More Jack Facts!


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Just when we think we know everything there is to know about this fantastic breed…who are we kidding? There’s always something more to learn.

Are you ready for more Jack Russell Trivia?

Let’s go!

The Jack Russell Terrier is not an AKC-Recognized Breed

Seriously? It’s true.

a jack russell terrier looking up

Parson Jack Russell was a respected show judge and an active member of the British Kennel Club. He also wrote the breed standard for the Fox Terrier.

But when it came to showing his own dogs, Russell demurred. He bred his terriers as working dogs — specifically, as hunting dogs. They were not meant to be show dogs.

There is a variation of the JRT that is recognized by the American Kennel Club: the Parson Russell Terrier. Parsons are the show variation of the Jack Russell Terrier.

Sometimes They’re Too Cute for Their Own Good

But you already knew this!

Seriously, though, it was rumored that Kelsey Grammar was jealous of the Jack Russell Terrier who played Eddie on his show, Frasier.

At one point, Grammer even said, “He gets so much attention. I do draw the line when somebody says, ‘Oh, he’s such a good little actor.’ That’s it! He’s not an actor, he’s a dog!”

Nonetheless, Grammer and Moose the dog worked together harmoniously during the show. Though perhaps “Frasier’s” character’s irascibility when it came to that dog wasn’t just acting!

The Jack Russell is Sensitive to the Sun

White and mostly-white dogs are sensitive to the sun, and more prone to sunburn than their darker-colored cousins.

For this reason, it’s important to recognize the signs of canine sunburn, especially if you live in a sunny climate. When dogs become sunburned, the symptoms can be different than those of human sunburn. And they’re easy to overlook until there’s a real problem.

So apply that sunscreen before you go out! Apply it to ears, noses, and areas with sparse hair.

They Are Escape Artists!

Whether you have a Jumping Jack or a digging one, the Jack Russell can be keen to get out of the yard.

https://youtu.be/MVR5ImgObIs

They might also just be bored or looking for attention. Alternately, they may smell something on the other side of the fence and be following their instincts to burrow and chase.

In any case, make sure you have a high fence around your yard. A Jack Russell can jump up to five times its own height! And if your dog is a digger, then consider sinking your fence below the ground.

Or, if you really want to give your Jack a treat, consider building him or her their own dig pit, complete with a rotating selection of buried treats!

Jack Russells are Fabulously Fearless

They really, really are. That’s why these pint-sized powerhouses, which were originally bred to chase small prey into burrows, do so well keeping larger animals in line.

Many wildlife parks, for example, provide dogs to be friends with orphaned animals. It will surprise no one that the Jack Russell makes an ideal companion for big cats.

Seriously?

Yes!

There’s Tokkolos in Namibia, for example, who works at the Harnas Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. There’s also Chloe, who is a friend to cheetahs at the Cheetah Experience in South Africa.

And these are just a few. In fact, Jack Russells seem to love having BFFs that are so much bigger than them. All the better to match their big personalities!

Grooming Can Be…Complicated

Of course it all depends on your dog’s coat. By and large, most dogs don’t need to bathe more than a few times a year. In fact, too much bathing can cause dry skin and other uncomfortable problems.

closeup of a jack russell terrier yawning

If your Jack has short hair, then you’re lucky! A good brushing every now and then will keep their coats shiny and clean.

On the other hand, if your Jack is broken-coated or wire-coated, then you’re going to need to do some specialized grooming, both to keep that coat looking great, and to spare yourself a lot of cleanup when they blow their coats.

Grooming can be complicated, but it can also be fun — especially if you make your own shampoos and supplies. And brushing is always an opportunity to cuddle and bond with your dog.

Jacks are International!

There are Jack Russell Terrier fanciers all across the globe. And wherever you go, you’ll find JRT breed clubs promoting the breed.

Breed clubs are a fantastic way to get involved with other JRT owners and their pups. And if you have an interest in promoting and developing the Jack Russell Terrier breed, this is the way to do it.

a Jack Russell Terrier standing up at a desk holding a ball.

So, how do you get started?

Look for your local club, for example, the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, or the one in Britain. If you’re in Italy or Denmark, there are local clubs, for you, too. Canada? Yup. And South Africa and Australia, as well.

The Jack Russell Terrier has admirers all the world over. And we’re not surprised!

They Have Their Own Museum!

If any breed has earned its own museum, it’s the iconic Jack Russell.

In April of 2019, the Jack Russell Terrier Museum opened its doors…kind of.

A small Jack Russell terrier with a larger pit bull, cuddling on a sofa

The museum isn’t yet open to the public, but it is open to researchers and people involved in the development of the Jack Russell Terrier breed. The museum houses archives, historical documents, and other materials relating to the history of the JRT.

Would you like to donate — either money or collectibles — to the Jack Russell Museum? If so, then check out their donations page to see what they’re looking for.

Maybe you, too, can be part of JRT history!

A JRT…Pub?

Yes!

The Jack Russell Terrier breed was founded in Devon, in the UK, and this is also where the pub sits that bears its name.

the Jack Russell Inn in Devon, UK
The Jack Russell Inn. Image is a screenshot

The Jack Russell Terrier Inn lies in Swimbridge, Devon, UK. It’s known for good food at a reasonable price, and a friendly atmosphere.

And you know what? A lot of pubs in Britain are dog-friendly, too!

So, if you’re in Devon, why not take your Jack Russell to the Jack Russell?

Them’s The Facts, Jack!

Is there no end to the interesting facts and tidbits about this magnificent breed? If there is, we haven’t found it yet!

Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear about it!

Featured Image: CC BY 2.0 by Whimsy Script via Flickr

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