Deborah Britt-Hay

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-23-2022

Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and adorable dogs with a few special requirements when it comes to raising them. For example, your pet mouse or snake will be regarded as prey by a Jack Russell, so don’t get a terrier if you already have a rodent or rodent-eater. All puppies have special needs, and Jack Russells are no exception, so consult a pre-puppy shopping list before you bring your dog home.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

In spite of the efforts of responsible Jack Russell breeders to rid the breed of all genetic problems, some disorders still pop up from time to time. This article shows you discusses some of the more common problems found in the breed. Please understand, however, that this is not an all-inclusive list, and it shouldn't be used as a guide to diagnosis. Always seek your vet's advice for any symptom or problem you may encounter in your Jack Russell Terrier (JRT). Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy, an abnormality of the heart muscle, can result in lung edema (water in the lung), weakness during exercise, and sudden death. This defect is difficult for the average owner to detect, but if you notice your JRT having trouble after a walk or a run in the park or if you hear her wheezing when she breathes, explore this possibility. Cerebellar ataxia: Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological disorder resulting from degeneration of the cerebellum's cortex. The degeneration can progress steadily and cause a stagger in the dog's gait. If your terrier appears wobbly on her feet or disoriented from time to time, this disorder could be the cause. Cryptochidism: Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. The testicle is retained in the abdomen or inguinal area, and it may slide in and out of the scrotum. You can easily detect this problem because your male terrier will appear to have only one testicle in the scrotum or will alternately have two and then one, depending on the day. Although this isn't a life-threatening problem, it is best to neuter a terrier born with cryptorchidism. A cryptorchid dog may be more prone to cancer. Hernias: Hernias occur when a one of the dog's organs or tissues protrudes through a body wall. The most common of these are the inguinal hernia and the umbilical hernia. These occur when a portion of the intestine falls through the scrotal opening or through the umbilical opening. You will notice a bulge in the dog's stomach or scrotum that looks like a growth. Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. High toes: The term high toes or short toes applies to a condition in which the toes of the front feet are shorter than normal in a full-grown terrier, giving the appearance of toes that don't touch the ground. This occurs primarily on the front feet, but it has been seen on hind feet, as well. Although not a debilitating defect, it is considered a breeding fault. Hydrocephaly: Hydrocephaly results from an accumulation of fluid in the brain, and it causes the brain to degenerate. The afflicted dog often becomes disoriented or runs into objects while walking. Sadly, dogs with this condition don't usually live long. For those who survive, treatment often is ineffective. Hydrocephalic dogs often are euthanized. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: Legg-Calve-Perthes (also called Legg-Calve) disease is a septic necrosis, or degeneration, of the head of the femur (the thigh bone). It usually doesn't manifest itself until a puppy is at least six months old, and it can result in progressive rear-leg lameness. It primarily affects small breeds. If you notice that one of your terrier's legs looks different than the other three or that one is particularly susceptible to becoming sore, this disease could be causing the problem. Lens luxation: Lens luxation is a fairly common inherited disease of the eye in which one or both lenses become partially or completed dislocated from their normal location behind the cornea. In the case of complete dislocation, the lens will be painful and the eye will look red or opaque. Lens luxation, if left untreated, can develop into. The condition usually manifests itself later in life and should be treated as soon as it is diagnosed to prevent blindness. This condition seems to be relatively common among terriers and particularly among Jack Russell Terriers. Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Patent Ductus Arteriosus is caused by the failure of the fetal vessel between the aorta and the pulmonary artery to close at birth, causing heart murmurs, weakness, and even death. Special care must be taken of dogs with this condition because they are susceptible to heart failure when exercised even moderately. Surgery for this disorder can be quite effective, especially if performed when the dog is young. This is a problem that can't be diagnosed unless the dog is examined by a veterinarian. Progressive neuronal abiotrophy: Progressive neuronal abiotrophy (or ataxia) causes tremors and a lack of coordination in dogs and is caused by degeneration of the cerebellum's cortex responsible for coordinating movements. As a result, a dog develops a staggering gait and becomes unable to stand or even eat. Von Willebrand's disease: Von Willebrand's disease, also referred to as vWD, is a common, inherited bleeding disorder that manifests itself through abnormal platelet function. Symptoms include ongoing bleeding of the gums and nose, bloody urine, prolonged bleeding during estrus or after the birth of a litter, and excessive bleeding after surgery or by a slight nick while trimming your Jack Russell's nails. It is