A: There is no recognized breed as the "Irish Jack Russell Terrier". Some breeders, who import short-legged ("shorties") from Ireland, have taken to calling their terriers "Irish Jack Russell Terriers" or "Miniature Jack Russell Terriers". The breed does come in a wide variety of sizes, and a small one may appear mini compared to a large one, but a JRT is a JRT.

Whether they have long or short legs, all Jack Russell's have the same traits and legs have nothing to do with temperament or personality. A Jack Russell Terrier should be anywhere from 10-15 inches at the shoulders. They come in 3 coat types, smooth, broken and rough. They must be at least 51% white and the acceptable colors are black, tan, a combo called tri (black, tan and white). Any other colors are not acceptable (gray, brindle). Some disreputable people try to pass off off-color dogs as "rare" or like what you are describing many like to try to sell "miniature" JRTs. There is no such thing.

Many breeders will make claims that their terriers are bred to be great with small children, don't shed, and love cats. Please be very wary of these claims. The Jack Russell Terrier has been a hunting breed for over a hundred years and has very strong hunting instincts. They do shed and are normally not recommended for families with very small children.

Different countries have their own "versions" of many things. Dogs referred to as "Irish Jack Russells" don't look much like the dogs that fit the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain's breed standard, which is where the JRTCA gets its standard. Short legs, broad chest, and big bones are the norm in this "type."

Please review our site for more information on Jack Russell Terriers.

Return to the Forum.