Facts about Jack Russell You Might Not Know

Jack Russell has an interesting origin, deeper than you might thought. The interesting facts about this breed is synonymous to "controversy" in canine community. Let's look at facts about Jack Russell you might not know.

History

Does this breed name sound like a human name? It is so because John “Jack” Russell known as “The Sporting Parson” was a priest in Devon, England
who loved fox hunting dogs and bred them. He was looking for the perfect fox hunting partner.  He found the perfect companion when he met his milkman’s dog,. After the death of Reverend Russell, Jack Russell terrier began to split up to Parson terrier, Jack Russell and Russell.

Breed

Jack Russell has three different breeds names: Jack Russell terrier (JRT), Parson Russell terrier and Russell terrier. So how can you tell which is which? Jack Russell is smaller than Parson but larger than Russell Terrier. Quite comparison, here is another. You can also distinguish them from their coats.  Jack has smooth, broken or rough coats.  When Jack has smooth coat it is short and lays flat on the body but if they have rough it is long. Broken coat of Jack is the combination of smooth and long that looks like eyebrows with hint of beard. Jack Russell has short coat, usually with areas of brown coat. Parson Terrier has long predominantly white coat with black, tan or grizzle markings or tricolor combination. Russell terrier may have smooth broken or rough waterproof coats.

Parson terrier was bred from JRT due unresolve disagreement in American Kennel Club (AKC). Jack Russell worked to keep watch and catch prey in barns. The Parson Russell terrier is more hunt-focused in contrast to Jack Russell terrier prefers to have lax time.

Controversy

Jack Russell Terrier Association of America and Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) were founded because of the growing popularity of this breed. This breed was split due to unresolved disagreement between the two club: JRTCA and AKC. JRTCA wanted to preserve the integrity of the breed as purely a working dog as oppose to competing them dog shows. In 2003, AKC changed the breed name of dogs who met the specific standard to Parson Russell Terrier.

Power Jump

Don't underestimate their height. They can jump up to five times their own height. So be advised to  provide high fence in your yard to accommodate them and their safety too. The muscular build, good bend of stifle and smoothly molded hindquarter enables them to jump high.

Old Habits

Jack has habit of being a fox hunter - digging. This characteristic is not a surprise since they are made for hunting. That means expect that your dog is can dig of holes in short time.They need training to  dig in a specific area  instead of ridding them of their habit.

Not so protective Coat

Jack Russell terrier’s coat do not provide good protection against sun’s radiation. Their light color coats are more sensitive to the sun, they even gets sunburned! If you see them get a little pink, apply  sunscreen especially made for them for protection. 

Are these list of facts about Jack Russell you might not know truly unknown to you? Did you discover something worth to be trivia? Please write on comment if you have to add some trivia about them.