JRT's

[Amy-o]

I'm sure this has been asked on here quite a few times, but i'd like to know why aren't jack russells considered (by the kennel club at least) to be a purebreed? Is it purely because the parson was bred with something else to create the JR? I've always wanted to know but have been too lazy to find out.

 

[lastkid]

My understanding, from talking with JRT owners, is that JRTs and Parsons are essentially the same breed. The only difference is registration - when the AKC recognized the JRT, the JRTCA decided to fight that (they believe that AKC recognition alters breeds, which I agree with to some extent, and didn't want the JRT changed because it was being shown) and petitioned that the AKC change the name of the breed, which they did. One website I read said that the Parson is a longer-legged version while a JRT is a shorter-legged version, but they're basically the same breed.

 

[Amy-o]

Interesting. Yeh basically the same breed, i've also often thought that they 'created' the shorter legged breed in order for easier ratting (because my dad always told me they were bred for ratting). which i think i read somewhere is wrong, their purpose was something different. He probably thought this because they're often used now for ratting purposes, as you can still get their tails docked. I'm not too swift on the origin and purposes of dogs you see lol, but I just knew the JR aren't recognised by our kennel club and wondered why.

 

[SummerRiot]

Amy - your dad might be thinking of Rat Terriers?

But jacks were bred for the same basic reason. THey make fabulous little farm dogs if you dont want cats peeing in your hay storage lol

They are "To Ground" dogs and will follow burrows and such to get at a rodent.

I have heard that Parsons are calmer then the JRTs as well. Perhaps they are low drive bred JRTs lol