Jack Russell Terrier
Bred by a Devon parson to bolt fox, and the chest had to stay small enough to follow one underground. Energy well out of proportion to the size of the dog.
Photo by Prophetic_Blogger, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Jack Russell was developed by the Reverend John Russell in nineteenth century Devon to bolt fox from underground, and the working requirement was specific: small enough to enter an earth, and with a chest that could be spanned by a man's hands.
UK data gives it a life expectancy at birth of 12.72 years, the longest of any breed in that study, which is a striking result for a dog this small and this reckless.
Temperament
Fearless, relentless and extremely clever. Jack Russells are affectionate with their families and they are working terriers in every respect that matters.
They dig, they bark, they chase, and the prey drive towards cats, rabbits and rodents is not manageable by wishful thinking. They can be dog aggressive. They are also among the most trainable terriers and among the most in need of it. This is a hunting dog in a small package, and treating it as a lap dog is where the trouble starts.
Care and grooming
Smooth, rough or broken coats, all needing a weekly brush and the rough and broken benefiting from hand stripping twice a year. They shed more than expected.
The breed is exceptionally healthy. Patellar luxation, Legg Calve Perthes disease, primary lens luxation and late onset ataxia occur, and the last two have DNA tests. Deafness is seen in some lines.
Living and exercise
An hour and a half a day plus mental work, and that is not negotiable. This is one of the highest energy small dogs there is.
A fence sunk into the ground. They excel at earthdog, agility and flyball. Thirteen to sixteen years is normal and they stay busy for nearly all of it.
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