The English Jack Russell Terrier is also referred to as Shorty Jack Russell Terriers, Puddins, Irish
Terriers, and miniature Jack Russell's. These little dogs are now recognized by the American Kennel Club
(AKC) and referred to as Russell Terriers.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a intelligent little but lively puppy that I refer to as Little Bundles of Joy.
They have three hair types or coat types. The smooth coat which is not a thin coat but very short hair.
The Broken coat which has intermediate lengths long and short in various areas. Rough coats are longer in
length at least 1.5 inches. Rough coats can and usually do have a wire hair texture.
Jack Russell Terriers must be at least 51% white. The markings vary usually there will be color on the
head, some on the body and tail. Colors can range from the lightest tan also referred to as lemon to the
richest tan being a chestnut color, brown and or black. More than one color can appear on a Jack Russell.
However a true tri will have black on the head with brown spots above the eyes.
The general appearance of the English Jack Russell Terrier is short, proud and athletic. They measure 8
to 12 inches tall, slightly longer than tall with a straight back, strong muscles and bones, v-shaped folded
ears, flat skull tapering to a wide muzzle and strong jaws. The tail is docked at 3 to 5 days after birth to
approximately 4 inches. It is carried proudly erect and will drop at rest.
Although this little dog is only 8 to 12 inches measured at the withers. I often refer to them as a big dog in
a small package. Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy. They do best with a good size fenced yard so
they can run, play and jump. Many of my dogs (Kisses the black and tan Hunt Terrier, Snowball, Lilly and
Jingles have been house dogs for months and did wonderfully with a fenced yard to play. They would
much rather be hanging out in the house with me as they are very loyal little dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers have a natural instinct for hunting. They really do keep the rodents away, dig moles
right out of the ground. My Lilly actually has caught birds in mid air! So most of them will love to chase
balls and catch Frisbees. Yes, many of them can jump several feet even though they are short legged dogs.
You do not have to take your Jack Russell Terrier hunting, those of you that do hunt you couldn't ask for a
better dog. The Jack Russell Terrier has plenty of stamina intelligence, and can handle those difficult
trails. It simply means he must have plenty of exercise, attention and discipline.
Because of the Jack Russell Terriers hunting instinct it should not be left alone with other small animals
such as a tiny Yorkie or a hamster. Unless they were raised with the Yorkie they would view it as
something to hunt!
Many have said that the Jack Russell Terrier is not good with children. I personally have never had a
problem. Morgan was 18 months old when we received our first two females. I never leave them
unattended for the safety of the child and the dog, but aside from litters of puppies knocking him down
and playing like any normal litter would do nothing has ever happened. Younger dogs that have not been
taught to not jump up on people will pose a problem for the younger shorted people.
Puppies and or dogs naturally love children so for the safety of the dog and the child they should not be
left unatteneded.
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