Spotlight Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Welcome to our Spotlight Breed article of the week. This is where we feature a fun and unique dog breed from around the world. Today we are excited to spotlight the Jack Russell Terrier! Developed in England over 200 years ago to hunt foxes, the Jack Russell Terrier (who we will refer to as JRT!) is lively, independent, and clever. However, there are so many more things to note about this awesome breed. Please continue reading to learn more!
Given the strong personality of the JRT, this breed may not be for everyone. Please be aware that the hunting instinct cannot be trained out of the breed. These dogs instinctively see the family cat or hamster as prey! Some may be able to learn to get along with other pets if brought into the home as a puppy, however, potential owners need to be aware of the possibilities beforehand. The Jack Russell Terrier needs a lot of exercise. With this said, they are not ideal for small home or apartment living. A house with a fenced in yard is best for this breed. Keep in mind that the JRT has an urge to explore and hunt and will wander off. If you plan to keep your JRT indoors for most of the time, get ready for daily brisk walks.
The breed is happy, energetic, and they have a very strong desire to work. They are happy when given companionship and a job to do. Digging is normal behavior for a JRT, especially if they decide it is their job to free your back yard of rodents. As we mentioned above, hunting is their nature! The desire to hunt combined with a high energy level makes training a must for the Jack Russell Terrier. The breed can be vocal at times depending on the situation. However, the good thing is that they make excellent watchdogs. The breed is naturally assertive and may not tolerate young children or other animals in the home. They may be aggressive toward other dogs. With this said, you will need to train on basic obedience and socialization.
The JRT comes in three different coat types: smooth, broken, and rough. All the coats tend to shed and are white with tan or black markings. They are compact and muscular and range from 10 to 15 inches in height and 13-17 pounds.
If you are looking for a fun-loving and energetic dog breed, then the JRT may be for you! We will leave you with our favorite quote about the breed: “I know I’m just a dog but…If you feel sad, I’ll be your smile. If you cry, I’ll be your comfort. If someone breaks your heart, you can use mine to live. I’ll always be by your side. Love, your Jack Russell.”
