History Of The English Jack
Russell In Ireland
The Jack Russell
terrier was developed in the 1800's in Devonshire England by Parson
John Russell, {1797 - 1883}, known as Jack by his friends, who besides
his church duties also enjoyed the fox hunt and was a great fancier of
the terrier. There was no shortage of terriers as most terriers were
developed in England and very popular during that time. As the
terriers were used to go to ground after quarry, none seemed to fully
satisfy the Parson. Some were too big, too long in the leg and not
built suitable to maneuver underground {in a hole}, some were dog
aggressive and at the same time not having enough metal in the den to
get the job done. He set out to develop a terrier that possessed only
the desirable traits that he found in some of the other terriers, at
that time he had acquired a terrier from a milkman named Trump, which
he became very fond. Popular belief has it that she {Trump} was used
in the foundation of his breeding program to produce what we know now
as the English Jack Russell.
A short while later these little dogs of renown were making a name for
themselves and caught the eye of terrier fanciers in Ireland. They
found them to be of desired size, conformation to go to ground, having
superior intelligence, gameness, hardiness, exceptional working
ability and a perfect temperament. They soon became a favorite of the
terrier man and his family as they also doubled as a family member
that could be trusted with their children, their friends and as well
as other animals. Moreover, could have complete freedom out around the
farmyard, which they kept free from vermin at which the little jack is
an expert. Come nighttime though more than one found their way down
under the old feathered tick {comforter} on the bed and kept someone's
feet warm which was much better than a hot water bottle that has never
been improved on.
The Jack Russell became a prized possession in terrier circles in
Ireland. Breeders were judged by what they produced, those that
survived as breeders were trusted tried and true. As a result, the
breed is as close as possible to Jack Russell's standards to the
present day. However, over the years the gene pool in Ireland has
decreased as fewer people have the dedication to continue the formula
as set forth by the dedicated breeders. As the fame of the Irish bred
Jack Russell spread abroad, creating a lucrative market in Ireland.
People who knew nothing about these dogs got into the breeding
business using anything that resembled a Jack Russell terrier as well
as mongrels, Chihuahuas etc. Then advertised in the classified where
they are snatched up for brokers to be shipped overseas, many coming
to America where they are sold as genuine Irish Jack Russells. The
genuine breeders do not sell to brokers as their only interest is in
preserving the breed, not creating puppy farms.
Copyright © 2008 Fred Rowlette
