Who is the Real Jack Russell Terrier?
The Real Jack Russell Terrier may be any height between 10" and 15" (at the shoulder), it may vary in coats, markings, type, and for sure personality... they are ALL real Jack Russell Terriers. There is no "ideal"... the "ideal" is what suits their owner for what they want/need to do with their terrier. That is the uniqueness of this diverse terrier. The diversity within the JRTCC and the JRTCA breed standard is what makes the Jack Russell Terrier suitable for a variety of working and performance abilities - in contrast with the narrow, cosmetic breed standards of many show breeds.
The "Russell Terrier" and the "Parson Russell Terrier" are both variants of the Jack Russell Terrier made into "separate breeds" by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are nothing more than variants of the original Jack Russell Terrier as always supported by the JRTCA. The JRTCC and the JRTCA standard includes the full range of sizes needed for earth work. It is to be known our standard is to allow a terrier to follow the red fox to ground. The dog needed the drive and structure to mirror the agile intelligent fox. The Jack Russell Terrier had to be able to outsmart the fox and have the courage to do so for the handler as a team.
The real Jack Russell Terrier has been preserved as a working dog. Every effort has been made to eliminate and prevent genetic defects/faults within the JRTCC and the JRTCA registry. Close inbreeding is prohibited for the mental and physical protection of the terrier.
JRTCC and JRTCA judging, and all aspects of JRTCC and JRTCA terrier trials, is focused on the working ability of the terrier. JRTCC and JRTCA Judges are specifically trained and sanctioned by the JRTCC and the JRTCA. Because of this, the real Jack Russell Terrier remains virtually unchanged for over 200 years... it still has the structure, brain and heart to work underground, and is a mentally and physically sound dog.
The working structure, brain and heart of the real Jack Russell Terrier is what gives this terrier the astounding character, athleticism and versatility that make it a great companion. It is for sure "the dog that does"... from hunting to doing agility, racing, surfing, flyball, bird retrieval, skate boarding, search and rescue, therapy dog... and forever entertaining pet and companion.
The working brain and heart makes the Jack Russell Terrier such an intensely loyal, alert, affectionate, profound companion like no other. The Jack Russell Terrier wants to keenly interact with people... to be with you every moment of life... sharing and helping at every step. The real Jack Russell Terrier does not sit on the sidelines of life.
The JRTCC and the JRTCA's essential mission is to Preserve, Protect and Work the Jack Russell Terrier. This mission equally preserves the breed integrity for the most versatile, healthy, highly intelligent, loyal and affectionate companion you will ever find... the real Jack Russell.
o what then are these "other" terriers we hear about today... The Parson Russell, The Russell (shortie) Terrier, The Irish Jack Russell, the Miniature Jack Russell... and who knows what else? They are simply variants of the Real Jack Russell Terrier... a type or size taken from within portions of the JRTCGB/JRTCA breed standard to suit the whims of special interest groups/individuals.
What happens when all of these variants, with a now small gene pool, are bred together to "perfect" this narrow portion of the standard? Eventually they will change and become an animal that will look very different from the original Jack Russell Terrier. Inbreeding and breeding for the show ring will change the physical and mental structure of the dog. It will lose its purpose and its original character, as well as its mental and physical soundness, and will become something entirely different... whatever suits the whim of those controlling that variant of the terrier.
Keep in mind that the "Fox Terrier" and the "Jack Russell Terrier" were the same dog at one point in history.Keep in mind that the "Fox Terrier" and the "Jack Russell Terrier" were the same dog at one point in history. The strain that went to the show ring quickly changed in structure and most lost the drive to hunt. Fashions of the ring changed the dog and soon an upright shoulder became a feature that impeded movement for working below ground. The Fox Terrier became the show ring dog and the Jack Russell Terrier remained as it is loved today and protected by the JRTCC and the JRTCA.
It is history repeating itself. It is how the modern Fox Terrier of today once evolved from the original working fox terrier (now known as the Jack Russell Terrier). The original type of working fox terrier, the Jack Russell, will continue on with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America and the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain as its protectors.
The "Russell Terrier" and the "Parson Russell Terrier" are both variants of the Jack Russell Terrier made into "separate breeds" by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are nothing more than variants of the original Jack Russell Terrier as always supported by the JRTCA. The JRTCC and the JRTCA standard includes the full range of sizes needed for earth work. It is to be known our standard is to allow a terrier to follow the red fox to ground. The dog needed the drive and structure to mirror the agile intelligent fox. The Jack Russell Terrier had to be able to outsmart the fox and have the courage to do so for the handler as a team.
The real Jack Russell Terrier has been preserved as a working dog. Every effort has been made to eliminate and prevent genetic defects/faults within the JRTCC and the JRTCA registry. Close inbreeding is prohibited for the mental and physical protection of the terrier.
