Our Shortie Jacks - What makes them different ...and Special!

	These little dogs are brilliant, in a word! They ooze with character and charm. Life is never dull with a Jack Russell, they are incredibly funny, often smarter than their owners but they never point that out to them because they are too sweet and loyal to do that. My dogs are always by my side, on the couch, in my bed(much to hubby's annoyance), in the woods or just out doing my barn chores. They crave your company, and long to please you (so long as you teach them what is expected of them), they are kind to children and are uncomplicated and bring endless joy to me! I love my little dogs and life without them would be terribly dull!

	Nothing better than a good Jack! Every family should have, at least, one! However, they are not for everyone. Remember they are terriers, they are very smart and they need to be raised right! Pups are ALOT of work and owning a dog is a longterm responsibility. Every puppy is 'cute' but please make sure you are ready for the committment, time and energy required along with all the fun, joy and love that will come with owning a Jack Russell pup.

	I decided to add this page because it is a question I get asked daily! There seems to be so many misconceptions and myths about this type of Jack Russell.   First, I would like to explain what type of Jack Russell this is. Growing up in Ireland we had Jack Russells, we never referred to them as anything other than Jacks.   My family and friends considered a good jack to be; Small, compact, balanced, even tempered, good watchdog but never yappy or aggressive. Loyal, well behaved, healthy and low maintenance.   We certainly did not want nor would tolerate a dog that was; ill tempered, poorly behaved with the family cat or chickens, one that would stray from home, dig up my parents lovely gardens or one that would bother the horses.   We liked them small because they were easier to carry when they got tired on a long ride! We never hunted our Jacks and so we had no need for a dog with too much drive. That was the Jack I grew up with and that is what I strive to produce now.   Please know No good , well bred Jack should be hyper, yappy, aggressive, mean spirited, overly gamey or hard to train. Yet so many people I meet seem to think this is 'normal' for a Jack? That is until they meet our dogs! I love hearing people's reactions to my dogs, most are surprised to know how wonderful a good Jack can be!     Here in America this type is referred to as many things, such as; Shorty Jack Shortie Jack                                                Irish Jack                                                   English Jack                                            Australian Jack                                          Puddin'Jack European Jack Hunt Terrier*    *I am still getting used to this. We don't differentiate between the colors in Ireland or in the UK. Neither the solid nor the spotted jacks are rare, no Jack is rare in Ireland there are tons of them everywhere:-)) From what I have read the 'Hunt terrier' is just a solid jack, but I may be wrong maybe the hunt is infused with other breeds?  Certainly in Ireland solid(black & tan, red etc) and spotted pups are often born in the same litter and they are no different. When we think of a hunt terrier we are referring to  the fell, patterdale terrier or the German black and tan, all of which are very gamey, highly efficient hunting terriers but are rarely kept as pets, as they are more suitable for hunting.    In every purebreed, personal preferance always affects the 'type' over the course of time. This type of Jack has been affected the same way. They have evolved into their own breed, not simply a short legged version of the Parson jrt, or the quieter version of their registered cousins  the Russell Terrier.  This type of Jack is not a working terrier, while it may be possible that  some farmers take a few little dogs out to catch a rabbit, they are not known for their work. They do a much better job lounging around with you on the couch or following at your heels through the hills. Their main 'work' is being your companion. As I type this I have 2 jacks on my feet and realise they  make delightful  foot warmers too!!   The reason this 'type' of Jack Russell is so hardy and tend to be free of so many common genetic issues, that many AKC purebreeds endure,  is because they were not forced into any rigid textbook standard, they were not recognised by the Kennel Clubs. This has been one of their greatest strengths as a breed, in my opinion. I am now a proud member of the ejrtca. I can see the benefits of recording the bloodlines and using this  knowledge to ensure this 'type' remains sound and healthy. I am happy to know the registry remains 'open' at this time, thus ensuing a healthy number of dogs remain in the gene pool.      Please note, This is my website and my beliefs, not everyone may agree with them! But after over 30+ years enjoying this little terrier I have observed much and learned alot from them! I also know in Ireland we don't analyse them we just enjoy them!