Breed Standard

(Jack Russell Terrier Club of Canada)

Characteristics: The Terrier must present a lively, active and alert appearance.  It should impress with its fearless and happy disposition.   It should be remembered that the Jack Russell is a Working Terrier and should retain these instincts.  Nervousness, cowardice or over-aggression should be discouraged, and it sho8ld always appear confident.

General Appearance: A sturdy, tough terrier, very much on its toes all the time, measuring 10" to 15" at the withers.  The body length must be in proportion to the height, and it should present a compact, balanced image, always being in solid hard condition.

Head: The head should be well balanced and in proportion to the body.  The skull should be flat, of moderate width at the ears, narrowing to the eyes.  There should be a defined stop but not over pronounced.  the length of the muzzle from the nose to the stop should be slightly shorter than the distance from the stop to the occiput.  The nose should be black.  The jaw should be powerful and well boned with strongly muscled cheeks.

Eyes: The eyes should be almond shaped, dark in colour and full of life and intelligence.

Ears: Small"V" shaped drop ears carried forward close to the head and of moderate thickness.

Mouth: Strong teeth with the top slightly overlapping.

Neck: Clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the shoulders.

Forequarters: The shoulders should be sloping and will laid back, fine at points and clearly cut at the withers.  Forelegs should be strong and straight boned with joints hanging perpendicular to the body and working free of the sides.

Body: The chest should be shallow, narrow and the front legs set not too widely apart, giving an athletic, rather than heavy chested appearance.  As a guide only, the chest should be easily spanned behind the shoulder, by average sized hands, when the terrier is in a fit, working condition.  The back should be strong, straight and, in comparison to the height of the terrier, give a balanced image.  The loins should be slightly arched. 

Hindquarters: Should be strong and muscular, well put together with good angulation and bend of stifle, giving plenty of drive and propulsion.   Looking from behind, the hocks must be straight.

Feet: Round, hard padded, of cat-like appearance, neither turning in or out.

Tail: Should be set rather high, carried gaily and in proportion to body length, usually about four inches long, providing a good hand hold.

Coat: Smooth, without being so sparse as not to provide a certain amount of protection from the elements and undergrowth.  Rough or broken, without being woolly.

Colour: White should predominate (ie. must be more than 51% white) with tan, black or brown markings.  Brindle markings are unacceptable.

Gate: Movement should be free, lively, well co-ordinated with straight action in front and behind.

Please note:For showing purposes, terriers are classified into two groups; 10" to 12 1/2" and 12 1/2" and up to 15".   Old scars and injuries, the result of work or accident should not be allowed to prejudice a terrier's chance in the show ring, unless they interfere with its movement or with its utility for work or stud.  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.