As with all purebred dogs, finding a quality Jack Russell terrier is dependent upon finding a quality Jack Russell breeder. Where do you look to find Jack Russell breeders, and how can you determine which breeder is right for you?
Decide What You Are Looking For
There are two categories of Jack Russells. You can purchase either a show quality dog or a pet Jack Russell. While show dogs can make good pets, if you are not planning on showing the dog, you probably do not need a show quality pet. Determining which type of Jack Russell you want to own will help you choose a Jack Russell breeder that has the right type of dog for you. If you are not looking for a show dog, it is fine to overlook slight imperfections if the Jack Russell breeder keeps his dogs healthy and if they have the right temperament.
Look For The Breed Standard
The first thing you want to look for when shopping for Jack Russell breeders is a breeder who has a good understanding of the breed standard. Find out what characteristics they are trying to breed into their stock. Look at the pedigree of their breeding dogs. Find out if they have any dogs with distinctions. Most importantly, find out about the temperament of the dogs they breed.
Jack Russell Terrier Club Of America
One of the most helpful places to go when looking for a Jack Russell breeder is the Jack Russell Terriers Club of America. The JTCA dedicates their organization to maintaining the working status of these remarkable little dogs. They are working to keep the show ring from taking the working quality away from these hunting dogs. They have much information about the breed to give to potential new owners. They also keep a directory of Jack Russell breeders who keep their dogs healthy and up to the breed standard.
Choosing Your Breeder
Once you have narrowed down the search for Jack Russell breeders to just a few individual breeders, it is time to choose the breeder you are ready to work with. Call or visit the breeders and find out all you can about the history of the dogs they have been breeding. Ask to see the parent dogs, and evaluate the temperament, coloring, and level of energy of these dogs.
Make sure that the breeder allows you to take a new puppy for a well puppy visit, and learn whether or not they guarantee the health of their puppies. If they do not, run the other way! You want to breeder that has confidence in his healthy dogs. Talk to other Jack Russell owners to find out where they purchased their dogs and what their experience was with the breeder. These are just a few tips on finding a quality Jack Russell breeder.
