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Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed Introduction
Jack Russell Terrier is a small terrier type of dog bred in England for fox hunting. They have three coat varieties; smooth, rough, or broken coats that can come in any color. It is also nicknamed Jack or Jack Russell. This dog should always appear alert and balanced since it is primarily a working dog. It should not have a large chest that inhibits the dog from entering and working in burrows. The traditional quarry of a Jack Russell is a red fox. This dog must be small enough to pursue a red fox.
Jack Russels are an athletic breed that becomes destructive or moody when not properly exercised and stimulated. They also have a high drive and energy which makes them suitable to a number of do sports such as agility or flyball. A Jack Russell can be stubborn at times and aggressive to other humans and dogs if not properly socialized. Obedience classes are therefore, recommended. Although Jack Russells are small-sized dogs, they are not recommended for apartment or condominium dwellers unless the pet parent is ready to take the unnerving task of providing the pooch with necessary amount of stimulation and exercise.
Socialized Jack Russells are friendly towards children. However, they will not condone abuse even if it is unintentional. These dogs are often mistaken for Parson Russell Terrier and Russell Terrier. The former conforms to a narrower range of size than the Jack Russell. Parson Russells were created when the breeders had the aim of promoting badger digging rather than fox hunting. They have also been bred for conformation shows instead of working dogs like Jack Russells.
In terms of appearance and size, Parson Russells have a longer head and a larger chest with an overall slightly larger body size as compared to Jack Russells. Whereas, a Russell Terrier is a short-legged dog with a stockier body. It was created by crossing Jack Russell Terriers with Chihuahuas, Welsh Corgis, and other smaller breeds of terrier.
Jack Russell Terrier | Jack Russell History
Jack Russells originated from dogs bred and used by Rev. John Russell in the early 1800s, from whom this breed takes its name. This breed can trace its origin to the now-extinct English White Terrier. A Jack Russell has similar origin to the modern Fox Terrier. The difficulty in differentiating the dog from the prey that it was pursuing brought about the need for a mostly white dog. Therefore, in 1819, Reverend John Russell bought a small white and tan dam named Trump from a local milkman.
Trump was the basis of a breeding program to develop a terrier with high stamina for the hunt as well as the formation and courage to chase foxes that had gone to ground. By 1850s, these offspring were recognized as a distinct breed. The important trait of this dog is that it would flush out the prey with its steady bark without resulting in physical harm to the prey. Therefore, the line of terriers developed by Rev. John were well respected for these qualities.
However, modern dogs alive today cannot be proven to descend from Trump. This is because Rev. John was forced to sell his dogs on more than one occasion due to financial instability. By 1900, the Fox Terrier had altered more towards the modern breed. However, in some parts of the country, the old style of John Russell’s terriers remained. It is from these dogs that modern Jack Russells were descended.
Jack Russell | Jack Russell Terrier Lifespan
If given proper care, a Jack Russell can have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years. It is a breed with a reputation of a long lifespan since the breeders have protected the gene pool. Direct in-line breeding has also been prevented.
Jack Russell | Jack Russell Terrier Grooming
A Jack Russell can have any of the three coat varieties, smooth, rough, or broken coat. Therefore, the grooming needs of a smooth coat is different from the rough and broken coats. Brush a smooth-coated Jack Russell once a week using a hound glove or thick brush to remove dirt, loose hair, and distribute the natural oils present on the coat. However, during spring and/or fall, smooth-coated Jack Russells need more frequent brushings per week due to heavy shedding. Regular brushing helps to keep the coat healthy and glossy.
Rough and Broken-coated Jack Russells should also be brushed on a weekly basis using a slicker brush or pin brush. All the three coat types shed all-year round. However, Rough and Broken coats shed hair is trapped in the coat. To avoid matting of the longer hairs, stripping of the coat twice or thrice a year is recommended. The stripping should be done before bathing the coat. Water and shampoo soften the coat which makes plucking difficult. Strip the coat during the shedding season in Spring and Fall when the fur comes out easily and quickly.
