Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner’s Guide. Robert Killick
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changed its name to the Parson Jack Russell Club and became one of the 28 clubs affiliated to the Fox Terrier Club in the 1930s. Sadly, they folded just before World War II but some breeders still clung to the old ideals of a terrier whose legs were long enough to allow him to run with the hounds, whose chest could be spanned and who was courageous and strong enough to face an angry fox in his lair. They thought, rightly or wrongly, that the only way to preserve the real Jack Russell was to gain recognition from the Kennel Club and to have an official Standard for the breed.
Late in 1983 there was a rumour that supporters of a short-legged variety were to apply for recognition to the Kennel Club, so the enthusiasts for the show dogs, who believed their version was closer to the original, hurriedly formed the Parson Jack Russell Club and applied for recognition, which was refused. In 1990, after much controversy and several attempts, the new club received Kennel Club recognition and its eventual name was The Parson Russell Club.
The Parson Russell Terrier has slightly longer legs than the working-type Jack Russell, making it easier for him to run with hounds.
The Breed Standards
These are detailed descriptions of ideal dogs within the breed. A Standard is not a blueprint because, as a living creature, no dog can replicate another. Instead, it is a guide to perfection. The perfect dog does not exist, which is why we strive to breed better dogs that are as close to the Standard as possible.
If you want a puppy for showing or breeding, you should immerse yourself in the breed and make a study of the Standard to familiarize yourself with its every nuance. A real insight into a breed is not gained overnight, nor does it matter how much theoretical knowledge you have – instead, it demands ‘hands on’ experience.
Note that the word ‘type’, as applied to dogs, can be confusing. If a dog is said to lack type it means that he lacks some of the characteristics that typify the breed. The precise meaning of the word is ‘the hundreds of points which when put together makes one breed distinguishable from all others’. Type is contained within the Standard.
The Jack Russell Terrier (The Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain)
Characteristics The Terrier must present a lively, active and alert appearance with its fearless and happy disposition. It should be remembered that the Jack Russell is a working Terrier, and should retain these instincts. Nervousness, cowardice and over-aggression should be discouraged, and the dog should always appear confident.
General appearance A sturdy, tough Terrier, very much on its toes all the time. Measuring between 25cm (10in) and 37cm (15in) at the withers. The body length must be in proportion to the height, and it should present a compact, balanced image, always being in solid, hard condition.
Head Should be well balanced and in proportion to the body. The skull should be flat, of moderate width at the ears, narrowing to the eyes, There should be a defined stop, but not over-pronounced, The length of the muzzle from the nose to the stop should be slightly shorter than the distance from the stop to the occiput. The nose should be black. The jaw should be powerful and well boned with strongly muscled cheeks.
Eyes Should be almond-shaped, dark in colour and full of life and intelligence.
Ears Small V-shaped, drop ears carried forward close to the head and of moderate thickness.
Mouth Strong teeth with the upper set slightly overlapping the lower.
Neck Clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the shoulder.
Forequarters The shoulders should be sloping and well laid back, fine at points and clearly cut at the withers, Forelegs should be strong and straight boned with joints in correct alignment. Elbows hanging perpendicular to the body and working free of the sides.
Body The chest should be shallow, narrow and the front legs set not too widely apart giving an athletic rather than a heavy chested appearance. As a guide only, the chest should be small enough to be easily spanned behind the shoulders by average hands when the Terrier is in a fit, working condition. The back should be strong, straight and in comparison to the height of the Terrier, give a balanced image. The loin should be slightly arched.
Hindquarters Should be strong and muscular, well put together with good angulation and hand of stifle, giving plenty of drive and propulsion. Looking from behind the hocks must be straight.
Feet Round, hard padded of cat-like appearance, neither turning in nor out.
Tail Should be set rather high, carried gaily and in proportion to the body length, usually about 10cm (4in) long, providing a good handhold.
Coat Smooth, without being so sparse as not to provide a certain amount of protection from the elements and undergrowth. Rough or broken-coated without being woolly.
Colour White should predominate with tan, black or brown Markings. Brindle markings are unacceptable.
Gait Movement should be free, lively and well co-ordinated with straight action in front and behind.
The Parson Russell Terrier (The Kennel Club)
General appearance Workmanlike, active and agile, built for speed and endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honourable scars permissible.
Characteristics Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds.
Temperament Bold and friendly.
Head and skull Flat, moderately broad, gradually narrowing to the eyes. Shallow stop. Length of nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. Nose black.
Eyes Almond shaped, fairly deep set, dark, keen expression.
Ears Small, V-shaped, dropping forward, carried close to head, tip of ear to reach corner of the eye, fold not to appear above top of skull. Leather of moderate thickness.
Mouth Jaws strong, muscular. Teeth with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, ie. upper teeth closely overlapping lower lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck Clean, muscular, of good length gradually widening to shoulders.
Forequarters Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back. Cleanly cut at withers. Legs strong, must be straight with joints turning neither in nor out. Elbows close to body, working free of the sides.
Body Ribs not over-sprung. Chest of moderate depth, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average hands. Back strong and straight. Loin slightly arched. Well balanced. Overall length slightly longer than height from withers to ground.
Hindquarters Strong, muscular with good angulation and bend of stifle. Hocks set low and rear pasterns parallel giving plenty of drive.
Feet Compact with firm pads, turning neither in nor out.
Tail Strong, straight, moderately high set carried well up on the move. Customarily docked with length complimenting the body while providing a good handhold.
Gait/movement Free striding, well coordinated, straight action front and behind.
Coat Naturally harsh, close and dense, whether rough