Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier: Origin, Pictures, Facts & History

If you have done any amount of research into the Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) breed, you know how many offshoots there are and how confusing it can be to keep them all straight. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and can now provide you with up-to-date information about the Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier. Read on to learn more about the history of this breed and the popularity of this feisty, intelligent, and confident breed.

Breed Overview

There are two types of Russell Terriers: those with long legs or Parson Russell Terriers (PRT) and those with short ones or Jack Russel Terriers (JRT). To further complicate things, the Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier is known by many names, including the English Jack Russell Terrier and just the Russell Terrier.

Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier in History

This breed began with the foundation stock in England during the 18th century for use in foxhunts, though it was developed further in Australia. The original Jack Russell Terriers had longer legs, though they came in different sizes and leg lengths. Both terriers share a common heritage from North Devon, a government district in England. They were developed in the kennels of Reverend John “The Sport Parson” Russell, an enthusiastic fox hunter and dog breeder for which the breed is named.

How Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier Gained Popularity

The taller JRT (now known as the Parson Russell Terrier) was a better choice for bolting foxes, while those with shorter legs were much easier to transport on horseback. Shorties were useful for working in the brambles, hunting vermin, and bolting rabbits.

Another big difference between the two breeds is that the Shorty has a more agreeable temperament and personality. They tend to get along better with other pets and children, making them more highly sought after and popular as family pets.

Formal Recognition of Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier

The Russell Terrier was actually not formally recognized until recently. In the late 90s, the American Kennel Club (AKC) toyed with the idea of recognizing the JRT, but the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America opposed the idea as they didn’t want the breed to lose the working characteristics it had become known for.

Later, a breeder’s association was formed and petitioned the AKC to recognize the breed, which they finally did in 2012. The Russell Terrier was recognized in 2001 by the United Kennel Club, though they revised the breed’s name to Jack Russell Terrier in 2009.

Top 3 Unique Facts About Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier

1. They’re built to hunt.

The Shorties’ small chest, little legs, and relatively flexible body allow them to move unencumbered in underground dens and burrows. They’re considered the ultimate working earth terrier, not bred for bench (show). Though they’re great hunters, they’re not bred to attack prey.

2. They are very athletic.

Do not let their short stature fool you; Short-Legged Jack Russell Terriers are athletic little pups. They can jump as high as five feet and run long distances. They can even burrow underground, where they can lie in wait until it’s time to cast out their prey.

3. They have three different coat types.

The Short-Legged JRT can have smooth, rough, or broken coats. Smooth coats are dense, short, and easy to maintain with a soft brush once weekly. Rough coats are rough and dense, while broken coats are a mix between the previous two. Shorties with broken coats usually have facial furnishings of some kind and a small ridge along their backs.

Does the Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier Make a Good Pet?

These kind-hearted dogs make fantastic pets for families. They’re lively and friendly, though they require a fair amount of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Shorties have a seemingly infinite energy supply, so the best owners prioritize physical activity. Despite their small side, under-exercised Russell Terriers can become rowdy and destructive. They can also be dominant or aggressive toward other dogs, and their strong chasing instincts can make them inappropriate for households with other pets.

This breed is highly intelligent, with a great sense of humor and a craving for adventure. They are very entertaining and will bring joy and love into any home they’re raised in.

Conclusion

Short-Legged Jack Russell Terriers are an interesting breed with a long history. Though the AKC didn’t officially recognize them until the 2000s, they began development hundreds of years prior. These terriers may have a history of fox hunting, working in brambles, and bolting rabbits, but like other working breeds, their use has shifted over the years to the point where they’re now amazing family pets. Shorties may be small, but they pack a lot of personality into their short stature. These dogs can make fantastic pets in the right household, but they’re a lot more work than you might think.

Featured Image Credit: Lenkadan, Shutterstock