Use a fine blade to hand strip the head and ears, a medium knife for the neck and shoulders, and a course knife for the body. Before hand stripping the coat, brush it using a pin or slicker brush to untangle the fur and remove dirt. After plucking the coat, bath the dog using a canine hypoallergenic shampoo. Avoid using conditioner since the fur of a broken and rough-coated Jack Russell should stay hard. After a bath, thoroughly rinse of the shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Regardless of the coat, Jack Russells require occasional baths at least once a month or depending on the lifestyle of a particular dog. Avoid washing the face using soapy water. Instead, wipe it using a clean damp washcloth or canine wipes. Trim the nails once a month if the nails don’t worn out naturally. Overly grown nails make walking and running for a Jack Russell painful.
This is also a small-breed that is susceptible to teeth problems especially when the deciduous teeth fail to fall out. Therefore, the food is trapped between the deciduous teeth and permanent teeth. Brush the teeth twice a week if not daily using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush to remove food particles, excess tartar, and promote good oral breathe. Wipe the ears on a weekly basis using cotton balls soaked in an ear cleanser solution.
Jack Russell Grooming Brush
A Smooth-coated Jack Russell should be groomed using a thick brush or hound glove while the rough and broken-coated Jack Russells should be groomed using a slicker or pin brush.
Jack Russell Terrier | Jack Russell Shedding
Regardless of the coat, Jack Russells shed all-year round. However, shedding is more noticeable in smooth coated dogs as compared to rough and broken coated dogs. Jack Russells also shed heavily during Spring and Fall. Hand stripping is recommended for rough and broken coated Jack Russells to completely remove the loose hair.
Jack Russell Shedding Brush
During shedding season, use a hard brush or a hound glove to remove the dead hair for a smooth-coated Jack Russell. As for the the Rough and broken coated Jack Russells, use a pin brush or slicker brush. However, hand stripping is required to ensure the loose hair is completely removed.
Jack Russell Coat Types | Coat
A Jack Russell has a hard and dense coat that lies closely to the body, whether it is smooth, rough, or broken. Rough and broken coats should be plucked twice a year for a healthy coat. However, smooth coat only requires weekly brushing throughout the year and several brushings per week during the heavy shedding season in spring and fall.
Jack Russell Broken Coat Vs Rough Coat
A Broken coat is similar to a smooth coat. However, it has some longer hair on the face, head, body, or legs. On the other hand, a rough coat has a longer fur about two inches covering the body. The fur is naturally wiry and straight protecting the dog against all elements.
Jack Russell Terrier | Jack Russell Hypoallergenic
A Jack Russell is not considered hypoallergenic since it sheds all-year round. Although, smooth-coated Jack Russells shed more as compared to the rough and broken coated Jack Russells. Shedding spreads dander and hair which triggers allergic reaction in people who suffer from dog allergies. Dog’s urine, saliva, and mucus also trigger an allergic reaction.
Jack Russell Training Tips | Training | Jack Russell Terrier Training Secrets
A Jack Russell is an intelligent and energetic dog that is easily trainable after exercising. Getting this dog stimulated before exercise helps it to concentrate better. However, Jack Russells easily get bored. Therefore, the training sessions should be short for a span of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day.
In order to raise a well-mannered, friendly, and well-adjusted pet, start socialization training immediately the dog comes home from the age of 8 weeks. Although, this training starts while the pup is with the breeder from the age of 3 weeks. For this reason, owners should get a puppy from a responsible breeder who will prove he has been socializing the dog. To socialize a Jack Russell, expose it to a wide variety of people, animals, experiences, surfaces, places, situations, sight, smell, and various sounds such as lawn mowers, sirens, baby crying sounds, washing machine, whistles, and vacuum cleaners.
Enrolling a Jack Russell in puppy training classes also serve as a form of socialization since the dog is exposed to other animals in a controlled environment. Socialization is critical for Jack Russells since they tend to be aggressive to people and other animals if not properly socialized. This training exposes this pet to a wide range of situations helping it to decipher better before exhibiting an aggressive behavior. Jack Russells thrive on positive reinforcements methods such as the use of treats, verbal praise, toys, and playtime. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as yelling, kicking, shoving, or beating a Jack Russell.
Teach basic command words one at a time before proceeding to the next command word to avoid confusion. Some of the command words that Jack Russell can learn include sit, lie down, stay, leave it, stop, heel, come, etc. Avoid uttering the command words while too excited or frustrated since the words would sound the same to your dog. Clicker training is also used as a form of reward when the dog executes the command word in question. This training incorporates a sound once the dog completes the command and it is immediately given a treat.
