Jack Russel Terriers :: essays papers

Jack Russel Terriers The Jack Russel Terrier is an amazing little dog. The breed has been used for centuries; with it’s main purpose being Fox hunting. It was not discovered until recently, however, what great companions they make. There are many aspects of the breed one should take into consideration before a puppy is purchased. The aspects that will be discussed in this essay are: personality, overall appearance, and training as well. The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed which takes a lot of effort to own, but is very rewarding once a strong bond has been developed with the animal. Before choosing a puppy a potential owner should study what characteristics they want out their Terrier and also what to look for when making a decision on a puppy. The breed has a size range from 10-15 inches at the withers in the standard of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America and 12-14 inches in the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard. â€Å"It can have smooth, wiry, or broken coat. It is mostly white with black, tan, or brown markings† (Brown 35). There is also short and long legged varieties as well. There are many characteristics which make a dog â€Å"good† by the AKC and JRTCA. The dog must appear balanced and be in fit condition. Ears are moderately thick with the flap tipped forward towards the front of the skull. The chest is relatively shallow and narrow, giving an athletic appearance. The rear end provides power and propulsion, feet are cat-like with hard pads, and the high-set tail is docked to about four inches in length. Movement should be free, lively, and well-coordinated (Nicholas 42). Another important factor is the dogs bloodline, and if it is even certified. It is especially important if the potential owner cares to breed the dog that they take all these factors into consideration. It is much easier to find willing breeders when one owns an exceptional dog. One must remember though the dog’s characteristics and bloodline directly correlate to how expensive it is. Most owners, if asked, would not give up their Jack Russell for anything in the world, However, if asked in the first six months of ownership they would have given anything to get rid of it. The care and training of a Jack Russel Terrier are very important