Understanding the Russell Terrier
Over the last several years the general public, as well as the members of the canine sporting community have been totally confused and perplexed with the multitude of names and name changes, all referring to the same breed of dog. Compounding the difficulty has been the recognition of the new Russell Terrier in the American Kennel Club. This section of the web site lists the key registering bodies for the Russell Terrier, as well as the breed standards. The AKC registry has opted to use the world wide FCI Breed Standard as the standard of the breed within their respective registry. Please note that enthusiasts of the AKC Russell Terrier have worked diligently to eliminate any infusion of Parson or JRTCA Jack Russell Blood within their lines.
The AKC Russell Terrier
Historically, although breed from similar bloodlines of the Parson type, in the 1800s, enthusiasts infused very dissimilar strains of blood to develop a smaller version of fox working terrier that could be more easily transported in terrier bags and work in smaller earthen dens in more rugged terrain. Australia has been designated the country of development for this breed and the AKC breed standard reflects this influence.
Since 1995, The American Russell Terrier Club, Inc. has served the breed as the premier domestic registry for the purebred Russell Terrier. The ARTC ushered the Russell Terrier breed to AKC recognition in 2005 and in 2007 has been appointed the AKC Parent Club for the breed.. The American proponents of this newly recognized AKC breed have worked tirelessly to solidify the consistency of domestic breed type while eliminating any influence of the Parson/Jack Russell blood within their breeding lines. By selectively breeding the domestic foundation stock of the shorter legged and longer body type to quality purebred imports of the same breed, the members of the ARTC have effectively and very specifically eliminated "Parson or domestic Jack Russell" blood. The ARTC registry has solidified the purity of the American Russell Terrier.
The purebred Kennel Club registered Russell Terrier is not to be confused with the traditionally named Puddlin Dogs found in the English or Irish country sides. The traditional Puddlin Dog has benched legs and an extremely elongated body, with a pointed rounded head. The Puddlin is generally not noted for pleasant disposition nor has it been been bred for hunting or any utilitarian purpose.
Since 1995, The American Russell Terrier Club, Inc. has served the breed as the premier domestic registry for the purebred Russell Terrier. The ARTC ushered the Russell Terrier breed to AKC recognition in 2005 and in 2007 has been appointed the AKC Parent Club for the breed.. The American proponents of this newly recognized AKC breed have worked tirelessly to solidify the consistency of domestic breed type while eliminating any influence of the Parson/Jack Russell blood within their breeding lines. By selectively breeding the domestic foundation stock of the shorter legged and longer body type to quality purebred imports of the same breed, the members of the ARTC have effectively and very specifically eliminated "Parson or domestic Jack Russell" blood. The ARTC registry has solidified the purity of the American Russell Terrier.
The purebred Kennel Club registered Russell Terrier is not to be confused with the traditionally named Puddlin Dogs found in the English or Irish country sides. The traditional Puddlin Dog has benched legs and an extremely elongated body, with a pointed rounded head. The Puddlin is generally not noted for pleasant disposition nor has it been been bred for hunting or any utilitarian purpose.