For effective housebreaking, crate training, potty training, and creating a feeding schedule is recommended. A Crate is an indispensable tool while potty training. It enables the pet parent to monitor the dog for signs that it wants to eliminate including whining, circling, squatting, and lifting a leg against the crate wall. Patience, consistency, and being firm is key when housebreaking a dog.
How To Potty Train A Jack Russell Puppy
Before bringing a Jack Russell pup home from the age of 8 weeks, choose a designated place where the dog will be doing its business. Pet owners should decide whether the dog will eliminate inside or outside especially for apartment dwellers who have a hard time accessing a yard or street. Indoor potty training utilizes puppy pads and litter boxes that are available for retail from the puppy store. Avoid introducing your pet to both indoor and outdoor potty training since it creates confusion. Only choose either of the two.
Start potty training immediately you bring your pet home. The rule of thumb when potty training understanding that the bladder and bowel muscles of a puppy strengthens as it matures. An 8-week-old Jack Russell may be able to hold for a period of 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old pup will hold for a period of 3 hours before eliminating.
For effective potty training, take your Jack Russell to the designated toilet area after every 2 to 3 hours, immediately it wakes up, after naptime, following meals and drinks, after an exciting activity such as car ride and playtime, and before bedtime. Once you get to the elimination spot, utter the command word ‘Potty’ or ‘Toilet’ based on your preference. Stick with one command word to avoid confusion. Interchangeably using the two command words although they mean the same thing would be confusing for your dog.
Remain in the toilet area for a period of 15 minutes to allow the bladder and bowel muscles to relax for a pee or poo. If the pup fails to eliminate, take it back to the designated spot after 15 minutes. Patience, consistence, and being firm are recommended in order to housetrain a Jack Russell. It may take a period of 4 to 6 months before a Jack Russell is fully housebroken. During this period, the dog may have accidents in the house. When this happens, utter a firm no and immediately scoop the dog to the elimination spot.
Give the dog a treat once it eliminates where it is supposed to. Avoid yelling once you get your dog in the act. Clean the mess using an enzymatic detergent or iodine solution to get rid of the odor. Retained odor will encourage future accidents once the dog sniffs the area. Before the age of 16 weeks, set an alarm to take your Jack Russell to the elimination spot at least once at night.
Jack Russell Terrier Crate Training
Contrary to the belief that confining a dog in a crate is cruelty, dogs are den animals that love to have a safe place where they can retreat to. A crate is an indispensable tool that allows the pet parent to monitor for signs that a Jack Russell wants to eliminate including whining, squatting, circling, and lifting a leg against the crate wall. Naturally, dogs avoid soiling where they sleep.
When left alone for long hours, Jack Russell may suffer from separation anxiety especially puppies. Crate training teaches the dog to be confident in staying alone. Make the pet go to the crate by throwing a treat and favorite toy in the crate while it is watching. Encourage the dog to get into the crate by uttering the command word ‘crate’. Once the dog gets inside, close the door. The pooch may start whining to be let off the crate. However, don’t give in. Wait until the pet stops whining to let if off the crate.
Opening the crate door while the pet is whining will encourage this behavior anytime it wants to be let off the crate. Repeat this over and over while increasing the time that the dog stays in the crate. Make the crate appealing by lining it with a comfortable blanket. While in the house, always leave the crate door open. This makes a Jack Russell to understand that a crate is not a forced experience. This device is a safe haven for animals.
It should never be used as a means of punishing a Jack Russell. Limit the time that a pet spends in the crate depending on its age, and the level of housetraining. Never place a crate where it is too hot or cold since it is uncomfortable for your dog. Remember to remove a harness or collar before letting a Jack Russell in the crate. At night, put the crate inside your room. Cover all the crate sides apart from the front side using a bed sheet or towel to block the light. Utter the word, bedtime to notify your dog that it is time to sleep.
Jack Russell Crate Size
A Jack Russell is a small-sized dog that needs a crate that is 24 inches ( a length of 60 cm, a height of 51 cm, and a width of 44 cm).
Jack Russell Temperament | Traits
- Vocal.
- Intelligent.
- Athletic.
- Energetic.
- Alert.
- Assertive.
- Bold.
- Determined.
- Friendly to people.
- Aggressive to dogs.
- Loving.
Jack Russell Exercise | Exercise Needs
A Jack Russell is an athletic breed with a boundless energy. They need to have at least one hour of vigorous exercise each day including brisk walks, running in a secured yard, or jogging. They also have a high-prey drive and should be trusted off leash unless in a secured yard.