caused by an insufficient von Willebrand factor, a blood protein that binds platelets to blood vessels. Continued bleeding in humans is nothing to laugh at, and it is no laughing matter in the case of your Jack Russell Terrier, either. If you notice that your JRT has a tendency to bleed easily or that bleeding continues for a significant amount of time after a small nick or cut, notify your veterinarian and ask for his or her advice. Mention the fact that your terrier bleeds easily and that the bleeding is difficult to stop. The disease usually attacks purebred dogs, although mixed breeds also can be affected. The good news is that it isn't as common in JRTs as in other breeds. The bad news is that it can crop up from time to time, and it is serious enough to warrant testing if you suspect your terrier may be a victim. It is important to test for Von Willebrand's disease early on, and many experienced and responsible breeders have their breeding stock tested prior to breeding. Breeders often advertise their litters as having been tested for the disease. Although this list certainly is daunting, rest assured that there are far fewer occurrences of these disorders and diseases in JRTs than in many other breeds. If all of this medical mumbo-jumbo makes your head swim, just follow some simple advice: If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog or if you suspect something isn't right, notify your vet right away. Some disorders can be managed and treated; others are irreversible, and you need to make an informed decision regarding your dog's future.von Willebrand's disease.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

All dogs are social by nature, as proven by the formation of packs. When you separate your puppy from his littermates, you and your family effectively become his pack. When you have to be gone, whether for work or play, your puppy is left without his playmates. You can make this time easier for your puppy by doing the following: Exercising the dog right before you leave the house Leaving special chew toys for your puppy to use during your absence Providing a quiet, peaceful area with food, water, and a soft bed for your puppy to enjoy while you're away Keeping your departures and returns low-key and unemotional Never punishing your Jack Russell Terrier upon your return for any behaviors during your absence Sometimes, regardless of your best efforts to provide a peaceful oasis for your puppy, he will still view your absence with some trepidation. You may find that your puppy barks for a few moments when left to his own devices but then settles into a quiet nap until you return. Or your puppy may get excited in the hopes of going with you but then, when he's convinced you're going out alone, resolve himself to playing solo until your return. In extreme examples, however, your dog may succumb to separation anxiety. Hitting the panic button Dogs who truly suffer from separation anxiety exhibit classic signs of claustrophobia when left alone. Basically, they panic. In their efforts to calm their fears, these dogs may tear up carpet, try to claw their way through doors, or bark until they can't bark any more. Although puppies are natural demolition derbies and usually outgrow this destructive phase, an adult dog who suffers from separation anxiety is a different kettle of fish altogether. You first need to understand why this behavior occurs. Because you have become your terrier's pack, he feels vulnerable when you're away. Essentially, his backup buddies have left him all alone. Instead of taking a deep breath and waiting it out as humans may do, your dog begins to fret about the fact that you may not return. The more he frets, the more anxious he gets. The more anxious he gets, the more he tries to escape the confines of the house to reunite himself with his pack. As his concern builds into panic, his actions escalate. He begins to claw at the carpet surrounding the doors or the screens covering the windows. He may lose control of his bodily functions and soil the carpet, or he may dig frantically at the door jamb to try to open the door. All these things can lead to significant destruction of property in a very short time. Separation anxiety is very real for your dog and is actually akin to a human anxiety attack or claustrophobia. Your dog isn't being destructive out of spite. He simply becomes so agitated that he can't control his anxiety. By punishing your dog for his destructive behavior, you're teaching him to dread your departure and also to dread your arrival home, doubling your dog's anxiety level. The more anxious the dog is, the more destructive his behavior is. By punishing your dog after the fact, you're, in essence, creating a vicious cycle of escalating destructive behavior. Dealing with the anxiety When faced with particularly troublesome behavior from your terrier, try to think like your dog thinks. Sometimes this can significantly change your perspective and can help you come up with more effective, nonpunitive ways of solving the problem. The best way to diminish this problem is through safe confinement and constructive training. Remember the golden rule -- never correct your dog after the fact. It simply has no meaning for your terrier and adds to his already-established anxiety level. Keeping this in mind, look at the following tips to help your terrier through this troubling behavior. Create the best environment possible for your dog while you're away. Leave a radio on so that your terrier hears voices and doesn't feel quite so alone. Provide several toys and chewies that your dog can use to safely release his anxiety and rub your hands on them before you leave so they smell like you. Make sure the area is at a