History of the Jack Russell Terrier - Heartland Working Jack Russell Terrier Club

It is hard to believe that at the present time, there really could be anyone out there that hasn't heard of this "little white dog" known as the Jack Russell Terrier--and more recently, as the Parson Russell Terrier. While this breed may have been virtually obscure 15 or 20 years ago, the Jack Russell has been cast into the limelight now for several years, whether you've watched Eddie on any one of the Frazier episodes, are acquainted with Wishbone, or have seen one of at least a million commercials or advertisements featuring Jack Russells, you'd pretty much have to be from another planet to not to be familiar with the Jack Russell Terrier.

But just how well do you really know this cute little bundle of energy?

The Jack Russell traces his roots back to the late seventeenth century England; and while legend has it that this "type" or "strain" of white-bodied, working terrier was developed by---and takes its name from---the Reverend John Russell, there is certainly evidence that he was not the first to use these little white dogs for working fox and badger in England. But, it seems reasonable to devote at least a paragraph or two to the Parson, since it seems to be pretty much agreed that we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for the Jack Russell that we know and love today.

Reverend John Russell was born in the north of Devon, England, in 1795. His father kept hounds, and like his father, he inherited his father's intense love for hunting. While he was still in school, an event took place that more than likely the Jack Russell we know today owes its very existence to the following quote comes directly from a second edition of "The Out-of-Door Life of the Rev. John Russell, a Memoir", published November 6, 1883, and is a description of how he came by his first terrier, the renowned "Trump".

"It was on a glorious afternoon towards the end of May, when strolling round Magdalen meadow with Horace in hand, but Beckford in his head, he emerged from the classic shade of Addison's Walk, crossed the Cherwell in a punt, and passed over in the direction of Marston, hoping to devote an hour or two to study in the quiet meads of that hamlet, near the charming slopes of Elsfield. But before he had reached Marston a milkman met him with a terrier----such an animal as Russell had as yet only seen in his dreams; he halted, as Actaeon might have done when he caught sight of Diana disporting in her bath; but, unlike that ill-fated hunter, he never budged from the spot till he had won the prize and secured it for his own.

She was called Trump, and became the progenitress of that famous race of terriers which, from that day to the present, have been associated with Russell's name at home and abroad---his able and keen coadjutors in the hunting-field.

In the first place, the colour is white with just a patch of dark tan over each eye and ear, while a similar dot, not larger than a penny piece, marks the root of the tail. The coat, which is thick and coarse, and a trifle wiry, is well calculated to protect the body from wet and cold, but has no affinity with the long, rough jacket of a Scotch Terrier. The legs are straight as arrows, the feet perfect; the loins and confirmation of the whole frame indicative of hardihood and endurance; while the size and height of the animal may be compared to that of a full-grown vixen fox."

So there you have it---a description of a little white dog, written nearly 200 years ago, that still fits most Jack Russells perfectly today! It is truly a wonder that this, or any breed, could have endured this many years, virtually unchanged from its original form. But indeed it has, and perhaps this is one of the reasons the breed is so endearing to its owners who would have nothing else!

But, at the same time, this "unspoiled" specimen of an animal, complete with his original instincts and abilities, now inhabits the 21st century. And that he is so unspoiled is the very reason why the Jack Russell is not "for everyone". He may look like this cute little ball of "couch-potato fur", but he is as far from that category as he could possibly be. It must be remembered that the Jack Russell terrier is first and foremost a hunting dog, with keen hunting instincts. Given the proper environment, and proper supervision, they are an incredible delight to spend time with, not to mention turning your life over to. But cast into an improper situation, where there isn't sufficient outlet for the energy levels, and without proper supervision, things could go horribly wrong, and these "little white dogs" can indeed become your worst enemy.

So, before you go rushing right out to get your hands on one of these little cuties, please take the time to properly research the breed, talk with different breeders, spend time with their terriers, and most importantly, be honest with yourself when deciding if you really are the right sort to be owned by a Jack Russell!

HWJRTC wishes to thank Karen McCarthy for permission to publish this article.