How To Train A Jack Russell Terrier Not To Bark | Jack Russell Terrier Barking
This is a vocal breed that makes an excellent watchdog. They may also develop a habit of being recreational barkers. It is therefore, crucial to teach a Jack Russell when to bark or not. Teaching the speak command and quiet command helps in regulating the level of barking. To teach the quiet command, hold a treat such as cheese, liver chicken, etc. above the head of the Jack Russell while it is barking and utter ‘Quiet’. It will stop barking to sniff the treat. Give it the treat and praise the dog for its silence. Repeat this on several occasions until the dog learns to stop barking once you utter the command word. Although, excessive barking may be due to pent-up energy since Jack Russells are athletic and energetic dogs that should be stimulated mentally and physically on a daily basis.
Jack Russell Growling
Growling is a form of communication for dogs. A Jack Russell may growl while in fear, playing, testing the hierarchy park, when someone is approaching the food bowl, or when it is in pain.
Jack Russell Terrier Height
A Jack Russell has a height of 10 to 15 inches ( approx. 25 to 38 cm).
Jack Russell | Jack Russell Terrier Weight
Jack Russells have a weight range of 14 to 18 pounds ( approx. 6 to 8 kg ).
Jack Russell Terrier | Jack Russell Size
A Jack Russell is a small terrier dog that has weight of 14 to 18 pounds ( approx. 6 to 8 kg ) and a height of 10 to 15 inches ( approx. 25 to 38 cm).
Jack Russell Aggressive
If not properly socialized, a Jack Russell may be aggressive towards humans and other animals. Socialized members of this breed are friendly towards people and children. However, they don’t tolerate abuse even if it was not intended.
Jack Russell Terrier Bite Force
A Jack Russell has a bite force of between 150 to 200 PSI.
Jack Russell Biting
Nipping and biting are rampant behaviors with puppies as they play, explore their world, and learn boundaries. Jack Russell puppies are also likely to bite when they are teething due to discomfort. When a pet parent allows a pup to bite their hands, feet, clothes, shoes, etc. without an appropriate correction, they teach the puppy that biting is okay. Puppy biting may seem adorable but not for long after the dog matures with serious biting issues.
Pet parents are, therefore, encouraged to curb biting before it develops into a habit. This may be done through bite inhibition training and redirection. A pup that is biting at your feet, hand, or shoes due to teething should be redirected to teething toys to ease the discomfort. This also teaches a puppy what is acceptable for chewing and what is not.
Jack Russell Eye Infection
Dog eye infection are caused by a virus or bacteria. Most eye infections are a result of bacterial infection. The bacteria gets an opportunity of invading the eye following a dry eye disease, trauma to the eye, or viruses since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised.
Bacterial eye infections in dogs are also caused by foreign materials such as debris, dirt, hair, fur, or plant material. Some of the signs that a Jack Russell exhibits while suffering from an eye infection includes pawing at the eye, squinting, redness, and a discharge.
Viral eye infection cause a clear discharge while bacterial eye infection result to a thick yellowish green discharge. Home remedy for eye infections is flushing the eye using saline rinses.
Jack Russell Ear Infection | Ear problems
Causes of ear infections in Jack Russells include yeast imbalances, excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, allergies, moisture accumulation, excess dirt, wax, or debris, and ear mites. These dogs are predisposed to three types of ear infections; externa, media, and interna otitis respectively.
Externa otitis is the most common and causes allergic reaction in the cells located in the external ear canal. If left untreated, the infection spreads to the cells located in the middle and inner ear canal. Inflammation to the middle and inner ear canal is media and interna otitis respectively. These infections cause deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs such as dizziness, disorientation, and blurred vision.
Some of the symptoms that a Jack Russell exhibits while suffering from an ear infection includes walking in circles, rubbing the affected ear against the surface, pain, itchiness, head shaking, redness, scabs at the ears, disorientation, dark discharge, and odor.
Jack Russell Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection, other eye problems that a Jack Russell can suffer from include :
Cataracts – this is an eye issue that results to a cloudy and whitish eye lens. If left unattended, cataracts cause vision loss.
Glaucoma – This is a group of eye issues that cause damage to the optic nerve and results to vision loss.
