This week in out breed focus, we look at the Jack Russell Terrier.
The Jack Russell’s’ compact size, friendly inquisitive nature and intelligence make them popular as pets and for use in movies and advertisements. Often described as plucky little dogs, Jack Russells were bred to hunt out foxes gone underground during hunts. To this day Jack Russells remain keen terrier’s with the desire to hunt still very strong in their nature.
Happy, bold, energetic dogs, Jack Russells are extremely loyal and assertive. Their greatest trait is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent companion qualities.
Today Jack Russells are not only used as a hunting dog but are equally at home in the show ring, obedience trials, lure racing. competing in earthdog tests or endurance tests as well as providing companionship for families. They are certainly an all round family friend.
History
The breed originated in Devon, England in the 1800s and takes its name from one of England’s hunting parsons, the Reverend John (Jack) Russell. Jack Russell used his terriers to flush quarry for his hounds and was quite insistent that the terrier should only nip and tease the fox to leave its earth (den) so the chase could recommence. The terrier, being unable to keep up with the hounds, was carried to the earth by a terrier/huntsman in a small sack either in front of or behind the rider. Jack Russells needed to have the courage to face the quarry underground and when not used for fox hunting, Jack Russells were used to exterminate vermin such as rats, mice and rabbits.
Good temperament and character are essentials for this breed and with their great personality they are remarkably brave for their size. As well as enjoying the hunt they are equally happy romping with children in the garden.
The breed’s development in Australia
It appears that the fiirt known Jack Russells were brought from England by Mavis and Bill Roycroft when returning from the Rome Olympics in 1961. The Duchess of Beaufort gave Mavis Kiss Me Hardy (Hardy) and Mavis purchased Kiss Me Kate (Kate) as his mate. Other Jacks arrived with George Adams and his family and two more arrived with the new Victorian governor, Sir Rohan Delacombe. There were further imports during the 1970’s from the Duke of Beaufort, Duchess of Bedford, the Eastleigh and Corduroy hunts.
A small group of dedicated breeders set up the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia Inc in 1972 setting up the first stud book and register of Jack Russells in Australia. Jack Russells in Australia. The members of the Jack Russell club had an expanding pool of dogs of similar type and carefully documented and registered them.
Up until 1991 the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia was entirely responsible for the development of the breed. At this time it was officially recognised by the ANKC as a pure breed and state breed clubs were formed in New South Wales, Victoria Queensland and Western Australia. These member clubs of the ANKC conducted registrations of dogs and their progeny registered with the JRC of Australia up until 1994. The end result is today Australia can boast of playing a leading role in the development of the Jack Russell Terrier as a genetically pure breed.
Appearance
Jack Russell Terriers come in three coat types – smooth, broken or rough. A smooth coat must be smooth and dense. A Jack Russell with a broken coat has some whiskers, eyebrows and sometimes a beard but with a smooth-ish body coat. A rough coat should be harsh and dense. Coats require very little grooming – even rough and broken coats only need intermittent brushing. Clipping is also not required.
Jack Russells are predominately white with tan or tri-colour markings usually on the face and base of the tail.
Characteristics
Prospective owners of Jack Russells should prepare for a very intelligent, high-energy dog – the result of being bred as a working dog that must constantly problem solve when in the field. Jack Russells are at their happiest when hunting, and that can be anything from a fox or mouse.
Jack Russells are bold and fearless by nature, but also a friendly and playful dog and good around children, which is why they are a popular choice as pets. It is important that prospective owners are prepared to give their Jack Russell early training (from 12 weeks onwards) and regular, consistent exercise of at least 30 minutes each day to maintain their charming temperament and occupy their clever minds.
Due to their high energy and inquisitive nature, it is recommended that Jack Russells should remain on leads when they are taken to the park or the beach if they are not properly trained. Tall. secure fencing is also recommended and prospective owners should be aware that Jack Russells will dig holes and try to escape to the wide exciting world if they are bored. Jack Russells behave well in cars and love watching the world go by when travelling.
Health
Jack Russells are a hardy breed with few health or genetic problems. They are known for their good longevity with well¬cared-for Jack Russells living up to 15-years of age. Luxating patellas is now much less of a problem due to good breeding practices by responsible breeders.
Suitability
Jack Russells are ideal for active families with children aged over three or four years. They are kindly with loyal natures making them excellent companions and guard dogs for elderly owners.
Jul 30, 2009 | | Dog Breeds
This week in out breed focus, we look at the Australian Silky Terrier.
The origins of the Australian Silky Terrier may never be known. All we have are myths and stories as to the creation of this wonderful companion.
Our story begins some time in the late 19th century during the haphazard cross breeding that eventually produced the Australian Terrier. The English immigrants travelled to Australia were only allowed to bring various small terrier dogs due to the space and food restrictions that existed on the sailing ships. The early colonials needed a dog to control rodents and also watch animal stock on their properties. Several English terriers were cross bred to produce what was then known as the rough or broken coated terrier. The list of terriers is thought to include the Skye. Black and Tan. Scottish, Paisley. Clydesdale. Waterside. Norwich and Roseneath terriers.The Broken Coated Terrier appeared in the 1872 Royal Melbourne Show with exhibits divided into two classes, under and over seven pounds. The less than seven pound class was later j known as the Broken Coated Toy Terrier.
