There are two main types of Jack Russell Terrier; the standard Jack Russell and the Parson Jack Russell, although these can seem very similar, they are in fact different in many ways.

Jack Russell Terrier

This is the most common type of Jack Russell and is one of the most popular types of Terrier. The name comes from Sir John Russell who was a enthusiastic dog breeder and trainer in the 19th Century. This breed is well known for being industrious, hard working and energetic.

Jack Russell Terriers were originally used as working dogs, often to flush out vermin from holes in the ground. This working background is what gives the Terrier their hard-working and inquisitive nature.

Parson Jack Russell Terrier

The Parson Terrier is a variation on the standard Jack Russell breed and the two are often confused. Parsons have the same energetic character as Jack Russells but have slightly different physical attributes. They have long legs which were once useful for keeping up with horses while on a fox hunt, but also a small body which meant they were able to get into small gaps such as rabbits warrens and fox dens.

Regional Variations

As with most breeds of dog, there are variations in Jack Russells depending on their roots. For example Irish, Scottish and European variations are available.