If you are searching for a doggy companion, you ought to put the Jack Russell terrier on your shortlist. Some of the best traits about the Jack Russell terrier is that they are small, inexpensive to keep, active, short-haired and intelligent. The Jack Russell terrier is a ideal dog for an older person, or someone living in an apartment.
The original Jack Russells were bred by a young theology student named John Russell studying at Oxford University in the early 19th. Century. It is believed that John Russell liked the appearance of his milkman’s dog and used it for breeding. The dog, a bitch named Trump was white and had patches of brown coloured hair on its eyes and ears.
Terriers are small, active dogs.The name ‘terrier’ comes from the Latin word ‘terra’ meaning ‘earth’, because terriers like to dig and go to ground while hunting. Terriers have been used to hunt all sorts of small animals such as rats, moles, badgers, foxes and rabbits. The Jack Russell descends from fox terriers.
Jack Russell terriers like to run and dig, so they will push their owners to go for frequent walks and they have a very persuasive personality. The word ‘dogged’ could have been derived from them – they just do not give up!
Because of all their digging and rooting around, they can get very muddy which means baths and grooming, although being short-haired animals, this is not a difficult task.
Nowadays, hunting with animals is banned in many countries, but this dog’s nature is still to hunt. They are particularly good ratters and can clear up an infestation of rats in short time. They are therefore also good dogs to keep on a farm or substantial garden where rodents could be a difficulty.
Terriers also make very reliable guard dogs. They will protect your property in the garden or in your home. They are very territorial and, although they will not usually molest or bite strangers, they will definitely let you know that there is a stranger around.
Having said that, it is a wise thing to train your dog. If you are not sure how to do this or what to teach it, go to dog training groups or buy a book. Jack Russell terriers are very intelligent and love dealings with their masters, so they learn quickly and readily if you start them young enough, because they are also fairly strong-willed dogs.
I have heard stories of Jack Russell terriers allowing strangers into a property but not allowing them to leave without being told to. This seems like a fantastic manner of catching burglars.
These dogs make great family pets, but they do not always get on with other dogs that they are not living with. This can lead to fighting and injuries.
Aside from injuries in fights, Jack Russells enjoy pretty decent health. They are not subject to any major illnesses like some other breeds are. They also live a long time frequently reaching 13 and fifteen with some Jack Russell terriers reaching 18, 19 and even 20 years of age.
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on a variety of subjects, but is currently involved with the canine distemper vaccination. If you want to kcurrently more, please visit our website at Distemper Vaccines