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Breed Profile: Jack Russell Terrier

By Lauren R. Tharp

The original “purse dog!”  Long before Paris Hilton was stuffing Chihuahuas into her handbag, Jack Russell Terriers were being toted around in “terrier bags” while their owners traveled around on horseback.  Originally bred in England, the Jack Russell evolved to its current form in Australia.  This faithful outdoorsy breed was first recognized by the AKC in the early 19th century and is currently the 72nd most popular breed according to AKC registration records.

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Small to medium.  They’re generally 10-12 inches “tall” and weigh 14-20 pounds.

Coat & Color: Tri-color, white with black, or tan.  Their coats can be smooth, wire, or a mix of both (smooth heads with wire bodies)

Other: Famous Jack Russells include the title character on Wishbone, Milo in The Mask with Jim Carrey, and Eddie on the television show Frasier.

Life Expectancy: 15 years or more

Temperament:

Highly intelligent, these dogs can often be described as “tricky.”  They’re definitely not to be trusted with small animals (their hunting instincts run very deep and very strong) and they’re prone to pull off Houdini-worthy escapes!  They have a penchant for digging and love to explore.  These dogs are very intense.  Fortunately, they’re as intense with their wonderful qualities as they are with their troublesome ones.  With the right owner, Jack Russells can be loyal, affectionate, playful family pets.

Wags:

  • Minimal grooming required.  This breed is super low-maintenance.  The occasional bath and they’re good to go!
  • Eager to learn.  The perfect candidate for learning and performing tricks
  • They’re friendly, loving, and have a long life-expectancy.

Challenges:

  • Highly unsuitable for first-time owners.  Jack Russell Terriers require extensive obedience training.  And even trained Jacks can be wily!
  • Very vocal.  Even though Jack Russells hardly ever bark “for no reason,” they find “reasons” to bark much too often.  They’re alert to the extreme and they’ll let you know it!
  • Without consistent training, exercise, and companionship, they can become destructive or even aggressive!

If you’re looking for a Jack Russell to join your family, visit the Florida Jack Russell Rescue.

Special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the Jack Russell Terrier.

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Breed Profile: Labrador Retriever

by Lauren R. Tharp

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States.  (According to AKC registration records).  Once the friend of the lonely fisherman in Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever is now a friend to everyone, around the world!

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: A muscular, compact-bodied dog, the Labrador Retriever generally weighs in anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds.

Coat & Color: The Labrador Retriever’s hair is straight, short, and very dense.  At first touch, their coats can feel hard and coarse; but they have a soft, near water-proof, undercoat.  Colors include black, yellow, and chocolate.

Other: They’re known for their “otter” tail!  Labrador Retriever’s love the water and their tail not only looks like an otter’s tail, it functions like one too—they use it to steer themselves when in the water.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Temperament

First recognized by the AKC in 1917, the Labrador Retriever is outgoing and devoted and supremely useful!  Used as guide dogs for the blind, as search and rescue dogs, and as narcotics dogs for Law Enforcement, Labrador Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, non-aggressive, and eager to please.

Wags:

  • Fantastic with people and other animals.
  • Easy to train.
  • Easy to groom.

Challenges:

  • Does not make a good guard dog.  Much too friendly.  More likely to snuggle up to a stranger than attack them.
  • Not the best dog for very small children or the elderly.  Labrador Retrievers are extremely rambunctious and, with their muscular bodies, they can accidentally injure those of us with a weaker frame.
  • Requires lots of exercise!  And, when their exercise needs are not met, they may become destructive.

If you have a Lab in Sarasota, you’ll definitely want to add Brohard Paw Park – The Venice Dog Beach on your route map.  You and your dog will enjoy socializing and playing in the water in this gorgeous Sarasota County park.


Thinking of adding a Labrador Retriever to your family?  Please contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida for information on adoptable dogs.

Special Thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image.