In 1888 the exhibits were known as the Broken Coated Blue Terrier, although blue and tan eventually became the accepted coat colour. It is thought that at this stage of the breeding program the Broken Coated Terrier became known as the Australian Terrier which came in two distinct groups, the first with a coarse wiry coat and the second with a soft textured coat. The subsequent breeding programs strengthened the characteristics of each group. The Tasmanian Broken Coated Terrier breeding program is said to have introduced the Dandie Dinmont Terrier to further soften the coat and improve the top knot. A Toy Terrier, Sandy or Silky Coated. was exhibited at the Tasmanian Agricultural Pastoral
and Horticultural Society Show in 1875. At some stage the Yorkshire Terrier was also introduced into the breeding program, initially
to develop the blue and tan colour and then later to improve the texture and length of the soft coated Australian Terrier. A structured breeding program then continued to further refine and develop the breed.
The first breed standard was drawn up by the Victorian Silky Terrier Club and this club was later superseded by the Victorian Silky and Yorkshire Club in 1904. In 1906 classes for the Silky Coated Terrier began to appear at a large number of shows. In 1908 the Victorian Silky and Yorkshire Terrier Club applied for separate classes at shows. However, it wasn’t until 1911 that separate classes were recognised by the Victorian Poultry and Kennel Club. Around 1906 another breed standard was introduced in New South Wales where the breed was commonly referred to as the Sydney Silky. In 1934, the Kennel Control Council (KCC) introduced special regulations that essentially prohibited cross breeding between the Silky, Yorkshire and Australian terriers. As a consequence, the breed quickly stabilised. Following consultation with all Australian states, the breed was officially recognised as the Australian Silky Terrier in the June 1956 edition of the KCC Gazette. A complete Australian wide agreement was not achieved until 1959. At this time, the newly formed Australian National Kennel Council accepted the standard and breed name for the Australian Silky Terrier.
Character and temperament
Extremely brave, assertive and full of energy, the Australian Silky Terrier is not your typical lap dog. Rather, they prefer to be treated as an equal. They are equally matched to suburban family life and unit living. They integrate into the modern family and associate well with growing children, although, they will usually form a stronger bond with one person. Common terrier characteristics embody keen alertness and constant activity, whilst maintaining their ratter instinct by always watching for scurrying prey! Silkies are a robust breed and are generally very happy and love to play. But, they also have a mischievous side and although they are regarded as quite intelligent, loyal and trainable, a defiant streak can appear. Above all, they are known to maintain a puppy attitude throughout their entire life excelling in obedience, agility and earthdog.
Health
The Australian Silky Terrier is generally a very healthy breed. In past years, there were instances of patella luxation and calves egge-perthes (deterioration of the hip joint). however, due to selective breeding, we rarely see these problems in the modern Silky.
A problem seen today is juvenile cataracts. They are relatively fit and hardy dogs and can have a life span of 14-16 years.
Grooming and maintenance
The Silky is a low maintenance doe. They have a fondness for grooming if it is started at a young age. Basic grooming should include bathing, brushing and combing of their coat on a regular basis. Some of the many endearing qualities include a single coat that does not moult and a distinct lack of “doggy” odour, therefore making them ideal for people who have allergies.
General appearance
The Australian Silky Terrier is a compact low set dog with a medium length and an approximate height of 23cm at the withers. The silky coat normally is parted to present a well groomed appearance. The small dark eyes represent an intelligent watchful expression with small pricked ears. They are born with a black and tan coat. The characteristic blue and tan colour must be established by 18 months of age for show dogs. All Australian Silky Terriers now have natural long tails since the prohibition of the practice of tail docking in April 2006.
Mar 25, 2009 | | Dog Breeds
In honour of the original use of this domain, and courtesy of the way back time machine, our initial post takes a look at “Doggy Licks”, the Tail Waggin’ Paw-Lickin’ Puddin’. Doggy Licks was created by Sally Boysseau. She created a treat to keep your dog busy and happy.
Taking the view that dog biscuits were boring, Sally and her team created, what was, at the time, the only pudding for dogs. They created a refreshing nutritious treat for their ‘rescued pound pups’ – Dakota, who was 10, Remmington, aged 8 and Little Bear, who was 6.
Doggy Licks was made from Pure Vegetables, whole grains and molasses. It was low fat, all vegetarian, dairy, soy and wheat free and contained no meat or byproducts.
Doggy Licks came in the mouth watering Peanut Butter & Caramel Custard flavour.
It contained:
- Crude Protein 2%
- Crude fat 1%
- Crude Fiber 1%
- Moisture 77%
- Carbohydrates 19%
Feb 16, 2009 | | Dog Treats