Sunset Kennels goes Racing

Buguya Jack Russells

Lure Racing/Coursing

Most Jack Russell clubs, or one of their members, owns a lure machine of some kind.  If you join a club no doubt they will hold field days that includes a race section.  Most Jacks will get the hang of racing straight off.  Some will only want to fight, and others will run straight to mum.

To be a successful racer your dog has to be fit.  A walk each day and the right diet will ensure your dog is competitive.  A dog that is overweight and is never exercised will always struggle at field events.  Remember the breed standard, which states a strong active lithe working terrier.  If your dog has a cabriole front and is very heavy don't expect it to be a race winner.

Remember the field days are supposed to be fun.  Jacks were not bred to race so don't expect greyhound speed out of them.  It is unfortunate that some clubs seem to think that a working Jack Russell is a racing Jack Russell.  Racing is just a diversion.

The difference between Lure racing and Coursing is;

Straight out lure racing is just that, a race in a straight line, sometimes with obstacles in the way, as in hurdles.

Coursing is when the lure travels in a pattern and ends up at the starting line.  The patterns can be square, oblong or a combination of both, but the course is a continuous loop.

Avoid field events that involve teaching your Jack Russell to jump fences (I.E. the high jump)

Best of luck.