Origin:
Originating in England in the mid 1800’s, the Jack Russell Terrier was named after Reverend John Russell. John was better known as ‘Jack’ and was an avid fox hunter.
Over time, the ‘breed standard’ for the Jack Russell Terrier became very broad, allowing varying body types and sizes. In 2003, the Jack Russell Association of America tightened the reigns and this when the ‘Parsons Russell Terrier’ was created. This separated the ‘working’ line of Jack Russell Terrier to remain known as the Jack Russell and the show lines from then onward known as the Parsons Russell.
 
Purpose:
The Jack Russell was a small game hunting dog, trained especially for hunting fox and having the ability to get them out of their dens. Over time they have also been used in tracking, agility and trick performing.

Coat care:
The Jack Russell’s short coat is easy to maintain. It comes in two style, smooth or rough. Brushing a handful of times a week will help to remove any dead coat and they only require to be bathed if they become extremely dirty.
Rough coats will require to be stripped out twice yearly.


Health & Temperament:
The Jack Russell is a sturdy, confident and merry little dog. They are devoted and loving and make a great companion dog. Their obedient personality makes them easy to train and they thrive on boundaries and being put to work.
They have plenty of energy to burn so require at minimum, one long daily walk. Aside from this, they will happily play games and be entertained with adults and children alike.
As with all dogs, exposure and socialisation from a young age is essential to ensure a confident, kind and well-balanced dog. With this socialisation, they can be great with children and other house hold pets. A nervous or anxious Jack Russell or one that thinks they are the boss can lead to behavioural issues such as snappy, separation anxiety, barking or resource guarding.
The breed is well known for being a good jumper/climber so a secure yard is essential.
Some Jack Russell’s can suffer from luxating patella’s (dislocation of the knee cap) eye diseases, deafness and a disease by the name of Legg Perthes, where blood flow to the hip joint can be disrupted. They are also prone to mast cell tumours, so health reports of breeding parents should always been requested as well as regular vet checks yearly, especially as Jack Russell’s age.
Most health issues for a Jack Russell don’t arise until later in life and the breed has an average life span of 15 years +.
 

​As we arrive home and walk in the door, Solo follows me into my office to take off his uniform. He heels, we take off his harness and then collar is removed—oh sweet bliss after a big day at work! Now, ‘dog mode’ kicks in: firstly, food. Thirty seconds later, now it’s playtime as he races around and says g’day to my wife and son with a trusty Kong stick in his mouth.

Later, it’s cuddle time. As I recline in my chair, he curls up between my legs for some good one-on-one time before bed. Solo’s favourite thing to do when I’m not working is to simply snuggle, he’s such a softy and I love that about him so much.

Weekends and daytime at home, he loves to play and follow people around—he’s such a sticky beak, always needing to know what everyone’s up to!

But he always makes sure to keep a watchful eye on me. So much more than a Guide Dog or mobility tool, Solo is a true family member.”
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– Tony, Guide Dog Handler

We all know the amazing work that the team at Guide Dogs Australia do.
Want to know more or how you can help? Support for groups such as Guide Dogs Australia is not just limited to donations. You can be involved in being a puppy raiser or even volunteer your time. You can find out more ways you can get involved HERE! 
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