What is a Wire Haired Jack Russell?

Sharing is caring!

What Is A Wire Haired Jack Russell? Wire haired jack russells are part of the family of jack russell terriers, and they’re sometimes called simply wire haired terriers or wirehaired jacks. Like all jacks, they were originally bred as hunting dogs, but you might be surprised to learn that their most common prey is actually rabbit!

History of the Wire Haired Jack Russell

The Wire-haired Jack Russell Terrier often abbreviated as W-JRT, originated in England around 1860, and was bred to be a hunting dog. The Wire-Haired Jack Russell, was bred to hunt vermin and other small animals. The Wire-Haired Jack Russell Terrier as indicated before was first created in England during Victorian times and was developed by crossing small terriers with longer haired fox hunting dogs such as bloodhounds. The name Jack comes from one of its founders, John Russell, who was apparently also responsible for breeding foxhounds. This breed, while being an excellent hunter, has become most famous as an affectionate companion pet due to its love of people and desire to please them.

Wire Haired Jack Russell Temperament and appearance

Wire-haired Jack Russells, like all dogs, are of variable temperament and appearance. For starters, let’s note that their appearance has far more in common with terriers than with other members of their own breed. These dogs have typically been used as ratters and hunters since their inception, so they’re built for speed and agility rather than strength or endurance.

Health issues with the Wire Haired Jack Russell

Although wire-haired Jack Russells are generally hardy dogs, they have a few major health issues to watch out for. Wire-haired Jacks are prone to developing pancreatitis, so many of them are on special dog food diets (or get their pancreas massaged regularly) to help keep inflammation down. Your dog also has an increased risk of cancer in his eyes, ears and nose area, as well as some neurological disorders.

Is the Wire Haired Jack Russell a good family dog(pet)?

A lot of people don’t realize that wire haired jack russells exist. Unlike their longhaired cousins, wirehaired jacks are low-maintenance and easy to train. They make good pets for households with kids. However, as all dog owners know, every breed has its own unique personality and any pet should be researched before being brought into your home.

Where to find the Wire Haired Jack Russell

Wire haired jack russells can typically be found in rural areas, as they’re bred to hunt small game. The best way to find them would be to contact your local humane society or animal shelter—if they do have some wire haired jack russells, they’ll most likely keep them out back and away from public access. You could also try finding a breeder on your own; take care in choosing, though—you don’t want just any old dog!

How much is a wire haired Jack Russell?

Wire haired Jack Russell puppies are not cheap. On average, you can expect to pay $500 to $2,000 for one of these pups. The cost will depend on whether you choose to buy from a professional breeder or go through an adoption agency. Many adoptable wire-haired Jack Russells are in rescue organizations and shelters.

Do wirehaired dogs shed much?

Some owners believe that wirehaired dogs shed less than their smooth-coated counterparts. It’s true that some wirehaired breeds have sleek, glossy coats, but whether or not they shed is pretty much dependent on breed (and climate). In general, wirehaired dogs do shed more than smooth-coated ones.

Are wirehaired terriers hypoallergenic?

The debate over whether or not wirehaired terriers are hypoallergenic dogs has been debated by many. Some believe they are, while others feel they aren’t. However, there isn’t an absolute answer to that question since there’s no clear-cut criteria for what makes an animal hypoallergenic. But with more research, it can help you make your own decision about whether or not to bring one into your home.

Wire Haired Jack Russell Fun facts

Like other terriers, wire-haired jacks are feisty and spirited. They were bred to hunt rats and pests in hard-to-reach places, so they’re not afraid of getting into tight spaces. With proper training and socialization, these dogs can be loyal companions who form strong bonds with their owners. They make great watchdogs who are suspicious of strangers until properly introduced to them. While they may look similar to other breeds, there are several characteristics that set them apart from other dogs.