm (12–14 in) at the widest part.[31]
The Jack Russell terrier andParson Russell Terrier breeds are similar, sharing a common origin, but have several marked differences – the most notable being the range of acceptable heights.[32] Other differences in the Parson Russell can include a longer head and larger chest as well as overall a larger body size.[citation needed] The height of a Parson Russell at thewithers according to the breed standard is 30–36 cm (12–14 in) which places it within the range of theJack Russell Terrier Club of America's standard size for a Jack Russell of 25–38 cm (10–15 in). However, the Parson Russell is aconformation show standard whereas the Jack Russell standard is a more general working standard.[33]
The Russell Terrier, which is also sometimes called the English Jack Russell terrier or the Short Jack Russell terrier is a generally smaller related breed.[34] Both the breed standards of the American Russell Terrier Club and the English Jack Russell Terrier Club Alliance states that at the withers it should be an ideal height of 20–30 cm (8–12 in).[35][36] Although sometimes called the English or Irish Jack Russell terrier,[citation needed] this is not the recognised height of Jack Russells in the United Kingdom. According to the Jack Russell Club of Great Britain's breed standard, it is the same size as the standard for Jack Russells in the United States, 25–38 cm (10–15 in).[37] Compared to the Parson Russell Terrier, the Russell Terrier should always be longer than tall at the withers, whereas the Parson Russell's points should be of equal distance.[38] TheFédération Cynologique Internationale standard for the Jack Russell terrier has this smaller size listed as a requirement.[39] Terrierman Eddie Chapman, who has hunted in Devon for more than 30 years, the same area that John Russell himself hunted, notes that, "I can state categorically that if given the choice, ninety-nine percent of hunt terrier men would buy an under 12 in (30 cm) worker, if it was available, over a 14 in (36 cm) one."[40]
Jack Russells are first and foremost aworking terrier.[41] Originally bred to bolt foxes from their dens during hunts, they are used on numerous ground-dwelling quarry such as groundhog, badger, otter, and red and grey fox.[42] The working Jack Russell terrier is required to locate quarry in the earth, and then either bolt it or hold it in place until they are dug to.[citation needed] To accomplish this, the dog will not bark but will expect attention to the quarry continuously. Because the preservation of this working ability is of highest importance to most registered JRTCA/JRTCGB breeders, Jack Russells tend to be extremely intelligent, athletic, fearless, and vocal dogs.[13] It is not uncommon for these dogs to become moody or destructive if not properly stimulated and exercised, as they have a tendency to bore easily and will often create their own fun when left alone to entertain themselves, leading to the semi-affectionate nickname among suburban pet dogs of "Jack Russell Terrorist".[citation needed]
Their high energy and drive make these dogs ideally suited to a number of different dog sports such asflyball oragility.[43] Obedience classes are also recommended to potential owners,[42] as Jack Russells can be stubborn at times and aggressive towards other animals and humans if not properly socialized.[13] Despite their small size, these dogs are not recommended for apartments unless the owner is ready to take on the daunting task of providing the dog with the necessary amount of exercise and stimulation. They have a tremendous amount of energy for their size.[citation needed]
Due to their use in hunting, in the US the Jack Russell is prone to contracting skunktoxic shock syndrome.[44]
A 2022 study of life expectancy of dogs in the UK using veterinary data found the Jack Russell Terrier to have an average life expectancy of 12 years and 9 months, higher than any other breed in the study including crossbreeds.[45] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.3 years compared to 12 years for crossbreeds and 12.7 years for purebreds overall.[46] A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 8 years for the breed compared to 10 years overall.[47]
Black hair follicular dysplasia is a rare type of follicular dysplasia where only the black hairs of a bicolour or tricolour dog will be affected. Jack Russell Terriers are known to be a breed that may acquire the condition although it is seen in several breeds and inmongrels.[48]
A type ofichthyosis that can be distinguished both clinically and histopathologically has been identified in separate Jack Russell Terrier families. This ichthyosis is also more severe than other forms. A mutation in theTGM1 gene has been found to be the cause.[49]
Primary lens luxation is an inherited condition that often occurs in Jack Russell Terriers as well as other breeds.[50] A study identified a mutation in theADAMTS17 gene as being responsible for the condition.[51]
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is agenetic disorder that is related to a defective antibody response. Anautosomal recessive form of SCID has been reported in the Jack Russell Terrier. The condition usually results in death from an infection during the first few months. The allele responsible for the condition is found in less than 1.1% of Jack Russell Terriers and a DNA test exists for the condition.[52]
Patellar luxation, also known as luxating patella, is a hereditary disorder affecting the knees. It is where thekneecap slips off the groove on which it normally sits. The effects can be temporary with the dog running while holding its hind leg in the air before running on it again once the kneecap slipped back into place as if nothing has happened. Dogs can have a problem with both rear knees, and complications can includearthritis or torn knee ligaments. Severe cases can require surgery. Some are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness and Legg Perthes—a disease of the hip joints of small dog breeds. Prone to mast cell tumors.Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome, also called Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head, is where the ball section of thefemur in the hip joint deteriorates following interruption of the blood flow and is the same condition as inhumans.[53] In dogs, this causes lameness of the hind-legs, the thigh muscles to atrophy and pain in the joint.[54] It usually occurs between 6–12 months of age and has been documented in a variety of other terrier breeds including theBorder terrier,Lakeland terrier, andWheaten terrier.[53]
