Jack Russell Terriers have Faults too!

Faults:

• Shyness             
• Disinterest
• Over-aggression
• Defects in bite
• Weak jaws
• Fleshy ears
• Down at the shoulders
• Barrel ribs
• out at the elbow
• narrow hips
• straight stifles
• Weak feet
• Sluggish or unsound movement
• Dishing 
• Plaiting
• Toeing
• Silky or wooly coats
• too much color (less than 51 percent)
• Shrill or weak voice
• Lack of muscle or skin tone
• Lack of stamina or lung reserve
• Evidence of foreign blood

Different kinds of Jack Russell Terrier coat

The Jack Russell Terrier is recognized for its three unique coat types: Smooth, Broken, and Rough, the latter distinguished by its coarse, longer, and straight hair.

No matter the coat type, Jack Russell Terriers are known to shed consistently.

These lively and spirited dogs typically have a predominantly white coat, complemented by striking black or tan markings.

There’s a reason they’re called “dirt dogs”! Jack Russells are in their element when they’re kicking up dirt and having fun outside. Mud, soil, or anything messy on their coat? Even better—these playful pups absolutely love it! As a spirited hunting breed, digging is one of their all-time favorite activities. The good news? Most dirt and even dried mud tends to fall right off their coat with ease.

No matter if your Jack Russell sports a smooth, rough, or broken coat, regular grooming is key to keeping them healthy, happy, and looking their best.

Grooming isn’t just about appearances—it’s an important part of their overall well-being. Beyond brushing, proper grooming also involves taking care of their nails, teeth, eyes, and ears to help prevent potential health problems in the future.

The Jack Russell Jacket

The Jack Russell Terrier's coat is remarkably easy to maintain. A quick pass with a bristle brush or even a soft cloth is typically all that's needed to remove dirt and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy. 

Dogs living indoors under artificial lighting often shed consistently throughout the year, with an uptick in shedding during the spring season. This shedding can sometimes lead to itching and a dull, untidy coat. While smooth-coated Jack Russells are often thought to shed more, it’s primarily because their shorter hairs tend to fall out more easily compared to the rough-coated variety. 

During heavy shedding periods, daily brushing is highly recommended. Tools like a stiff bristle brush, rubber curry brush, or slicker brush can help expedite the shedding process. Bathing also loosens additional hairs, especially when the coat is almost—but not completely—dry afterward. 

Rough-coated Jack Russells, however, tend to retain dead hairs for longer periods. These coats often require extra attention, such as plucking or stripping, to remove the old hairs and maintain a healthy appearance. 

Casual Grooming

Casual grooming can be a relaxing experience for both you and your dog. You can groom your Jack Russell while seated together on a blanket, but for better efficiency, a grooming table is a great investment. Begin grooming while your dog is still a puppy to help them get used to the process. Use plenty of treats and a soft brush to make the experience enjoyable. Praise and reward them for staying calm—even if they sit during the session—as long as they allow you to groom them.

Gradually introduce your puppy to being handled all over, including their feet, mouth, ears, teeth, tail, and even their more sensitive areas. At this stage, fostering a positive and stress-free experience is far more important than achieving a perfect grooming result. By creating positive associations early on, you’ll ensure your Jack Russell Terrier grows up to be cooperative and comfortable during grooming sessions. 

Jack Russell Terrier Temperament

Jack Russell Terriers are spirited, hardworking, and full of energy. Originally bred to flush foxes from their dens during hunts, they’ve also been used to track and corner other burrowing animals, including groundhogs, badgers, otters, and both red and gray foxes.

The primary role of a working Jack Russell Terrier is to locate quarry underground and either force it out or hold it in place until it can be safely retrieved. Their relentless determination and laser-sharp focus make them highly effective in this role.

Unlike some other breeds, Jack Russells don’t rely on excessive barking to alert their handlers. Instead, they communicate their find through intense focus and unwavering attention, making it clear where the quarry is hiding.

Renowned for their intelligence, athleticism, and fearless nature, Jack Russells are lively and engaging companions. However, without sufficient mental stimulation and daily exercise, they can quickly become bored, leading to destructive behavior or mischievous antics. This has given them the playful nickname "Jack Russell Terrorist" among their suburban owners.

Their boundless energy and drive make them fantastic candidates for dog sports like flyball, agility, and other high-energy activities. Obedience training is a must for potential owners, as proper socialization helps manage their occasional stubborn streak and prevents aggression toward other animals or unfamiliar people. While they may be small in size, their energy levels are anything but—these dogs thrive in environments where they can be properly exercised and mentally engaged, making them less suited to apartment living unless their needs are actively met daily.

Always eager to greet you with wagging tails and excited barks, Jack Russells brim with enthusiasm and thrive on interaction. They require a minimum of 90 minutes of exercise each day to remain happy and healthy. Generally friendly with children and strangers, their natural guarding instincts and strong prey drive can make them a bit territorial at first. With consistent training and reassurance, they quickly learn to adapt. However, caution is advised around cats and other small animals, as their instinct to chase can easily take over.