Miniature, unique shorty under 10", Irish
shorties, Irish very short:
If you are interested in purchasing a Russell Terrier, you
should consider there are no variations of the Russell Terrier
acceptable under the guidelines of AKC defined under the Russell
Terrier standard. Miniature, unique Russell Terrier variations under
10", Irish very short, or Irish shorties, puddin's, short legged, and
short ones are terms which clearly do not represent the AKC Russell
Terrier. The Russell Terrier is a well balance terrier with a 50/50
body depth to length of leg ratio, with straight front legs. The chest
of the correct Russell Terrier should not fall below the elbow. The
breed is not a short legged terrier breed with benched front ends.
Reputable breeders will be breeding within the accepted height range
from 10" to 12" using the AKC standard with no reference to the word
short in their representation of the breed. That does not mean a
reputable breeder will not occasionally have a puppy under 10". You
should take into serious consideration the health issues involved with
below standard size. Dwarf characteristics which include limb
deformities and other health issues associated with the dwarf gene
should be a concern. Health should be your primary concern as opposed
to size. Professional, honest breeders with integrity will breed with
strict adherence to the AKC breed standard for the Russell Terrier.
They would not consider breeding variations outside the standard. AKC
FSS registered stock is not a guarantee the stock adheres to the AKC
standard.
What is Dwarfism:
Achondrodplasia is a category of skeletal dysplasia caused by
abnormalities of the growth on the development of bone or cartilage
that result in dwarf characteristics. Dwarfism is inherited as an
autosomal recessive gene . That simply means both sire and dam must
carry the dwarf gene for it to manifest into phenotype. The Boston
Terrier, Welsh Corgi, Bull Dog, Pekingese, and Pug are considered
dwarf breed. The same abnormalities in the Pug have been found in
dwarf brachiocephelic equines which include the round or doom heads,
concave nose and the monkey jaw. The AKC FSS Russell Terrier is not a
dwarf breed. The skull of the Russell Terrier is flat with a defined
stop. Slightly rounded or doom heads are not acceptable for the breed
as well a concave or sloping stop. Russell Terriers exhibiting dwarf
characteristics such as benched east and west front ends should not be
used as breeding stock resulting in the perpetuation of the dwarf gene
and may not considered common characteristics of the breed. Breeding
stock that carries the dwarf gene should also not be used for
breeding. The dwarf gene is linked to many other canine diseases very
detrimental to the health and welfare of any breed.
Important note about color
The Russell Terrier is predominantly white with various spots of
black, brown, cream, tan, and tri. The Russell Terrier derived from
the Reverend John Russells fox working terrier going back to the
1800's. The acceptable range of color is consistent with the origin of
the breed. There are no acceptable variations of solid colored Russell
Terriers defined in the AKC Russell Terrier standard.
Controversy of the name Parson Russell Terrier, Jack
Russell Terrier, and Russell Terrier
The Russell Terrier originated in England but was never recognized as
an official breed in the UK. Australia is designated as country of
development for the Russell Terrier. In Australia and Europe with the
FCI countries the Russell Terrier is known as the Jack Russell
Terrier. Due the conflicting use of the name by the Jack Russell
Terrier Club of America "JRTCA" in the US the name can not be utilized
for the Russell Terrier in the US. The AKC Russell Terrier is the same
as the Australian FCI Jack Russell Terrier. The AKC Russell Terrier is
not the same as the Jack Russell Terrier in the US and must be
considered a distinctly separate breed due to the development of the "JRTCA"
Jack Russell Terrier regardless of height. The "JRTCA" followed
England's recognition of the Jack Russell Terrier type not Australia.
The Jack Russell Terrier in Australia and the FCI Jack Russell Terrier
in Europe is maintained as a distinctly separate breed from the AKC
Parson Russell Terrier, the "JRTCA" Jack Russell Terrier in the US and
the Jack Russell Terrier in England. (Also see: Education).
Fox Terrier Infusion
The AKC Russell Terrier originated from the Reverend John Russells fox
working terrier going back to the 1800's. The Russell Terrier should
exhibit similar characteristics of the Parson Russell Terrier due to
the same origin yet be distinctly different in body and leg length. No
true authentic Russell Terrier can be represented as having no fox
working terrier blood.
The English Jack Russell Terrier is not the same as the AKC FSS
Russell Terrier. The English JRT is a type of small terrier not
recognized by any Kennel Club in the world. It is maintained by a
small group of breeders in the US with a distinctly different standard
from the AKC Russell Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier. It is
entirely an American type of small terrier with no known country of
origin or development.
FAQ Concerning Membership If accepted for membership, you must
agree:
~To abide by the ARTC constitution, by-laws, policies & code of ethics.
~To accept the AKC standard as the only acceptable standard for
the Russell Terrier and breed only according the AKC standard
~You must follow the guidelines, rules and regulations of the American
Kennel Club & American Russell Terrier Club regarding breeding
practices.
~The AKC and ARTC maintains that the JRTCA Jack Russell and Parson
Russell Terrier are two distinctively different breeds. Therefore, it
is unacceptable to register and crossbreed the two breeds or
individually register them with the AKC as a Russell Terrier or
register a JRTCA Jack Russell as an AKC Russell Terrier.
Losing AKC privileges and/or failure to abide by this agreement will
result in expulsion from the ARTC.
