Breed of the Month--Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier


Color:  White, with tan or black markings.
Height:  10-12 inches
Weight:  11-13 lbs (2 lbs for each 2 inches)
Life Span:  12-14 years


Breed Health Concerns:  patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, cerebellar ataxia, myasthenia gravis, congenital deafness.


Coat:  Three types:  broken/ rough/ smooth, all weatherproof.
Country of Origin:  England

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Parson John "Jack" Russell began breeding terriers in the 1800s for use in fox hunting.  Russell's terriers were bred to be bold yet restrained and became distinctively mostly white in color.  The breed standard favored by Russell was set by a group of terrier fanciers in 1904 in England.

Today the shorter-legged version of the breed is known as the Jack Russell Terrier, whereas the more squarely built, longer-legged dog is known as the Parson Russell Terrier.

Fearless and up for any challenge, the Jack Russell Terrier is ready to explore and accompany the family on any adventure.  A great companion, the Jack Russell Terrier is loving, sporty, eager, and frisky.  The breed can become quarrelsome with other people or animals when excited and must be properly socialized from puppyhood.

Exercise:
Alert and active, the Jack Russell Terrier is a high-energy breed that requires large amount of daily exercise.  Although small in stature, the occasional stroll up the block will not keep the Jack Russell satisfied.  Several brisk walks each day are required to keep this energetic breed happy and healthy.

Grooming:
All three coat types are easy to keep clean with regular weekly brushing.

Training:
Frequent but short training sessions are necessary to keep this independent minded breed focused.  Properly timed rewards during training are essential.  Proper socialization from puppyhood is important to this breed.

Breed of the Month--Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer


Color:  Black and silver, salt and pepper, solid black
Height:  Males:  14 inches/  Females:  13 inches
Weight:  9-17.5 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more


Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, renal dysplasia, urolithiasis, Cushing's syndrome, epilepsy, diabetes, myotonia congenita, portosystemic shunts, retinal dysplasia, megaesophagus.


Coat:  Double coat, dense undercoat, wiry, hard outercoat.
Country of Origin:  Germany

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Germany has been using Schnauzers for farm dogs for centuries.  They are loving family companions that kill vermin and are very tough, hardworking dogs.  The smallest of the Schnauzers, small black poodles, and Affenpinchers were used to develop the breed.  Other breeds that may have contributed include:  Wire Fox terriers, Zwergspitz, and miniature pinschers.

Charming, charismatic, and lively, this rugged breed can make an excellent watchdog.  The Miniature Schnauzer is fearless but not aggressive, intelligent, and a devoted member of the family.  This breed enjoys being with his family and is a very social animal.

Exercise:
The Miniature Schnauzer is a high-energy breed that needs plenty of regular exercise and good daily walks.  It is vitally important to get this breeds energy out to avoid destructive behaviors.

Grooming:
The Miniature Schnauzer's coat requires regular attention by a professional groomer.  Show dogs must have their coat "stripped," while the family pet can be groomed with simple "clipping."  The hair around the face must be kept clean and out of the eyes.

Training:
This breed excels in obedience and agility.  Properly motivated, the Miniature Schnauzer will learn training quickly and be ready for more.

Breed of the Month--Silky Terrier

Silky Terrier

Color:  tan and blue

Height:  Males 9-10 inches/  Females: smaller

Weight:  8-10 lbs

Life Span:  12-15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, epilepsy, diabetes, collapsing trachea, dysplasia.

Coat:  flat, glossy, fine, silky single coat

Country of Origin:  Australia

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Silky is a mix of many terrier breeds, developed in Australia in the early 1800s.  This breed is very adept at killing vermin but was mainly developed as a house pet and small companion.  

The Silky Terrier enjoys being with his humans, but is not really a lapdog.  The Silky Terrier is curious, smart, friendly, and lively.  It is important to socialize this breed from a young age; as with many small dog breeds, socialization is important to ensure a dog that behaves in all situations.

