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Russell Terrier

The Russell Terrier is a cheerful little dog that looks like a plush toy but has the eagerness and tireless nature of a working terrier. Bred for use in fox hunting, the lively and inquisitive Russell Terrier has a rectangular body with almond-shaped eyes and V-shaped ears, bringing out an intensely intelligent expression.

It loves to entertain its people by performing tricks and would do any activity or job with the same dedication as it would while hunting. The RT has an unlimited supply of energy, which makes it a great playing companion for kids who know how to be gentle with dogs.

If you are looking for a clever little energetic dog that is charming and affectionate at the same time, then this is the breed for you.

Breed Characteristics

  • Other Names:RT, F.C.I. Jack Russell Terrier
  • Colors:White & tan, black & white, piebald, white 
  • Life Expectancy:12-15 years
  • Height:10-12 inches
  • Weight:10-15 pounds
  • Temperament:Fearless, alert, keen, active, inquisitive
  • Good with Kids:Yes
  • Exercise requirements:High
  • Hypoallergenic:No
  • Litter Size:4-8 puppies
  • Barking Capacity:Moderate
  • Health Problems:Deafness, patellar luxation, eye diseases
  • Trainability:Quite easy
  • Origin:England
Russell Terrier Dog
Russell Terrier Puppies

Russell Terrier’s History: A Timeline

    Mid-1800s

    The Russell Terriers were bred from the fox-hunting working terrier strains of John ‘Jack’ Russell’s kennels

    Early 1970s

    Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain was established

    1972

    Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia was set up that instituted a comprehensive registration system and a formal breed standard

    2001

    It was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC)

    2003

    The Russell Terrier was recognized by the American Rare Breed Association

    2004

    The breed was included in the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Program

Care

The RT is not a couch potato and needs to be taken along for hikes, long daily walks, and bike rides. Finding games like searching for treats is something that will help keep your dog’s brain and body exercised.

You may also help your RT participate in canine sports, including, obedience, rally, agility, flyball, and lure coursing.

Russell Terriers have a rough toy-like appearance that can be easily maintained. Their coats are of three types, including smooth, rough, and broken.

If your dog has the short, dense, smooth coat, you can keep it spick and span by rubbing its hairs with a hound glove or soft brush once a week.

The broken and rough coat varieties, on the other hand, need minimal grooming that includes a weekly brushing with either a dog comb or a slicker brush.

Routine hygiene measures like trimming its nails every month and cleaning its ears on a weekly basis should be followed.

Russell Terriers do well on quality dog foods, be it home-prepared or commercially manufactured. Make sure you seek your vet’s approval before giving any food to your pet.

Home-cooked food should have a balanced proportion of proteins and carbs. If you are going for the commercial types, then you may opt for Purina ONE and Wellness CORE, which are among the most reliable brands for RTs.

Since Russell Terriers learns commands and masters new tricks easily, training your dog will be a delightful job. It will not be a hard task if you have a great sense of humor and can keep the training sessions entertaining.

The breed has a strong prey drive, and so you should socialize your pup early on to mitigate any behavioral problems that might occur due to that trait. Also, teach your RT to wear a leash when you take it out for a walk.

Russell Terrier Images
Russell Terrier Picture

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