• My take on the different Jack Russells

    First of all they are all often advertised as Jack Russells in newspaper and magazine ads.  I advertise mine as Jack Russells as Russell Terriers is a very new name.  Parsons do get advertised as Parsons but sometimes they are advertised as Jacks.   

     
    The Parson Russell Terriers are built square and 12 to 15 inches as recognized by AKC.

    In UKC conformation shows, there are Jack Russell Terriers, and they are divided into two size classes: 10 inches to 12½ inches, and over 12½ inches to 15 inches.

     
    Then there are the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America dogs (JRTCA).  They are 10 to 15 inches and they are not interested in AKC or UKC recognition.  They do all their own shows and events. They are very active and involved in their dogs.
     
    Then there are the Russell Terriers, They are the short ones.  Because of JRTCA using the Jack Russell name, the AKC and UKC decided to call them Russell Terriers.  They are 10 to 12 inches and are slightly longer than tall.  We just recently were added In the AKC FSS program, but we are not yet allowed to show conformation at AKC shows.  So any you see at the AKC conformation rings are Parsons.  However beginning January 1st, 2007, we are allowed to perform and title in AKC performance events such as agility, obedience, and rally.  I have already titled Meatball and Gunny in Rally.  
     
    As you can see it is very confusing to try and explain.  I have only had this breed for three years and I may not have it all right, but I think that you can have a JRTCA dog and register it as a Russell or Jack Russell in the UKC, not sure about open registration for Parsons in the AKC but Russells are still open for registration.  I think that JRTCA may not register your dog if you have AKC or UKC papers.  Mostly to register you need a three generation pedigree and for your dog to conform to the standard. 

    My Russells are all registered as Russell Terriers with UKC, all but IC are registered with AKC and all but IC are registered with EJRTCA as EJRTCA was where we got our first registrations.  I need to work on getting IC registered.   

     
    For anyone wanting lots of good information on Russell Terriers, we have the AJRTA forum.  Lots of info on Russells, breeding and other topics.  www.russellterrier.net  Also, see our links for Russell Terrier Clubs and Associations.