Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner’s Guide. Robert Killick

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      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.