The Silky Terrier is very capable of quickly winning the hearts of anyone passing by.  They are small, cute, fluffy, and soft.  Who wouldn't fall in love with such a cutie?

Exercise:

The Silky Terrier does require more exercise than most other toy breed dogs, but one moderate walk and a bit of playtime each day will keep this little guy happy.

Grooming:

Silky Terriers must be bathed regularly and brushed daily to keep from developing tangles and mats.  Many non-show Silky owners will clip their dog's hair to help keep it simple.  Often Silky Terrier owners tie the hair up above the dog's eyes.

Training:

The Silky Terrier is intelligent and is a quick learner because he aims to please his master.  Socialization is vitally important to this breed.

Breed of the Month--Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier


Color:  Two types: 1) White with markings on head, 2) Colors:  brindle, fawn, red, tricolor.
Height:  20-24 inches
Weight:  45-80 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, mitral dysplasia, zinc deficiency, congenital deafness, patellar luxation, familial nephropathy.


Coat:  Flat, short, glossy, harsh.
Country of Origin:  England

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Bull Terrier breed was established by Englishman James Hinks in the 1850s by crossing a Bulldog with the white English Terrier (now extinct).  The Bull Terrier was bred for agility, tenacity, and endurance.  Hink bred only white dogs, calling them "the White Cavalier."  The modern Bull Terrier may include some other breeds such as the Dalmatian or Greyhound.  The egg-shaped head of the Bull Terrier makes it easily recognizable.

The Bull Terrier enjoys as much time as possible with his family, but requires a great deal of regular mental and physical stimulation.  The Bull Terrier is playful and charming, but needs a great deal of good positive socialization.

Exercise:
The Bull Terrier is a highly energetic breed.  Theses dogs need a LOT of daily exercise, otherwise they tend to engage in destructive behaviors.  Because the breed is so playful, other dogs may find them intimidating, leading to rough play.  Be sure to always supervise your Bull Terrier around other dogs and be sure to socialize them.

Grooming:
The Bull Terrier is a moderate shedder, but an occasional rub with the hound glove will keep him looking his best.

Training:
The most important aspect of training a Bull Terrier is proper socialization.  The Bull Terrier's instincts are to protect and to play, and this is a strong breed.  An owner of the Bull Terrier must be able to take proper leadership using positive reinforcement training.  Training for this breed must be firm but not harsh.

Breed of the Month--Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier


Color:  Blue and tan, blue, liver and tan, liver, sandy, sandy and tan
Height:  Males:  16-17.5 inches/  Females:  15-16.5 inches
Weight:  17-23 lbs
Life Span:  11-16 years

Breed Health Concerns:  copper toxicosis, cataracts, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, and renal cortical hypoplasia.

Coat:  Thick, crisp, linty, with a mixture of soft and hard hair, tendency to curl on the face and head.
Country of Origin:  Great Britain

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Bedlington Terrier comes from the mining area north of England, and has the longest traceable pedigree of any terrier.  The Bedlington was probably cross bred from a sighthound (Whippet) and a scent hound (Otterhound).  These dogs were supposedly used by poachers and gypsies to catch game.  The breed was originally known as Rothbury's Terrier (or Rothbury's Lamb).  The Bedlington is capable of everything from swimming, to ratting, to running down hares.  He became very important to miners who used them for rats living in the mines.  The first Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in 1877.  This dog's lovable and loyal nature made him popular in the company of ladies.

Today the Bedlington Terrier is described as having the body of a lamb with the heart of a lion.  The Bedlington is intelligence, talented, and has plenty of exercise.  As with many terrier breeds, the Bedlington does not easily turn off the warrior in him when threatened or challenged.

Exercise:
Bedlington's like to run and need several vigorous walks each day to stay happy.

Grooming:
These dogs shed very little, but their coats must be clipped regularly.  Show dogs of this breed require extensive grooming.

Training:
The Bedlington is a quick learner who enjoys trying to figure out what the owner wants him to do.  The terrier instincts keep this dog alert, but loyal.