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-aggressiveness should be discouraged and it should always appear confident. |  |
General Appearance
|
NOT OK |
A sturdy, tough terrier, very much on its toes all the time, measuring between 10" and 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. |
OK
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
Should be almond shaped, dark in color 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 the lower.
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Neck
Clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the
shoulders.
Forequarters
The shoulders should be sloping and well laid back, fine at points
and clearly cut at the withers. Forelegs should be strong and straight
boned with joints in correct alignment. Elbows hanging perpendicular to
the body and working free of the sides.
Round, hard padded, wide, of cat-like appearance, neither turning in
nor out.
Movement should be free, lively, well coordinated with straight
action in front and behind.
Old scars or 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.
A Jack Russell Terrier should not show any strong characteristics of
another breed.
Body
The chest should be
shallow, narrow and the front legs not too widely apart, giving an
athletic, rather than heavily chested appearance. As a guide only,
the chest should be small enough to be easily spanned behind the
shoulders, 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 loin 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
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 coated, without being
woolly.
Color
White should predominate
(i.e., must be more than 51% white) with tan, black, or brown
markings. Brindle markings are unacceptable.
Gait
Special Notes
Faults