JRTCC and JRTCA judging, and all aspects of JRTCC and JRTCA terrier trials, is focused on the working ability of the terrier. JRTCC and JRTCA Judges are specifically trained and sanctioned by the JRTCC and the JRTCA. Because of this, the real Jack Russell Terrier remains virtually unchanged for over 200 years... it still has the structure, brain and heart to work underground, and is a mentally and physically sound dog.
The working structure, brain and heart of the real Jack Russell Terrier is what gives this terrier the astounding character, athleticism and versatility that make it a great companion. It is for sure "the dog that does"... from hunting to doing agility, racing, surfing, flyball, bird retrieval, skate boarding, search and rescue, therapy dog... and forever entertaining pet and companion.
The working brain and heart makes the Jack Russell Terrier such an intensely loyal, alert, affectionate, profound companion like no other. The Jack Russell Terrier wants to keenly interact with people... to be with you every moment of life... sharing and helping at every step. The real Jack Russell Terrier does not sit on the sidelines of life.
The JRTCC and the JRTCA's essential mission is to Preserve, Protect and Work the Jack Russell Terrier. This mission equally preserves the breed integrity for the most versatile, healthy, highly intelligent, loyal and affectionate companion you will ever find... the real Jack Russell.
o what then are these "other" terriers we hear about today... The Parson Russell, The Russell (shortie) Terrier, The Irish Jack Russell, the Miniature Jack Russell... and who knows what else? They are simply variants of the Real Jack Russell Terrier... a type or size taken from within portions of the JRTCGB/JRTCA breed standard to suit the whims of special interest groups/individuals.
What happens when all of these variants, with a now small gene pool, are bred together to "perfect" this narrow portion of the standard? Eventually they will change and become an animal that will look very different from the original Jack Russell Terrier. Inbreeding and breeding for the show ring will change the physical and mental structure of the dog. It will lose its purpose and its original character, as well as its mental and physical soundness, and will become something entirely different... whatever suits the whim of those controlling that variant of the terrier.
Keep in mind that the "Fox Terrier" and the "Jack Russell Terrier" were the same dog at one point in history.Keep in mind that the "Fox Terrier" and the "Jack Russell Terrier" were the same dog at one point in history. The strain that went to the show ring quickly changed in structure and most lost the drive to hunt. Fashions of the ring changed the dog and soon an upright shoulder became a feature that impeded movement for working below ground. The Fox Terrier became the show ring dog and the Jack Russell Terrier remained as it is loved today and protected by the JRTCC and the JRTCA.
It is history repeating itself. It is how the modern Fox Terrier of today once evolved from the original working fox terrier (now known as the Jack Russell Terrier). The original type of working fox terrier, the Jack Russell, will continue on with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America and the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain as its protectors.
Breed Standard
CHARACTERISTICS: The Terrier must present a lively, active and alert appearance. It should impress with it's fearless and happy disposition. It should be remembered that the Jack Russell is a Working Terrier and should retain these instincts. Nervousness, cowardice or over-aggressiveness should be discouraged, and it should always appear confident.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: A sturdy, tough terrier, very much on its toes all the time, measuring 10" to 15" 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: The 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: The eyes should be almond shaped, dark in color 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 top slightly overlapping (scissor bite). A level bite is acceptable for registration. Both overshot and undershot jaws are considered unacceptable and unregisterable. This is because the dog's teeth are meant for tearing and the dog's work would require increased effort
1. Level Bite
Incisors striking edge to edge. This is considered an acceptable bite
2. Scissors Bite
Upper incissors striking just along the front face of the lower ones. This is the correct, preferred bite.
3. Overshot Jaw
Top incisors extended out beyond the lower ones.
4. Undershot Jaw
Lower incisors extended out beyond the upper ones.
NECK: Clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the shoulders.
FOREQUARTERS: The shoulders should be sloping and well laid back, find at points and clearly cut at the withers. Forelegs should be strong and strait boned with joints 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 heavy chested appearance. As a guide only, the chest should be easily spanned behind the shoulders, by average sized hands, when the terrier is in a fit, working condition. The back should be strong, strait 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 bend 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 or out.
TAIL: Should be set rather high, carried gaily and in proportion to body length, usually about four inches long, providing a good hand-hold.
COAT: Smooth, without being so sparse as not to provide a certain amount of protection from the elements and undergrowth. Rough or broken, without being woolly.
COLOR: White should predominate (i.e., must be more than 51% white) with tan, black or brown markings. Brindle and grey markings are unacceptable.
GAIT: Movement should be free, lively, well coordinated with straight action in front and behind.