Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner’s Guide. Robert Killick

Skin must be thick and loose.

      Colour Entirely white, or predominantly white with tan, lemon or black markings, or any combination of these colours, preferably confined to the head and/or root of tail.

      Size Ideal height at withers: dogs 35cm (14in): bitches 33cm (13in). 2.5cm (1in) above or below is acceptable.

      Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

      Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

      © The Kennel Club

      Docking and the law

      A ban on tail docking came into effect in the UK early in the spring of 2007. No dogs can be docked in Scotland, but there are exceptions for certain breeds in England and Wales. Dogs may only be docked by a qualified veterinary surgeon if they are convinced that the dog will be used for work, and even then they have the right to refuse. The puppy should be presented before it is five days old, the vet must have view of the puppies’ dam and the sight of a document signed by the applicant claiming the puppy will be used for pest control. Further proof will be required by the vet in the shape of a shotgun licence issued to the owner of the dog or a letter from a gamekeeper or land owner with shooting rights, a person representing the National Working Terrier Federation (and other responsible persons connected with vermin control) who will state they know the person whose puppy is to be docked and they have been used on property owned or managed by them.

      In England, terriers of any type or combination of types can be shown.

      In Wales, the law regarding docked terriers is different and is applicable only to the following: Jack Russell Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Lakeland Terriers and Norfolk Terriers but not combinations of breeds.

      A dog docked before 28th March 2007 in Wales and 6th April in England may continue to be shown in the UK throughout its natural life.

      A dog docked on or after the above dates, no matter where it was docked, may not be shown in England and Wales where the public is charged for admission.

      However, dogs legally docked in England and Wales can be shown where the public is charged for entry, so long as It is to be shown in a way to demonstrate its working ability and not for conformity to a Standard. A dog legally docked in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or overseas may be shown in Scotland.

      Warning: If a person is found guilty of an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England) the penalty can be a fine of £20,000 or imprisonment of 51 weeks or both.

      The Parson Russell Terrier

Chapter 2

       Acquiring a puppy

      The best time to collect your puppy is when he is about eight or nine weeks old. At this stage, he should be mature enough to settle into his new home with minimal stress and upheaval for both of you. Start socializing him immediately – learning about the world will help make him more confident and less likely to experience behaviour problems later on.

      Responsible dog ownership

      Introducing a puppy into your home is a big step, particularly if it is the first time you have owned a dog. However, before rushing into buying a dog, it is of prime importance that you decide whether you can manage the newcomer. Do you have enough time to house train, socialize and exercise him? Have you considered the weekly cost of feeding him and sudden expenses you may incur, e.g. a vet’s bill?

      Remember that a dog is a sentient creature. He is also a pack animal and is happiest when he is surrounded by his family – human or dog. It is not fair on a young puppy, or an adult dog for that matter, to leave him alone whilst you and members of your family are out at work for many hours each day. It is not in their nature to be alone, and, almost certainly, they will get into some sort of mischief from sheer boredom, such as chewing the furniture, their bedding or your cushions. So do think very carefully before deciding to welcome a dog into your household, especially an active dog with a working temperament, such as a Jack Russell.

      Which style is right for you?

      Because there are two styles of the breed – the Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier – you must consider which type you want. This will depend on what you expect to do with the adult dog.

      Parson Russell type

      If you want to show and breed from your dog eventually under the Kennel Club (KC) rules, you will need to buy a puppy from a breeder who breeds Parson Russell Terriers, registers them with the Kennel Club and who adheres as closely as possible to the written Standard. Only dogs that are registered with the Kennel Club can be shown at their shows, and only puppies born of KC registered parents can be registered.

      This Parson Russell puppy looks adorable but before you acquire one, consider whether it is the right decision for you and your family.

      Jack Russell type

      If you are not interested in exhibiting dogs in the formal atmosphere of Kennel Club (KC) shows, you prefer country pursuits and do not wish to register any puppies that you may breed, you can buy your puppy from a breeder who breeds under the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain’s (JRTC of GB) rules and Breed Standard. Their dogs will be known as Working Jack Russells or Hunt Jack Russells. You will still be allowed to show your dog at KC Companion Shows as well as the Terrier shows staged by agriculture societies or the local hunt.

      Differences between the types

      After reading this, you would be forgiven for asking: ‘So what is the difference between the two types?’ In truth, not a lot, but there is a difference in height. The reason is that the working Terrier has to work the earths that are available: small Terriers fit small holes and big Terriers do not. If you study both the Standards, you will see that:

      Activities

      The Kennel Club allows non-registered dogs to participate in certain activities, such as Flyball, Obedience, Agility and Heelwork to Music. Because of their intelligence, energy and strength, Jack Russells are able to perform very well in all these disciplines.

      • Both types should be capable of the work for which they were developed

      • Their chests should be spannable by average-sized hands

      • They should be able to run 20–30 miles a day or more with Foxhounds

      • They should be brave enough to enter a fox’s earth and face an angry fox.

      I do not think that just because the Kennel Club has recognized the breed the hunting instinct has been diluted. It may happen in 100 years’ time, but other Terrier breeds that have not been bred for work since World War I will still have a go if trained. It is doubtful if the genetic structure of instinct can be changed in just a few years.

      The problem is that if a breeder has a really fine KC registered dog, which is winning a great deal at the championship shows, then it is unlikely that they will risk putting him to fox, so he will never have the opportunity to prove his metal in the field.

      There