Everyone loves a Jack Russell. Whether it’s the Jack Russell you see in a movie or a Jack Russell that lives on your street, most people adore the cheeky, idiosyncratic, playful JRT. But how did this energetic and little athletic dog come into being? What is this dog’s past? What are Jack Russells good at, and what do they like to do?
The Jack Russell Terrier is far more interesting than most people give it credit for. This is why we’ve put together this list of interesting facts about Jack Russells. So, if you can’t wait to learn more about this patchy white dog, read on!
First bred by a Parson
It’s difficult to imagine the distinctly irreverent Jack Russell Terrier in a church, isn’t it? Maybe an obedient Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd, but a Jack Russell? And yet, the Church is the Jack Russell Terrier’s historical home – or should we say the Parson Jack Russell Terrier? The Jack Russell is named after the person who first bred them – Parson John Jack Russell, the Sporting Parson.
Known to his friends as Jack, this founding member of The Kennel Club loved to hunt when he wasn’t busy. After buying a small, white, and tan Terrier named Trump from a milkman, Parson Jack Russell set about creating a speedy dog with short, strong legs who could dig a fox out of its hole with aplomb and chase prey tirelessly for miles.
They love to dig
If your Jack Russell Terrier could dig all day, this is no surprise. After all, this is what Jack Russell has been bred to do for centuries! Although it may be difficult for you to maintain a vegetable patch or flower garden with your little four-legged digger around, you can make your Jack Russell’s day by giving them a place to scrabble to their heart’s content!
This area could be a sand or mud pit or just a barren corner of your lawn. Bury their favorite toys or treats in there to make it extra special! And if you do want to preserve a particular plant, stick to raised beds, planters or plant pots.
They can jump up over six feet!
Jumping up on guests is the chief chagrin of dog owners. The Jack Russell Terrier can leap six feet. This trait harks back to their hunting days.
Nowadays, Jack Russells use their jumping skills to climb trees, gatecrash the neighbors’ barbecue, or greet their favorite guests! Their jumping skills also mean Jack Russell Terriers rock canine sports like Agility or Dock Diving. Just keep them secure and make sure they don’t get distracted!
They have a real personality
All dogs have distinctive personalities. The Labrador is chilled-out, obedient, and loyal, while the Chihuahua is protective and fearless. Jack Russell Terriers are generally assertive and brave, challenging anything that moves. This could be anything from squirrels or other dogs at the park to your neighbor’s new car. Even inanimate objects are not safe from the JRT!
Though they’re intelligent, early and consistent training is vital if you want your Jack Russell to get along with the rest of the world. Leash reactivity is a lifelong struggle for even the otherwise friendliest of many a Jack Russell, and recall can be challenging for this breed to master. But just keep trying, and this surprisingly obedient pooch will astound you with its perseverance!
They love to sunbathe!
No dog loves the sun more than the Jack Russell Terrier! Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or autumn, the Jack Russell will always be “that doggy in the window”.
Even when it’s too hot for anyone else, Jack Russell Terriers scratch and whine at the door or rip up the blinds to catch just a few more rays.
Not even the tastiest treats can tempt them away from cooking themselves on the scorching windowsill or the molten concrete. Of course, eventually, you can expect Fido to stagger back inside and thud themselves down under the kitchen table.
Though topping up those belly markings is many a JRT’s favorite pastime, Jack Russell Terriers, unfortunately, sport a fine white coat that gives them equally paltry UV protection. This fur means doggy sunscreen and limited exposure to those tantalizing rays is necessary.
They excel at sports like Agility and Canicross
Though their jumping prowess and limitless energy have the potential to get a Jack Russell Terrier into trouble, it also means JRTs are brilliant at a range of canine sports. Canicross is a sport where your Jack Russell is meant to pull you on the leash in a race – a dream come true for most Jack Russells!
While Agility allows you and your Jack Russell to work together to complete an obstacle course in record time, something many Jack Russell Terriers do for fun anyway!
They are super low-maintenance
Jack Russell Terriers are real wash-and-go pooches. Their thin white coat means it’s difficult for a parasitic infestation to occur, and more evident if it does. Suppose they fancy jumping in a muddy pond during their walk, no worries! Just let them shake and then brush the dirt off, and they’re good to go again!
When it’s time for their weekly brush, they’ll happily hop onto the grooming table with their tangle-free coat. You don’t even need to take your Jack Russell for a trim, though they love a spa day as much as the next dog.
The only thing your Jack Russell Terrier may need is a coat or hoodie during the cooler months of the year – an excellent opportunity to match your outfits!
