Reverend Jack Russell of Devon, England created the Jack Russell Terrier
in 1870. A passionate fox hunter, Reverend Russell's goal was a small, agile,
brave terrier that could force small animals such as foxes and raccoon out
of their dens to then be chased by the hounds and hunt. Various existing
terriers were crossed to produce the breed as it is today. In 1990, the
British Kennel Club set the standards for the breed. It was approved as
a member of the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1998.
The Jack Russell Terrier is bold and friendly. He is tenacious and courageous
in the field and playful, exuberant and affectionate at home. He is an excellent
housedog and children's pet.
The skull of the Jack Russell Terrier is flat and fairly broad, narrowing
slightly to the eyes. The drop off (stop) from skull to muzzle is well defined
but not prominent. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. The nose
is black. The bite is scissors. The ears are button ears that are small
and v-shaped, set high on the head and folded over to be carried close to
the head. The eyes are almond shaped and dark in color with dark rims. The
neck is muscular, moderately arched and of fair length. The topline is level
with a slightly arched loin. The chest is narrow and of moderate depth.
The legs are strong and straight. Movement must be free and lively. The
feet are catlike. The tail is set high and carried gaily. It is docked so
the tip is approximately level to the skull. Coat types include the smooth
that is short and lies close to the body, rough that is longer and harsher,
and broken that is a very short wire coat. Coat colors include all white,
white with black or tan markings, or tri-color which includes white with
both black and tan markings. Markings should be less than 49 percent of
the body and confined to the head and tail areas. Accepted height is between
twelve and fifteen inches. Average weight is between eleven and thirteen
pounds.