The Jack Russell Terrier

If you are searching for a doggy companion, you ought to put the Jack Russell terrier on your shortlist. Some of the best traits about the Jack Russell terrier is that they are small, inexpensive to keep, dynamic, short-haired and clever. The Jack Russell terrier is a perfect dog for an older person, or someone livning in an apartment.

The first Jack Russells were bred by a young theology student named John Russell studying at Oxford University in the early 19th. Century. It is said that John Russell liked the appearance of his milkman's dog and used it for breeding. The dog, a bitch called Trump was white and had areas of brown coloured hair on its eyes and ears.

Terriers are small, dynamic dogs.The name 'terrier' comes from the Latin word 'terra' which means 'earth', because terriers like to dig and go to ground when hunting. Terriers have been used to hunt all kinds of small animals such as rats, moles, badgers, foxes and rabbits. The Jack Russell descends from fox terriers.

Jack Russell terriers like to run and dig, so they will encourage their owners to go for regular walks and they have a very persuasive personality. The word 'dogged' could have been taken from them - they simply do not quit!

Because of all their digging and rooting around, they can get pretty muddy which means baths and grooming, although being short-haired animals, this is not a problematic task.

Nowadays, hunting with animals is banned in many countries, but this dog's nature is still to hunt. They are particularly efficient ratters and can clean up an infestation of rats in no time. They are therefore also useful dogs to keep on a farm or substantial garden where rodents could become a problem.

Terriers also make very good guard dogs. They will guard your property in the garden or in your home. They are very territorial and, although they will not usually molest or bite strangers, they will certainly let you know that there is a stranger around.

Having said that, it is a wise idea to train your dog. If you are not sure how to do this or what to teach it, go to dog training groups or get a book. Jack Russell terriers are very intelligent and love interaction with their masters, so they learn quickly and willingly if you start them young enough, because they are also fairly strong-willed dogs.

I have heard stories of Jack Russell terriers letting strangers into a property but not permitting them to leave without being told to. This seems like a fantastic way of catching burglars.

These dogs make great family pets, but they do not always get on with other dogs that they are not living with. This can lead to fights and injuries.

Apart from injuries in fights, Jack Russells enjoy fairly good health. They are not subject to any major diseases like some other breeds are. They also live a long time frequently reaching 13 and fifteen with some Jack Russell terriers reaching 18, 19 and even 20 years of age.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on several subjects, but is now concerned with the canine distemper vaccination. If you want to know more, please visit our site at Distemper Vaccines