comfortable temperature and dim any glaring lights. By the same token, make sure your dog isn't left in total darkness, either. Decrease the attention you give to your dog before you leave the house. If you always play and amuse him just before you go away, you've made separation that much harder. You inadvertently show your dog why he should miss you even more! Instead, quietly go about your business and, when it's time to leave, simply gather up your things and go. Don't say goodbye or tell him how much you'll miss him. Again, this may make you feel better, but it actually increases your dog's nervousness and anxiety. Acclimate your terrier to your necessary periods of absence by taking short walks away from home. Make sure your dog has a doggy bed nearby and leave the house for an instant, stepping back in before your puppy has time to get worked up. Gradually increase the time in increments of just a few seconds. Avoid any drawn-out good-byes or threats about what you'd better find or not find when you get home. When you return, ignore your dog for the first several minutes, regardless of the condition of the house. If some destruction has occurred, resist the temptation to begin yelling about how a dog can do so much damage in such a short amount of time. It won't make you feel any better, and it will nullify any benefit of this training session. If the dog has managed to resist his destructive impulses, you have good cause to praise him quietly. After you set the stage for a calm reunion, either praise your terrier for his good behavior or ask him to perform a simple obedience task such as sit or down. Then praise his cooperation. Gradually increase the amount of time you're away until your dog gets the idea that you eventually will return and that your departure doesn't herald the end of the world. With a lot of practice and patience, you should be able to leave for a few hours without causing your dog to regress. Some dogs will permanently respond to this training; others will only stay calm for a few hours before giving in to their anxieties. If your dog falls into the latter category, confine your dog while you're away. This is less stressful for your dog, and it ensures that your house will remain intact. But if your dog has serious separation anxiety, crating the dog can make the behavior worse — your dog may injure himself! Try using doggie daycare or consulting with a behavioral specialist.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Most Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) make wonderful pets, but not all make wonderful show dogs. It's much easier to find a dog of pet quality than it is to find a dog of breeding or show quality. Don't allow a breeder to dissuade you from a dog you're drawn to in favor of a more expensive show-quality dog unless you're seriously planning to breed or show your dog. Although the other dog may meet show standards, the most important feature in a pet is personality. Allow your temperament and preference to be your guide. In the end, it is important to buy from a reputable breeder and to buy the healthiest dog you can find that best fits the criteria you have selected as important. Unless you're planning to show your terrier in conformation classes, forgive weaknesses that are unimportant to you, provided they don't jeopardize the health and future of your pet. Personality, temperament, and appeal are the most important qualities you should consider, and then have your dog spayed or neutered as soon as your vet says it's feasible. Don't fall into the lure of breeding a pet-quality dog just to raise a few bucks. It won't pay off in the long run, and you will be adding to the problems the breed already faces — overpopulation and indiscriminate breeding. Overall appearance Overall, the terrier must appear to be alert and energetic. He also should appear to be quick-witted, should be eager to join the fray, and should be confident in his actions. The dog should appear balanced and square, even at first glance, and should give the appearance of strength and good health. Because the Jack Russell Terrier was bred to be a hunting dog, he must appear ready for action and excitement and should present a picture of a friendly, outgoing dog with a bright look and a cheerful expression. If you've seen even one Jack Russell Terrier, you've probably noticed that quick, eager-to-pounce look in his eyes, especially if you pick up a ball or another toy. Basic temperament Although a JRT always should be game for a good hunt, he shouldn't have a hair-trigger bark, shouldn't yap at anything that passes by, and shouldn't appear anxious or nervous. A dog that feels the need to bark at the slightest perceived threat usually is timid by nature, a definite fault in the Jack Russell breed. Any inclination toward cowering, timidity, or nervousness is also undesirable. Even as a pet, you can see why these traits are frowned upon. Because the JRT's bark is quite loud and distinct, you really don't want to be awakened ten times during night because your JRT thinks he may possibly hear something as far as ten blocks away. Don't confuse nervousness with high energy. A Jack Russell Terrier is always on the move, hunting and exploring his surroundings. An anxious dog — one who routinely paces or is easily upset by changes in his surroundings — isn't considered to be of ideal JRT temperament. Although the Jack Russell should be confident in his actions, overt aggression — especially toward humans — isn't a desired trait. The JRT is bred to be confident in his job as a hunter and to either flush quarry out of its den or hold the quarry in the hole until his master comes and calls him off. Except for his job as a rat hunter, the dog