Ectopia lentis – This is a rare eye condition that affects Jack Russells between the age of 3 to 8 years. It displaces the lens in one or both eyes.
Apart from Jack Russell, other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Jack Russell Health Issues | Common Health Problems With Jack Russells
Although, Jack Russells are generally a healthy breed, they are predisposed to various health issues such as glaucoma, allergies, cataracts, ectopia lentis, von Willebrand disease, Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome, patellar luxation, congenital deafness, myasthenia gravis, and ataxia. Since it is a hunt-driven dog, Jack Russells usually pursue most creatures that it encounters including the skunk which is known for its ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant scent from the anal glands.
Therefore, Jack Russells are prone to skunk toxic shock syndrome. The chemical in the skunk spray is absorbed by the pooch causing haemolysis for the red blood cells. This can occasionally lead to kidney failure and fatal anemia. There are treatments available to flush the toxins from Jack Russell’s system.
Jack Russell Old Age Problems
- Arthritis.
- Diabetes.
- Periodontal disease.
- Wobbler Syndrome.
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (canine dementia).
- Seizures.
- Blindness due cataracts and glaucoma.
- Deafness.
- Obesity.
Jack Russell Terrier Names
After getting a Jack Russell pup from a responsible breeder from the age of 8 weeks, the best next thing is finding a name for the fur baby. Names may be inspired by their boundless energy, curious nature, coat color, origin, famous Jack Russell names on various websites, celebrity dogs, movies, books, songs, food, nature, and historical figures.
Regardless of where the pet parent will get the inspiration, he or she should ensure that the name freely rolls off his tongue. The preferred name should also not make your embarrassed when uttered out loud in public malls and parks.
Jack Russell and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels. Giving your pooch a name that rhymes with the command words creates confusion. If you settle with a long name, find a cute nickname for your pet. If a Jack Russell shares a name with other family members or people who frequent your home can be a recipe for confusion.
Female Jack Russell Names
- Daisy.
- Bella.
- Penny.
- Cleo.
- Dora.
- Luna.
- Betty.
- Duchess.
- Kelly.
- Ginger.
- Eve.
- Trixie, etc.
Jack Russell | Jack Russell Terrier Speed
A Jack Russell can ran up to a speed of 38 miles per hour ( approx. 61 km/h).
Male Jack Russell Names
- Cooper.
- Tucker.
- Slim.
- Zeus.
- Teddy.
- Gus.
- Alex.
- Moose.
- Pinto.
- Eric.
- Rocco.
- Pepper, etc.
Jack Russell Seizures
Fits, convulsions, or seizures, refers to the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain which is normally accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. A Jack Russell may suffer from primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary although the cause is unknown. For this reason, primary seizures are also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Secondary seizures are caused by stroke, trauma to the brain, or brain tumor.
Reactive seizures occur when the brain detects a problem with metabolism due to low blood sugar, toxins, or organ failure. The intensity of seizures is categorized into focal and grand mal seizures. A Jack Russell that experiences focal seizure is conscious although disorientated since this seizure only affects one part of the brain.
On the other hand Grand Mal seizures affect both sides of the brain and results to unconsciousness, stiffening of the muscles, foaming mouth, and urination or defecation. Pet parents are urged to put nothing in the mouth of a Jack Russell while it is experiencing seizure since it may be dangerous for them and the pet.
Jack Russell Breeding | Mating
A female Jack Russell experiences the first heat cycle at the age of 6 to 9 months. The dog will stay on the heat season for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. This process may recur after every 6 to 7 months. Jack Russell parents are urged to spay their dogs if they have no intention of breeding. It is also possible for a female Jack Russell to get pregnant in its teens since dogs don’t experience a heat cycle.
Some of the signs that a dam exhibits while on a heat cycle includes, changes in eating behavior, nesting behavior, moody swings, swollen vulva, increased urination, bloody discharge, and tail flagging. Before breeding a potential dam and sire, Jack Russells should be screened for von Willebrand disease, patellar luxation, congenital deafness, cataracts, and glaucoma.
It is recommended to wait until a female Jack Russell attains the age of 2 years before breeding. This allows it to physically and emotionally mature to take care of a litter. Breeders should not mate an aggressive dam since the litter will most likely be aggressive or fearful.
Jack Russell Litter Size | Litter
After conception a Jack Russell dam has a gestation period of 63 days. A dam may whelp a litter of 6 puppies. Although, most Jack Russell parents have reported that their dogs had a litter size of 8 to 10 puppies.
