History of the Jack Russell
In the 19th century, the Rev. John Russell of Devonshire, England, an avid foxhunter, developed a small dog to help him hunt fox. Following his death, other breeds were often crossbred with some of his dogs to increase their salability as being from "Jack Russell’s Terriers". Eventually these dogs developed into the Jack Russell Terrier we know today. This small but brave dog excelled at hunting fox. He was also used to hunt other small animals such as raccoons.
The Jack Russell Terrier stands between 10 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder (the Parson Russell is 12 to 15, the Shorty" Russells are not over 12 inches tall at the shoulder). He may have a smooth or rough coat that is white or white with black and/or tan markings. His small size allows him to follow his prey into its den to flush it out
During this same time period there were other breeders who took up the challenge to create a shorter terrier. These dogs evolved into a group of dogs noted as the English Jack Russell Terrier. The Jack Russell has since found its way into the hearts and homes of families throughout Britain and North America. They are popular to this day as a working dog on farms and stables.
Like a true terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier is bold, agile, alert, and lively. Possessing a 'big dog personality in the body of a small dog', the Jack Russell is not the dog to back down, even when faced by other larger breeds. A loyal and affectionate dog, he makes a good companion with early obedience training and socialization.
It
should be emphasized that the Jack Russell Terrier is used to working. On the
hunt, he is able to keep up with the horses, and therefore has a high energy
level. He requires daily outdoor exercise or a good round of fetch on days he
can't go out to play.
He is very intelligent and will invent his own entertainment if bored!
Below is an exert from the English Jack Russell of America (EJRTCA) web site which includes the history of the "shorty" or English Jacks...
The English Jack Russell Terrier is a type of a working terrier that goes into the earth after quarry. They are described as a small, sturdy, balanced terrier that is slightly longer than the length of their legs. They have been bred for hunting anything from rats to badgers since the early 1800's. The English Jack Russell Terrier has survived because of the dedication of the people who own them. Breeders took up the challenge to create a short terrier, with the purpose to be able to go in the ground and bolt the varmints out of their dens. Sometimes you have to dig down to them, because the varmint won't bolt and the terrier will not leave the side of the quarry.
The scene in England in the 1800's was very civilized, dominated by an intelligent, wealthy and bored upper class...very much inclined to any kind of sport. While still a very "rural" society by modern standards, the science of selective breeding is well advanced (more milk, more meat, and more kernels on the cob and grains on the shaft). Meanwhile, across the country, foxes are eating chickens, eggs, and rabbits by the score. And rats are decimating the stores of grain and corn meant for wealth-producing livestock (not to mention the more personal damage to the cook's stocks of cheese and bread).
On a partridge hunt, m'Lord notices one of his dogs drive a vixen to ground and then, too big to follow the quarry into the hole, frantically attempts to dig up the world to find where she's gone. A stag hunt produces similar observations. Another notices one of his dogs patiently staring at a rat's favorite entrance to the grain bins and, perhaps, witnesses the quick kills that ensue. The idea catches on that certain dogs are both: 1) of great utility in solving a rash of current problems and, 2) the source of a great new sport!
Like mad scientists in the laboratory, terrier men across England began to mix "a little of this" with "a little of that" to create the working dog they needed. Probably starting with the old Fox Terrier, then adding Beagle, Hound, Bedlington Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dachshund, Lakeland Terrier, pre war, old style Sealyham Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and who knows what else, they experimented and refined, always with the firm focus on performance in the hunt.
The English Jack Russell Terriers have appeared in literature and prints dating back hundreds of years. Their size has made them superior earth dogs. They were not only used to go to ground, but also to keep the rodent population down on farms and to help eradicate the Bubonic Plague in England.
Every effort has been made to keep the English Jack Russell Terrier from their rightful place in the Dog World. They are movie stars, seen on television, models in magazines, used to advertise anything from dog food to automobiles. The public has fallen in love with them and they have brought smiles to thousands of faces over the years. Owning an English Jack Russell Terrier is better than watching the TV or movies. On your worst day they can make you smile. English Jack Russell Terriers are a challenge, they own you, you do not own them. If we can learn one thing from them it is to live life to the fullest.
The English Jack Russell Terrier is very intelligent. They learn what buttons to push, and push they will. They make great pets but they also need discipline and plenty of exercise. Owning an English Jack is like having a big dog in a small body, or a two-year-old child even in their old age. They prefer to be with you 24/7. They love to sleep with you, hunt with you, ride in the truck with you, work with you, laugh with you and cry with you because they seem to have so much intelligence they know when you are down and want to be by your side.
The Quorn is the largest hunt in England. Prince Charles hunts his terriers at the Quorn where the terrier man as they are called, sets on his horse. When the fox is located the terrier is put down the hole to bring fox up, so the ride can began.
The English Jack Russell Terrier Club Alliance, Inc. or better known as the EJRTCA provides a membership and registry that is dedicated to preserving the English Jack Russell Terrier. They are dedicated to setting the type of terrier that was used in the early 1800's.
Bobbie 208-263-1168,
bobbie@highmeadowjackrussells.com
©Bobbie Johnson 2007 All Rights Reserved