isn't asked to attack the quarry, and any such tendencies are seriously frowned upon. As a hunting dog, the JRT should work alongside his master, holding when asked and relinquishing his prey when commanded. He should happily comply with his owner's wishes and should be neither encouraged to display aggression nor punished for being bold. Intelligence Along with their alert, energetic appearance, JRTs should also exude intelligence, which they often do to a maddening degree. The dog is quick to solve problems and is eager to find ways around perceived barriers. All this quick thinking makes the dog delightful to be around and humorous to watch. But be careful. Many Jack Russells have been known to outsmart their owners! Charming and playful, the JRT is happiest in the company of his owner, either snuggled up on a bed or curled up at your feet, but always on the lookout for a good game of ball. Remember, however, that the Jack Russell Terrier is far from a couch potato. He needs regular play periods throughout the day to be truly content. When at a loss for a playmate, the JRT is likely to create his own entertainment, either by tearing through the house at breakneck speed like a drag racer, by teaching himself to sit like a gopher to get your attention, or by barking at you and then running off to try to entice you to play. The bottom line is, you have to have a sense of humor to appreciate a Jack Russell Terrier.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Depending on your Jack Russell Terrier's outside activities, you should only have to bathe him every month or less. Of course, if your terrier is out rolling in the dirt on a daily basis, you may have to bathe him a bit more frequently. Short, more frequent baths are better than long, infrequent ones. Get your dog used to baths when he's still a puppy. As with children, try to make bath time fun by combining it with a bit of playtime. Don't banish your Jack Russell to the great outdoors when he smells a bit gamey. If a bath doesn't solve the problem and your terrier has had his regular dental cleanup, something else is wrong. A smelly dog is often a symptom of a more serious medical problem. Preparing for the bath Keep a large towel nearby to prevent having a wet and exuberant JRT running through the house spraying water everywhere. Don't be surprised if , immediately after his bath, your terrier is overcome by a bout of Jack Russell "turbo-itis" where he streaks about the house like a bullet. Just smile as he rockets around and know that this is the reason you adopted a JRT in the first place. Finding a shampoo and using it Like all dog products on the market, you may find the selection of shampoos to be intimidating, but rest assured that most are fairly equal in effectiveness. A more costly shampoo isn't necessarily better than an inexpensive one. One particularly useful item you may want to check out is a dry shampoo that requires no water or rinsing. If you and your terrier are always on the go, you may want to invest in this handy cleaning solution. You'll be glad you have it on hand when you have a filthy Jack Russell and bathing your dog with regular shampoo and water isn't feasible. When using a shampoo with water, use one suited to your Jack Russell's coat or skin problems, if he has any. In other words, choose a moisturizing shampoo if his skin is dry and scaly or an oatmeal shampoo if your dog has a tendency to itch. Before beginning the bath, check to see whether the water is warm but not hot. As you apply shampoo to his coat, work your way across his body, paying particular attention to the oily areas of his ears but avoiding the eyes. When rinsing, reverse the motion and rinse from head to rump, making sure that no shampoo residue remains. Coat care All dogs shed, and your smooth-coated Jack Russell is no exception, so don't expect him to be "shed free." A good outside brushing with a bristle brush or a special mitt keeps your floors and carpets as free of hair as possible. It is perfectly okay to trim errant hairs on your dog's feet, rump, and abdomen area. Naturally, a rough or broken-coated Jack Russell requires a bit more care than one with a smooth coat. If you have a rough or broken-coated terrier, a stripping comb is a great help in plucking your dog's dead hair. If you're really big on coat care, you also may enjoy the convenience of a combing table if you have the room and can afford one. Just remember that grooming need not be a time-consuming experience. A thorough once-a-week brushing and a good vacuum job on the house should do just fine. Skin irritations Many skin irritations are the result of insect or flea bites that cause your dog to scratch himself, thus aggravating the problem. Flea allergies are caused by the saliva in the flea's bite and can cause your dog to be miserable for days, especially if he hasn't been exposed to fleas for some time. Don't automatically assume, however, that fleas are the source of your JRT's itching fits. Dry skin also can be a common but less serious cause of skin irritation, and it is often easily treated using topical treatments or special conditioning shampoos. In addition, some skin irritations are the result of allergies to food, pollen, dust mites, or mold. Symptoms include scratching, biting, chewing, and constant licking. Treatments vary widely from cool baths to allergy shots or steroids that reduce inflammation (if present), depending on the type of skin irritation and his cause. Corticosteroids aren't recommended because they can have negative side effects and should be considered only as a last resort.