Welcome to Sunset Kennels

FAQ'S   

You common Garden variety Jack Russell does tend to vary a lot from place to place.   This is probably because there are many variants to the breed.  First you have the height difference because of the influence of the taller dog, and then you have coat and body mass to contend with.  The difference can even vary from State to State and country to country.

Some common questions answered.

Q 1.    What are Puddins and do we have them in Australia.

Ans.    Yes we do have a lot of puddins in Australia.  They are generally badly bred dogs from backyarders or breeders with a puppy mill in the back yard.   The Jack Russell and the Parson are supposed to be spannable (see Breed Standard pages).   You see too many Jacks that look as if they have been crossed with a Corgi.   Look for a litter that has a little English blood in it.

Q 2.    Has the hunting instinct been bred out of Jack Russell's and the Parson Russell by Australia breeders wanting a more friendlier dog for the pet market.

Ans.     No I don't believe that the hunting instincts have been bred out of Jacks/Parsons.  It is more likely that the average dog can no longer do the job of going to ground, due to the Corgi chests that have become common on Australian dogs.   Most Terriers and for that matter most dogs can be trained to hunt successfully.  Hunting comes more naturally to Jacks/Parsons than perhaps a King Charles.    Any dog can catch rabbits.   I have seen a pair of Mini Poodles running down and killing rabbits on a Victorian Airfield.

Q 3.    Do Jacks/Parsons have many genetic faults.

Ans.    Be wary of breeders that line breed.  A fancy name used by breeders for interbreeding.   It is generally the term used by Puppy Mill owners, because they can't, or wont spend the money to vary their sires.   Have you Puppy checked by a Vet the same day as you purchase it.  The vet should know what to look for, but specifically he is looking for good health, luxating patella's, bent front legs, and bad dentition.   Other points like ear set are more superficial and will not effect the health or hunting ability of your Jack.   Take the pup back for a full refund if the Vet finds a defect that he believes will effect the pups quality of life.  If the breeder objects ring the Kennel Control and the local Consumer Protection Authority.   You will get little joy from a back yarder.

Q 4.    I want a quality dog for the Show ring and later I would like to breed.   Where do I get help. 

Ans.    Firstly contact you local Kennel Control.  See my links page for the organization in your State.   They should have a list of breeders for you to contact.   Don't buy the first pup that you see.  Visit a few breeders and ask lots of questions before buying.  You can be sure they will all have a good story for you.   If you want to show regularly then make sure that you have the correct ANKC papers and not club papers.   Be aware that some breeders issue both ANKC & Club papers.

 Q5.    Parson are only useful above ground. True or False.

Ans.    False    Parsons and Jacks are supposed to have the same body size.   Jacks have smaller legs than the Parson.   Both dogs will do the job of going to ground to flush fox and other vermin.   Some donkeys believe the Parson only hunts above ground but they can go anywhere that a Jack can and then some.   They can also follow a horse which is near impossible for a Puddin.   Remember the Hallmark of the breed is spannability.  If the Jack or Parson can not be spanned then it will be no good for below ground work.  This same animal will probably make a great PET.