Our Shortie Irish Jack Russells - What makes them different

	Our Shortie Irish Jacks are brilliant, in a word! They ooze with character and charm. Life is never dull with them, they are incredibly funny,smart, loyal and highly portable and easy to keep. 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, but never demand it. They love 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!

	Although I think there is nothing better than a good Jack and that every family should have, at least, one!   In reality, they are not for everyone. Please 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. Although I breed for a mild temperament, they will be lively and mischievious as pups.

	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 I raise. 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.   Here in America this type of jack has many names, Shorty/Shortie Jack, Irish, English, Australian Jack                                          Puddin'Jack, European Jack Hunt Terrier*(solid coloured jack)  and most recently they are being referred to as Russells, in Ireland they are still simply called Miniature Jacks or Jacks.   *We don't differentiate between the colors in Ireland. Neither the solid nor the spotted jacks are rare, no Jack is rare in Ireland there are tons of them everywhere. They are probably the most common dog seen. They are popular because they make such great pets. In the British Isles and Ireland the terriers that work alongside the hounds at the foxhunt are called Hunt Terriers, for that is what they were bred for their hunting ability. These hunt terriers are very intense, high drive terrriers that thrive in working environments.   From what I have read the American 'Hunt terrier' is just a solid jack, but I may be wrong as they may be 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.

In every purebreed, personal preferance always affects the 'type' over the course of time. This type of Jack has been affected the same way and certainly many shortie jacks in America have a different look to Irish jacks. 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 IKC Jack Russell Terrier.  This type of Jack is not known for their working ability, 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.   I do not work my dogs and so I prefer a non working type temperament. 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 was so hardy and tended to be free of so many common genetic issues, that many 'purebreeds' endure,  is because they were not forced into any rigid textbook standard, they were not recognised by the Kennel Clubs and inbreeding and line breeding was not necessary. This has been one of their greatest strengths as a breed, in my opinion. I am now a 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. Although in Ireland this 'type' is never registered. I am happy to know the Ejrtca registry remains 'open' at this time, thus ensuing a healthy number of dogs remain in the gene pool.  Jack Russells are now being registered by the AKC and this seems to be bringing about some positive changes for the breed, which is always good. They are being registered as Russell Terriers, which takes a bit of getting used to for me, but change can be good, I am optimistic that this will be good for the breed.