| Contrary to popular belief, the Jack Russell Terrier is not strictly a breed. An English clergyman, the Reverend Jack Russell, developed the eponymous breed in the 19th century. This parson had been brought up in a keen fox hunting family and had himself become a hunting enthusiast. Reverend Jack Russell died in 1883, however his small hunting dogs had by this time become highly respected and the breed was kept going by hunt enthusiasts. There were many small dogs bred for hunting and this has created great conflict regarding what a true Jack Russell actually was. Nevertheless, the long-legged, ‘Jack Russell’ as originally bred by the Reverend was preserved and has subsequently been renamed the ‘Parson Russell Terrier’, and this is the dog that is to be seen in the show ring today and also the one that’s been officially recognised by the Kennel Club. The term ‘Jack Russell’ has become a generic name for shorter-legged, black, white and/or tan working terriers and as such it’s not actually recognised as a specific breed, rather a type of dog. |
