dogs that are registered with the Kennel Club can be shown at their shows, and only puppies born of KC registered parents can be registered.
This Parson Russell puppy looks adorable but before you acquire one, consider whether it is the right decision for you and your family.
Jack Russell type
If you are not interested in exhibiting dogs in the formal atmosphere of Kennel Club (KC) shows, you prefer country pursuits and do not wish to register any puppies that you may breed, you can buy your puppy from a breeder who breeds under the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain’s (JRTC of GB) rules and Breed Standard. Their dogs will be known as Working Jack Russells or Hunt Jack Russells. You will still be allowed to show your dog at KC Companion Shows as well as the Terrier shows staged by agriculture societies or the local hunt.
Differences between the types
After reading this, you would be forgiven for asking: ‘So what is the difference between the two types?’ In truth, not a lot, but there is a difference in height. The reason is that the working Terrier has to work the earths that are available: small Terriers fit small holes and big Terriers do not. If you study both the Standards, you will see that:
Activities
The Kennel Club allows non-registered dogs to participate in certain activities, such as Flyball, Obedience, Agility and Heelwork to Music. Because of their intelligence, energy and strength, Jack Russells are able to perform very well in all these disciplines.
• Both types should be capable of the work for which they were developed
• Their chests should be spannable by average-sized hands
• They should be able to run 20–30 miles a day or more with Foxhounds
• They should be brave enough to enter a fox’s earth and face an angry fox.
I do not think that just because the Kennel Club has recognized the breed the hunting instinct has been diluted. It may happen in 100 years’ time, but other Terrier breeds that have not been bred for work since World War I will still have a go if trained. It is doubtful if the genetic structure of instinct can be changed in just a few years.
The problem is that if a breeder has a really fine KC registered dog, which is winning a great deal at the championship shows, then it is unlikely that they will risk putting him to fox, so he will never have the opportunity to prove his metal in the field.
There is also a train of thought that a puppy from working stock will not be as good a pet as one from show stock. However, the Jack Russell or Parson Russell, whatever you call him, is one of the most adaptable terriers. He is highly intelligent and will adapt to all the situations in which he finds himself.
Sourcing a puppy
Before we consider the best sources for Jack Russell puppies, here is a word of warning. Because of the bad mixed breeding and the over-production of ‘counterfeit’ Jack Russells, the following sources should always be avoided:
• Buying from a man in the pub
• Buying from a puppy farmer
• Buying from a white van in a motorway car park
• Buying from a dog dealer
• Buying from a pet shop.
Puppies love to play together, and by going to a breeder’s home you can observe them interacting with each other and their mother and get an idea of their character.
If something should go wrong after the sale – for instance, the puppy is ill or shows a genetic anomaly – you will have no redress and will probably never see the first, third and fourth people listed above ever again. The second and fifth sources will still be there, but they will not be of any help if you do experience some problems.
If you see puppies advertised in local or free newspapers, you should be wary if several breeds are listed within the same advertisement. These small ads are usually placed by puppy farmers and/or dog dealers. The same advice applies to puppies that are advertised on the Internet. If you see an advertisement exclusively for Jack Russell puppies and, when you ring the number quoted, there is resistance to you visiting the puppies in their home, forget it – don’t go.
The puppies should not leave their mother and littermates to go to their new homes until they are at least eight weeks old.
Do your homework
Research the breed thoroughly before you commit to a purchase. The Internet is a good source of information, as are the canine weekly newspapers. For useful addresses, contact numbers and websites of people who will help you find a type of puppy, turn to page 126.
For Parson Russell Terriers, the Kennel Club will be your best source of information, followed by the breed clubs. To find breeders of the genuine working type of Jack Russell, contact the secretary of the regional section of the Jack Russell Club of GB. It would be a good idea to go to one of their shows where you can meet the breeders. Other good sources are places where dog owners congregate, such as training clubs. Veterinary surgeons can often help, too, as they will invariably know the local breeders. There are also Jack Russells for rehoming in rescue centres, the best of which try to match the dogs with potential owners. Charities such as Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs Home do their best to assess a dog’s temperament and match him to a new home.
Viewing the puppies
Good breeders do not sell their puppies before they are at least eight weeks old, and, ideally, you should visit a litter when they are about six weeks old. This is a good opportunity to see the puppies with their mother in their own home. If you are looking for a family pet, take your children with you – these dogs are long lived and will be around for the children’s formative years. Keep them (the kids) under strict control, and remember that the puppies may never have seen small human beings before.
When you go to the breeder’s to see the puppies, it is a good idea to examine them, checking their health and temperament.
Ask to see the puppies’ mother, and do not buy a pup if the breeder cannot or refuses to show her to you. You are looking for a well-balanced dog who has not got short piano legs with turned-out feet. This type of dog is probably a cross breed and, although it may be a good hunting dog, it will not be a real Jack Russell and the puppies will probably end up looking like their mother. Also, check the mother’s temperament and how she responds to you; if she is fearful, cringes or is aggressive in any way, do not buy one of her puppies.
Likewise, take a crafty look around where the puppies are living. If their surroundings and bed
