A Description of the Breed
by Anna Katherine Nicholas
written in 1990
Jack Russell Terriers are many things to many people. We have already discussed the breed's sporting and working qualities, pointing out the usefulness of these dogs in hunting foxes with the sportsmen who enjoy this activity. Jack Russells also perform the more prosaic job of keeping the premises free of rodents with impressive efficiency- at farms, kennels, or stables. They are true terriers, from whisker to tail, in every sense of the word.
Not all of us, however, love chasing over the countryside behind a fox or own large country properties in need of a rodent eliminator. What, then, about those of us who just need an all around family dog that will be fun to own, intelligent, and fit nicely into the household?
It would be impossible to improve upon a Jack Russell for any of those purposes. Game and hardy as they are, they also possess a keen appreciation of comfort; they bask in being permitted to share the household with their people and even with several other dogs (not just of their own breed), plus a cat or two. How well this works depends largely upon the tact displayed by the owner, seeing that all introductions to other animals with whom the home will be shared are handled tactfully, to ensure good, jealousy free future relations. This is true of pets no matter what the type and breed.
The keen intelligence of Jack Russells always makes them interesting to have around. Their delightful ways with people, their affection for their owner (and their eagerness for making this clear), and their obvious comfort in sharing your chair, sofa, or bed, or curling up in your lap as you read or watch television, make them ideal, no matter what your lifestyle.
Being small, Jack Russells are truly a most convenient size for taking with you on your travels, and they have the ability to settle in happily in an apartment, a house in the suburbs, or in the country. Their size makes them a tremendous amount of exercise unnecessary, although they do seem practically tireless in the field, romping and playing or accompanying you on walks.