Jack Russell Signs Of Labour
Some of the symptoms that a Jack Russell dam exhibits while in labor include panting, anxiety, irritability, clear vaginal discharge, refusing to eat, nesting behavior, and whining.
Jack Russell Harness | Collar
A Harness is the most secure, safest, and more comfortable to walk your dog on a leash. A harness increases your control over the pet, reduces pulling, and evenly distributes pressure on the shoulders and back. A collar is also preferred for dogs that have proper leash manners and are less likely to pull. A Jack Russell has a tremendous energy for its size and may sometimes lead to trouble involving larger animals. Therefore, a pet parent should have a better control of a Jack Russell by using a harness. However, owners may also use both a harness and a collar. A collar is used to hold the ID and Rabies Tag while the harness will attach the leash.
Jack Russell Terrier | Jack Russell Muzzle
Properly socialized Jack Russells are friendly and non-aggressive towards humans and other animals. A socialized dog of this breed also gets along well with children but won’t hesitate to snap when abused even if it is unintentional. Therefore, Jack Russells are not recommended for homes that have young children.
A Jack Russell may be muzzled in a situation when the owner is not sure of how the dog will react to a new stimuli. A dog that is in pain should also be muzzled since it is likely to bite.
AKC urges pet parents to create positive associations with the muzzle through the use of treats and verbal praise. This will reduce the risk of the dog acting aggressively in a situation where a muzzle is really needed. However, this accessory is not used to correct bad habits like biting, chewing, or barking.
Jack Russell Feeding Guide
The amount of food that a Jack Russell feeds on depends on its age, body size, activity level, and metabolism. Although, these are small-sized dogs, they are working terriers that have boundless energy. Therefore, they may tend to feed more than other small-sized dogs. As the rule of thumb, a highly active dog feeds more than a couch potato dog.
Puppies have a high metabolism rate and should feed 3 to 4 times a day when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, adult dogs feed two meals a day for the rest of their lives. Consult with your vet to be more informed on the amount of food that you should feed your pet. Avoid leaving the food bowl out all day since Jack Russells are prone to obesity.
Jack Russell Dog Food | Food
These are high-energetic and athletic dogs that need a well-balanced diet filled with high-quality ingredients. This is also a small breed that can suffer from hypoglycemia( low blood sugar) if it feeds on a poor diet. Low blood sugar causes reactive seizures in dogs. Jack Russells puppies, dogs, and senior dogs have a different energy levels. Therefore, it is important for dogs to eat food specifically formulated for their age.
Jack russells may feed on dry food, semi-moist food, canned, homemade, and raw diet. The type of food that a pet feeds on depends on the available time for preparation and budget of the owner. Regardless of the food that the owner chooses, he or she should ensure that all the nutritional requirements are met.
The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding your Jack Russell is to take it to the vet to be informed about its weight and health. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your pet. If you can see your Jack Russell’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If the owner cannot feel the ribs of the dog under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.
When you get a Jack Russel from a responsible breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food about 1/4 with 3/4 old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your dog with the same amount of the new food and old food. On the third week feed your Jack Russell with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food.
During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. For pet owners who want to feed commercial dry or wet food, they should purchase food that are specifically designed for small-sized dogs formulated for puppies, adults, or seniors depending on the age bracket of the pet. As rule of thumb, dog commercial food or any other food should not contain fillers, preservatives, chemicals, or additives. The dog food should also have protein listed as the first ingredient. This also applies to the snacks.
Jack Russell Terrier | Jack Russell Colors
A Jack Russell can have various coat colors ranging from Black and White, Brown and White, Tan and White, Red and White, and white.
Jack Russell Terrier Types
There is only one type of Jack Russell that may have any of the three coat varieties including smooth, rough, or broken coat.
Jack Russell | Jack Russell Terrier Allergies
A Jack Russell is predisposed to various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies – This allergy is caused by food, contact, and environmental allergies. Food allergies results in an immune response that exhibit skin issues symptoms like hives, hot spots, crusting lesions, facial swelling, dermatitis, etc. Whereas, environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis and Flea allergy dermatitis in Jack Russells. Flea allergy is a result of flea saliva that causes excessive scratching until the skin around the bite area is raw.
