Jack Russell Terriers

Parson Jack Russell's Terriers.

I am reading at the moment; Hunt and Working Terriers by Jocelyn Lucas, the book was recommended to me by a friend who breeds and judges working terriers. It is, without doubt one of the best books I have read on working terriers. Written in the 1920's the author has working sealyhams and has many accounts of his work with them.

What struck me was the description of Jack Russell Terriers, which alter quite a lot for the Kennel Club Jack Russell of our day. Why is it the Kennel club seem to make a real hash of preserving a breed as it was originally intended? It probably says a lot about the low self esteem of those who take part constantly seeking perfection but only succeeding in producing freaks.

Jack Russell said he sought a type rather than a breed; this type was rough haired, predominately white, with narrow shoulders and a broad head. It coated needed to be mat like to survive the weather, and Jack Russell believed a smooth coat was a sign on Bull Terrier in the type, and he did not want any of that. His terriers were to mark its prey to ground and if possible bolt it, he did not want hard terriers which would grip the fox and fight silently under ground. A broadish head because he wanted his terriers to be able to grip when necessary and be able to get them selves out of trouble.

When I look at the Jack Russells today there is an increasing divide between the show world and the working world, I know which one has a better track record and which one I trust.

As an aside Joclyn Lucas has an account of the equipment needed for Badger digging, given by a French Nobleman in the 1600's, as well as spade, iron bar and tongs, it also includes a barrel of wine a cart with a mattress and and 17 year old willing girl! Not sure the Rev Russell would approve.