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) are lively and loyal companion dogs. Their unique quirks and interesting personality traits make it necessary to pay close attention to certain aspects of choosing and raising a happy, well-adjusted JRT. When introducing a JRT into your home, keep these tips in mind: Choose the puppy or dog that best fits your criteria, based on your family’s needs, desires, and lifestyle. Be sure to get all the paperwork necessary to register your dog when you pick up your puppy. It is much harder to secure these documents after you’ve left the breeder’s house. Unless you’re positive you want to show or breed your JRT, have your dog spayed or neutered to prevent an unwanted litter. Prepare both your children and your existing pets for the arrival of a new puppy or dog. Set “rules of the road” for your children so they know how to handle the new pup. Understand that existing pets may need some time to adjust to the new addition. Keep in mind that not all pets mix well with a JRT. Anything resembling a rodent (such as a rat, rabbit, or guinea pig) or any animal seen in the wild (such as a snake) will be considered prey by your terrier. Puppy-proof your house prior to bringing your JRT home. Many common household items can be dangerous or deadly to your puppy if preventative steps aren’t taken. Training your Jack Russell Terrier brings specific challenges: Realize that your Jack Russell may take longer to housetrain than other dogs you may have owned. It’s not that they aren’t as smart; they simply have their own agendas and could take six to eight months to accept your program. Setting the pack hierarchy right off the bat is an important part of JRT training. Your terrier needs to know that you’re the top dog. Be careful not to antagonize an overly aggressive dog, however, and realize that setting a superior position doesn’t mean intimidating or abusing your terrier. Obedience training is extremely important for a JRT. All Jack Russells should know the basic commands (sit, down, stay, and come) and should perform them consistently. Obedience training takes patience and practice. This means you must be involved in your terrier’s training and must reward and reinforce the commands on a regular basis. Preventing unwanted behaviors from developing is easier than stopping them after they’re learned. You may encounter some tough behavior challenges when training your JRT. Stay calm, keep your temper firmly in check, and approach the solution with a clear head and plenty of patience and understanding. Caring for your Jack Russell Terrier requires good health habits and routine check-ups: Choose your veterinarian with the same care you use when choosing your family doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding services and fees. Be sure to take your terrier in for his vaccinations and address any medical concerns with your vet. All dogs, including JRTs, require routine health care such as worming, coat-and-dental care, and flea-and-tick control to stay healthy. Don’t neglect these day-to-day health issues. Select a dog food that’s appropriate for your JRT’s age and activity level and stick with it. Changing foods can cause digestive upset in your JRT and can lead to allergies or skin conditions. If you’re not sure what to feed your dog, consult your vet. Older terriers and those with special needs require additional attention and care. Be sure to check with your vet if your terrier falls into this category and discuss options to keep him comfortable and healthy. Give your Jack Russell Terrier plenty of room to run and lots of time and exercise with the family. Your JRT needs your attention and won’t be happy if left alone in the backyard. JRTs love to play and need you to be involved in their exercise. Choose fun activities such as beach excursions, terrier trials, or agility training to keep your family and your terrier interested and exercised. Traveling with your JRT need not be a trying event. Plan ahead and do some basic training prior to your trip. You may find your JRT to be a charming traveling companion. Many of the odd things your JRT does are normal for the breed. All Jack Russells are a bit strange!

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Before you bring your Jack Russell Terrier puppy home, you need to go on a pre-puppy shopping spree. Following is a list of items you need when you bring your puppy home. As your puppy gets older, you can add more items to the list. A harness (not a collar) suitable to your puppy’s size Toys such as balls or Frisbees (latex is best) — avoid toys with small parts that your puppy may pull off and swallow accidentally A first-aid kit for emergencies A nylon or web leash (the adjustable kind is best) Chewies made of hard nylon for teething and keeping teeth clean Nail clippers A retractable leash for when you start taking your puppy for walks An antichewing preparation or spray to keep your puppy from chewing on your furniture, slippers, and the like A sweater for chilly days A long training leash for obedience training A doggie bed (a padded box will do) with plenty of soft cloths or blankets — avoid wicker because your puppy undoubtedly will chew on it Shampoo A cage or crate large enough for your puppy to stand up in when inside A brush and comb Flea and tick products Housetraining pads if you choose to use them A pooper scooper An exercise pen if you want to keep your puppy confined within the house in an area that’s larger than his crate Two sets of flat-bottomed bowls for food and water — one big enough for home and a smaller set for travel A baby/child gate to keep your puppy confined A collar and a tag (that contains his name and your name, address, and phone number) for when the puppy is a bit older A bag of the same type of food that your puppy was fed at the breeder’s facility