An inherited form ofataxia has been recognised within the Jack Russell Terrier for more than 50 years.Myokymia andseizures are often seen alongside the condition. A 2014 study identified theKCNJ10 gene as being responsible for thespinocerebellar ataxia accompanied by myokymia and/or seizures in the breed. This condition also affects the closely relatedParson Russell Terrier andRussell Terrier.[55]
A UK study found the Jack Russell Terrier to be predisposed tosteroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis. The breed was 6.91 times more likely to contract the disease than other breeds.[56]
Several nationalbreed associations exist to promote and preserve the Jack Russell Terrier, and have a role in maintaining the breed’s working heritage, overseeing breed standards, or having significant historical impact:
Nipper was a dog born in 1884 who was thought to be a dog of the Jack Russell terrier type.[60] He was the inspiration for the paintingDog looking at and listening to a Phonograph, later renamedHis Master's Voice. The painting was used by a variety of music related companies includingThe Gramophone Company,EMI, theVictor Talking Machine Company, andRCA. Today it remains in use incorporated into the logo for the entertainment retailer,HMV.[61]
A Jack Russell namedBothie made history in 1982 as part of theTransglobe Expedition. Owned by explorersRanulph andGinny Fiennes, he became the first dog to travel to both theNorth andSouth Poles.[62][63] This feat is unlikely to be repeated, as all dogs have been banned fromAntarctica by theAntarctic Treaty nations since 1994, due to fears that they could transmit diseases to the nativeseal population.[64] Ranulph Fiennes andCharles Burton actually made the trip to the north pole by powered sledges before signalling to the base camp that they had arrived. To celebrate their achievement, a plane was sent out to take the two menchampagne, along with Bothie.[65]
On 29 April 2007, a Jack Russell namedGeorge saved five children at a carnival in New Zealand from an attack by twopit bulls. He was reported to have charged at them and held them at bay long enough for the children to get away, but he was killed by the pit bulls. He was posthumously awarded thePDSA Gold Medal in 2009, the animal equivalent of theGeorge Cross. A statue has been erected inManaia, New Zealand, in his memory.[66] A former US Marine also donated to George's owner aPurple Heart award he had received for service inVietnam.[67]
In 2019,Boris Johnson and his partnerCarrie Symonds took a Jack Russell cross from an animal rescue charity in Wales.[68] The dog's name isDilyn and he became a famousdog at a polling station in thegeneral election.[69][70]
During the ongoing2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a 2-year old Jack Russell namedPatron has been working with theState Emergency Service of Ukraine to sniff out Russian explosives. As of April 20, 2022, the Ukrainian Government announced that he had located nearly 90 explosives.[71]
In the UK, one of the more recognisable canine stars was restaurateur and chefRick Stein's terrierChalky, who frequently upstaged his owner on his various cookery series.[72] Chalky had his own line of merchandise, including plushes, tea towels, art prints, art paw prints and tworeal ales –Chalky's Bite andChalky's Bark,[73] which won gold in the Quality Drink Awards 2009.[74] Chalky was given aBBC obituary when he died in 2007.[75]
Moose and his sonEnzo played the role ofEddie on the long-running American TV sitcomFrasier.[citation needed] Eddie belonged to lead characterFrasier's fatherMartin Crane, and constantly "stole the show" with his deadpan antics, receiving more fan mail than any otherFrasier character.[76] Moose and Enzo also starred as Skip in the 2000 filmMy Dog Skip.
Soccer was a Jack Russell who became the star of the American TV seriesWishbone, which aired from 1995 to 2001.[18] In the 2009 movieHotel for Dogs, Friday, one of the main characters, is a Jack Russell, played by the dog actorCosmo.[77] Cosmo went on to appear in the filmsPaul Blart: Mall Cop andBeginners.[78]
Uggie (2002–2015) was an animal actor, appearing in commercials starting in 2005 and in the filmsWater for Elephants andThe Artist, both in 2011.[79] In the same year, based on interest followingThe Artist, the "Consider Uggie" campaign was launched, which attempted to gain the dog a nomination for anAcademy Award.[80] In 2012, Uggie was namedNintendo's first-ever spokesdog.[81]
Sykes (est. 2001–2019) was a dog actor from Clifton, Oxfordshire, England. He was best known in the UK for his appearance as "Harvey" inThinkbox's three television commercials, and, under his real name in five seasons ofMidsomer Murders. He also appeared in several Hollywood blockbusters, as well as in a UK TV movie, several series and miniseries. He retired in 2016 after a long career on the big and small screen. Sykes was also a champion agility competitor.
A clever Jack Russell Terrier, named Jack, played a central role in the 1980s TV adventure seriesTales of the Gold Monkey.
K.K. Slider is a Jack Russell who is a main character in theAnimal Crossing video game series developed byNintendo. K.K. is a musician who performs to the townsfolk. He has appeared in everyAnimal Crossing game to date since the originalAnimal Crossing game in 2001 toAnimal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020.
Max, the main protagonist inIllumination'sThe Secret Life of Pets franchise is a Jack Russell Terrier living with his adopted brother Duke, a largeNewfoundland mix, and owners Katie, Chuck, and Liam.
Parson Jack was born in 1795. His father was a noted sportsman... also a clergyman. ...patterned his own life after the senior Russell's footsteps
jack russell.
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