HISTORY
The Jack Russell Terrier takes its name from the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest strains of terriers for working fox in Devonshire, England in the mid-to-late 1800's. Rev. Russell (1795-1883), apart from his church activities, had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs; he is also said to be a rather flamboyant character, probably accounting for his strain of terrier's notability and the name of our terrier today. His first terrier, the immortal TRUMP, is said to be the foundation of John Russell's strain of working terriers.

Everything about the Jack Russell has fox hunting in mind .... coloring, conformation, character, and intelligence. The body is compact, of totally balanced proportions, the shoulders clean, the legs straight, and most importantly, a small chest (easily spannable by average size hands at the widest part behind the shoulders). The Jack Russell must also be totally flexible, allowing him to maneuver underground. This conformation allows the terrier to follow his quarry down narrow earths. The fox is a good model for the Jack Russell-where the fox can go, so must the terrier. Although originally bred for fox hunting, the Jack Russell is a versatile working terrier to a variety of quarry including red and grey fox, raccoon and woodchuck.

John Russell maintained his strain of fox terriers bred strictly for working, and the terrier we know of today as the Jack Russell is much the same as the pre-1900 fox terrier. The Jack Russell has survived the changes that have occurred in the modern-day Fox Terrier because it has been preserved by working terrier enthusiasts in England for more than 100 years; it has survived on its merits as a worker.
Our little terriers were named after their „creator“ John Russel whom his friends called Jack. Arthur Heinemann continued in breeding Jack terriers after John Russel’s death. The next follower after Arthur Heinemann’s death is Eddy Chapman who has been breeding Jacks ever since. The parents of my Jack Russel female ‘‘Helene“ are originally from Eddy Chapman.

PERSONALITY
Jack Russell Terriers are very loyal, friendly little dogs with a huge heart and lots of courage. They are truly a big dog in a little body! They are very protective of their territory and their people. They love children and get along well with most other house pets, if introduced at a young age. They are, however, rodent hunters, so keeping them in the same room with your favorite hamster or guinea pig is not recommended! Jacks are most happy exploring the yard, looking for mice, gophers or moles. They usually do not dig without a reason, and a good supply of toys should prevent any unwanted excavation. Rawhide chews are especially good during teething periods, and as occasional treats. Old socks or short lengths of rope tied in a knot make great tug of war toys.

Jacks love to come indoors and sit on a lap, and especially sleep in your bed! They do not consider themselves dogs, and do not think they should be put out with the dogs! They do get cold in temperatures below 45-50 degrees if left out in a kennel. Some manage to keep their body temperature up if allowed to run and play, but it depends on their age, weight, and how acclimated they are to the cold weather. You can tell if your dog is cold by feeling his ears; if they are cold, he is cold.

Jacks also love to go for rides in the car, and do not think they should be left behind. They like to look out the front window and navigate. They are great traveling companions, and most hotels/motels will allow small dogs for a minimal deposit. Jacks also love to assist in the yard, killing the rake, broom or shovel. Some people may be intimidated by the ferocious growl (such as your gardener), but they are just playing and can usually be stopped by a good “NO!”.

If you have any questions about your puppy or Jack Russells, please write to us. We would appreciate photos from time to time, to see how your puppy matures. Enjoy your new “master”!!