The Jack Russell Terrier has been around for over 100 years. This game little terrier takes its name from the Rev. John (Jack) Russell. A hunting parson, who lived, worked and hunted in North Devon (England) until he died at the age of 88 in 1883.
He rode to hounds and was a keen hunter for most of his life. He was obsessed with the idea of breeding the ideal terrier, which would go to ground and flush out the fox from its den. In this he was successful, as the modern Jack Russell Terrier will bear witness. Whilst at Oxford University he acquired the base dam.
From his memoirs we learn ‘Trump' was a hard-coated white bitch with a tan head and a black patch at the base of her tail. There is some dispute as to her size but again 'She was the size of a full-grown vixen and weighed approximately 12 pounds'. The basic Jack Russell Terrier is a strong active terrier with great character and a body of medium length and very strong jaws. They should be smart movers with keen expression.
Coat can be smooth, rough, or broken. Colour mainly white with tan to black patches. Temperament should be bold, fearless, and confident. They should be alert, lively, and active in appearance.