PRESENTATION OF JACK AND PARSON RUSSELL TERRIERS
Russell terriers mostly look like fox terriers, but they have shorter legs. During ages standard has changed a lot of times, and from one they were developed two breeds of these dogs, differing in high. There are two size classes of these dogs. Both, Jack (smaller) and Parson (higher) Russell terriers were developed in England in the early 1800's as working terriers. They were named for the Reverend (Parson) John Russell. His terriers trailed foxes from dens so the hunt could ride on. Because they have a small, flexible chest, they can pursue their quarry underground, while their sufficient length of legs enables them to follow the hounds. There also two coat varieties of these dogs smooth ((smooth = means very short hair, brooken = means short hair) in standard these two types are both andderstandable as smooth) or rough coats ((Coarse = coat means rough hair, Scruffy = coat means hairy around the face area and hairy tail) in standard these two types are booth andderstandable rough). Important to breed type is that their coat is weatherproof. A broad standard, varied genetic background based on years of restricted inbreeding and wide outcrossing, so a great variety of size and type are characteristic for Russell Terriers.
These dogs are keen, clever, loyal, full of life and hyperactive, so they cannot sit still for a moment. Because they are fearless and tenacious, real game hunters, they are great as working dogs. They are great as pets too, because they are small, playful, exuberant, overwhelmingly affectionate and willing to please. Remember that they require their due portion of attention! If you treat them well, with a lot of love, they will be the best dogs you can even imagine. Overt aggression towards human or another dog is disqualification.
Jack and Parson Russell terriers are also famous film stars. They are known from films Mask, Problematic child, PC and serial Frasier .
These two breeds are still very rare in our country (In Slovenia is approximately 24 R.T.). But because they are such well known movie stars they are now very popular. First Jack R. T. Pika (Črt's grandmother) came in Slovenia from Germany with Ms. and Mr. Štruklec. The same was with second JRT Arthur (Črt's father). Črt's mother Tara was from Pika's litter (the Zorec family). These three JRT were registered at the end of 1980 as the first JRTs in ex Yugoslavia. Long time the only JRTs in ex Yugoslavia were from Tara and Arthur litters. Črt was from their last litter.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier is 10-12.5 inch high. Weight in pounds should be approximately 1 lb per inch of height. His color is mostly white (at least 51 %), with black, brown or tricolor markings. His head is strong and in good proportion to the rest of the body. Nose is black. He had scissors bite. Eyes are dark in color, almond shaped and deep set in flat shaped skull. Dark rims around the eyes are desirable. Ears are small, "V" shaped and dropped, so the fold is in the level with the top of the skull or slightly above. He had docked 4.7 in. long tail. The conformation of the whole frame is indicative of strength and endurance. It is compact and well balanced.
Parson Russell Terrier
It is just higher (height: 12.5-15 inch) than Jack Russell Terrier.
And....SMILE, you can visit Ralph's web with very intheresting and funny description of the origin of this breed name http://members.iinet.net.au/~tricia4/ralphabout.htm