There are so many questions people ask about the Jack Russell terrier. Here is a ton of information that could clear up some confusion about the Jack Russell breed.

Q.  What is the difference between the Jack Russell and a Parson Russell?

A.  The Parson Russell terrier is AKC registered. The JRTCA and its registry were founded in 1976 for the purpose of protecting and preserving the unique characteristics and working heritage of this great little terrier, and remains dedicated to that purpose today. The Club is, and always has been, emphatically opposed to recognition of the Jack Russell Terrier by any kennel club or all-breed registry. Recognition, it is believed, will be detrimental to the preservation of the Jack Russell as the sound, intelligent strain of working terrier it has been for more than 100 years. The AKC recognized the Jack Russell terrier on July 8, 1997. Because AKC doesn’t require a dog to fit the breed standard to be registered, the JRTCA saw this as a threat to the preservation of the breed. The JRTCA turns down dogs with genetic faults. Kennel club registries accept anything, and thus implicitly condone breeding from it. By turning down dogs with inherited defects, the JRTCA is doing a great service to protect the Jack Russell and keep out serious faults in the breed. Likewise, kennel club registries accept dogs which are the product of brother/sister, mother/son, or father/daughter matings. This sort of inbreeding has contributed to the physical and mental downfall of many breeds, making them unsuitable for work or companionship.

BIG BIG MYTH

There is no such thing as a teacup Jack Russell. If you spend extra money to pay for something “rare” you have just handed someone a ton of extra cash, and encouraged them to keep breeding dogs for the wrong reason. Teacup of ANY breed is a runt of the litter, and can often have health problems. If a puppy is malnourished it will not grow as big, some breeders will even keep puppies from nursing as much to keep them small.