Contact allergies – This inflammation affects Jack Russels once the allergen comes in contact with the skin. Smooth-coated Jack Russels may be more prone to contact and environmental allergies due to the short coat as compared to the rough and broken coated Jack Russells. Some of the contact allergens that affect this breed includes plastics, lawn chemicals, grooming products, latex, medication, carpet cleaning detergents, and bedlinens. Commonly affected body parts include the paws, feet, and around the muzzle.
Food allergies – A Jack Russell may be affected by both food allergies and food intolerance. However, the former is rare and results to an immune response.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergies that affect Jack Russells include mites, fleas, pollen, trees, grass, ragweed, dust and dust mites, house molds, and even mosquitoes. Flea’s saliva causes flea allergy dermatitis that affects the back legs and underneath the tail. It results in excessive scratching and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw. If left unattended, it may cause secondary skin infections. Signs of environmental allergies include nasal discharge, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, feet, ears, muzzle, groin, underarms, between the toes, belly sides, and between the toes.
Jack Russell Food Allergies
Although rare, a Jack Russell may suffer from food allergies. A true food allergy causes an immune response that is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including skin condition symptoms and gastrointestinal stress signs. Some of the skin conditions symptoms manifested by a dog include hot spots, facial swelling, pruritus, hives, crusting lesions, and dermatitis. On the other hand gastrointestinal stress signs include acute vomiting and/or diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss.
Pet parents may confuse food allergies for food intolerance. However, although food intolerance also cause vomiting and diarrhea, they don’t cause an immune response. Instead food intolerance or sensitivity is a result of a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of a Jack Russell. Some of the ingredients that cause food sensitivity include additives, fillers, soy, wheat, corn, chemicals, preservatives, lamb, chicken, beef, pork, turkey, eggs, milk, fish, etc.
Signs of food sensitivity include poor skin and coat, foot infections, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pet parents are urged to work with the vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient in the diet of the dog.
Jack Russell Eyes
A Jack Russell has almond-shaped eyes that are dark in color.
Jack Russell Ears
Jack Russells have moderate thick V-shaped ears that are carried forward on the head. When alert, the tip of the V should not exceed past the outer corner of the eyes.
Jack Russell | Jack Russell Terrier Tail
Traditionally, Jack Russell’s tail was docked to a length of approximately 5 inches ( 10 cm) to provide a sufficient hand-hold for gripping the dog. Some countries have banned tail docking. A Jack Russell tail is set high.
Jack Russell | Jack Russell Terrier Teeth
A Jack Russell pup is whelped with no teeth. The deciduous teeth starts growing at the of 2 to 3 weeks until the puppy has a total of 28 milk teeth at the age of 6 to 8 weeks. From the age of 12 weeks, the milk teeth fall out as the permanent teeth grow underneath. At the age of 6 months, a Jack Russell has a total of 42 permanent teeth. Once the permanent teeth starts erupting, introduce your pup to teeth cleaning using a tasty canine toothpaste and toothbrush. Brush the teeth twice a week if not daily to prevent tartar buildup, gum inflammation, tooth loss, and promote good oral health.
Are Jack Russells Hard | Easy To Train
Training a Jack Russell is easy since they are intelligent and energetic dogs. However, they should be exercised first before training so that they maybe able to concentrate better. Training a Jack Russell maybe hard if there is no use of positive reinforcements methods such as treats and training sessions are longer than 10 minutes. Jack Russells easily get bored.
Are Jack Russell Terrier Hypoallergenic
No. Jack Russsell Terriers are not regarded hypoallergenic since they shed at low to moderate levels all year round depending on the coat type. Shedding spreads dander and hair around the house that triggers allergic reactions of the people who suffer from dog allergies.
Are Jack Russell Terriers Smart | Are Jack Russells Smart
Yes. Jack Russell Terriers are smart, energetic, fearless, alert, and determined dogs.
Are Jack Russell Terriers Aggressive
Yes. If not properly socialized, Jack Russell terriers are aggressive towards other animals and humans. Although, some socialized members of this breed are friendly to children and other people but would hesitate to snap if abused intentionally or unintended.
Jack Russell Terrier Quick Facts
- They are working terriers that are athletic with a boundless energy.
- Jack Russell Terriers are not recommended for homes that have young children. They snap when mishandled.
- Socialization and Obedience training is a must do to ensure that the Jack Russell Terriers are not aggressive towards humans and other animals.
