Russell History in Brief

Bred by the Reverend John (Jack) Russell of Devon England, this dog has been used to hunt the fields of England for centuries, and then some.   Many believe that Russell merely purified a dog that already existed.   His base brood bitch was called Trump, an animal he bought by a chance meeting with a local merchant.   The dog was not called a Jack Russell or a Parson until long after Russells death.   They were called Fox Terriers.

Jack Russell Terriers (also read Parsons) were originally called Fox or Working Terriers, and their origin is steeped in mystery and folk law.  Today's Fox Terrier, and Lakeland Terrier probable have a lot to do with the blood lines.  In fact many Fox Terriers were used in Australia to increase the gene pool as they were used in England in the old days.  It is said that the curly coat that is seen on some rough coats is a legacy of a White Lakeland Terrier X JRT.  It is also said that the Reverend never mutilated his Terriers (docked their tails or cropped their ears.)

1795    John Russell is born in Devon, England on the 21 of December.  He was a very keen fox hunter, therefore, he needed a willing working terrier to move foxes that went to ground.  He did not appreciate a dog that killed or continuously fought the fox.   Such a dog spoilt the hunt and was usually laid up for months recovering from his wounds.  Such dogs were usually destroyed or died of the infections from the wounds.

1819    May.  Russell buys the now famous Trump from a milk man between Oxford and Marston.    EWL Davies wrote of her:-    "In the first place the colour is white with just a patch of dark tan over each eye and ear, while a similar dot, not larger than a penny piece marks the root of the tail.  The coat, which is thick, close and a trifle wiry, is well calculated to protect the body from wet and cold, but has no affinity with the long, rough jacket of a scotch terrier.  The legs are as straight as arrows, the feet perfect; the loins and conformation of the whole frame indicative of hardihood and endurance; while the size and height of the animal may be compared to that of a full grown vixen fox."

Trump became Russells Base Dam.  Her likeness is on display at many places.  We should try to breed towards this likeness as that is what John Russell intended all of his terriers to look like.

1819    John Russell was Ordained.

1820    John Russell was made a Priest.  His yearly tiff was 60 Pounds.

1826    30 May 1826, John Russell married Penelope Incledon Bury.  They have 2 sons, the first dies at birth.  The second son has financial problems for a greater part of his early life but eventually becomes the bank manager of Swymbridge. 

1832    Russell moved family to Swymbridge.

1835    Russell is invested as Provincial Grand Chaplain of Freemasons.

1871    Arthur Heinemann was born in Essex, England

1873    Russell becomes one of the founding members of the London Kennel Club.   He remains a member until his death.   He excepts many Judging appointments

1875    Russells wife Penelope dies unexpectedly.

1883    24 April, more than a thousand attend the funeral of the late John (Jack) Russell.  He was 88 Years old.

1902    Heinemann foundered the Devon and Summerset Badger Club.  The club lasted until 1930.  It later became the Parson Jack Russell Terrier Club of GB.  

1931    Heinemann dies of pneumonia after a day in the field coursing.  He was sixty years.

Some old Prefixes

Staghead - a keeper of the Barondown Estate                                      Lynton - Mr Nicholas Snow                                                        Williton - Mr Notley                                                                    Bridgetown                                                                            Elicote                                                                                    Milton    

1965    The dog filtered into Australia during the good times when people were looking for diversions.   Perhaps the JRT was first introduced when the first foxes and rabbits were released.   The first recorded imports came in 1965.

1972    The Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia was founded.  It is said to be the developer of the breed in Australia.   The clubs Stud Register was started before this time by Dr Julie Tilbrook (Veterinarian) of Victoria.  Julie is now a life member of this club.   Julie with others drew up the requirements for the dog to be recognised by the ANKC.     The Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia (Inc) is based in Victoria.  Clubs already existed in England and other European countries.   

1990    Parson Jack Russell Terriers are recognised by the London Kennel Club.

1991    1 Jan 1991.    Jack Russell Terriers & Parson Jack Russell Terriers are recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).   Members of the JRTCA (Inc) are given until 30 June 1994 to cross register their dogs with the ANKC.  Many do so but drop out due to many factors.  Many are caught napping or are given bad advice and don't cross register their dogs.     At that time each State except the Northern Territory and Tasmania formed breed clubs affiliated with their State Kennel Control.   The ANKC recognized the Parson Jack Russell Terrier as a separate breed.    This being the first time the under and over dogs had been split up officially.   The English Kennel Club only recognized the Parson.

Since that time many countries have recognized the JRT.   

Jun 30, 1994    On the 30 June the ANKC Stud Book is closed to new entries.  The only dogs allowed to be registered will have to come from Great Britain with a 3 generation pedigree kept by a recognised Hunt or Club, or from progeny already registered.  Some people are disappointed because they had been advised not to cross register.  The belief was that the ANKC would hold open the Stud Register due to lack of numbers.  Wrong!

1998    The USA recognises the Jack Russell Terrier but with using the Parson Standard.  Apparently someone registered the name Parson Jack Russell.   Therefore, a JRT in the USA that is over 12 " tall is known as a Jack Russell not a Parson JRT.  There are other differences to their standard.

1999    Ireland recognises the Jack Russell Terrier.  The Parson was recognised in Ireland back in 1991 along with the London KC.   Ireland is leading the push for recognition of the Jack Russell breed with the F.C.I. using the Standard developed in Australia.

The Kennel Club (London) has now changed the name of the Parson Jack Russell Terrier to the Parson Russell Terrier to try and stop the confusion with the two breeds.  Their are also minor changes to the standard to make it more clear.  This change becomes effective in Australia on 1/1/01. 

Source:  Jack Russell and His Terriers (Dan Russell) [Allen]            

A Memoir of the Rev. John Russell, by the Rev. EWL Davies.                                 

Hunting Parson by Mrs. Eleanor Kerr.