Inherent Problems with the Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier Databases - Page 1

The fact that the Parson Russell Terrier (Parson Jack Russell Terrier) are technically the same breed, but the difference lies that the Parson Russell terrier is a narrowed standard of the Jack Russell Terrier, bred with an emphasis on conformation over hunting ability.

 

The Parson Russell Terrier is an AKC recognized breed, the Jack Russell Terrier is not.

 

 

 

However, both breeds share a great deal of common lineage in the parent lines, and having them as sepperate catagories only results in duplicate pedigrees, and gaps in progeny if one dog had offspring registered with the JRTCA [Jack Russell Terrier Club of America] and with the AKC -- which only allows Parson Russell Terriers.

 

The AKC and JRTCA are at odds, because the JRTCA emphasizes working traits and field ability, while the AKC focus is on conformation to breed standard.

 

 

 

I think that the Jack Russell and Parson Russell databases be merged to promote continuality in the pedigree, because the individual dogs can have their registry listed, and that to the educated enthusiast already shows whether the dog is a "Jack" Russell or a "Parson" Russell.

Since this post was made in 2007 and it's now 2010, many things have changed and I'd like to clear up some of the inapplicable statements and misstatements in the original post. 

1.  The FCI Jack Russell Terrier has been registerable in the AKC-FSS studbooks (Foundation Stock Service - the first step in the process of full recognition of a breed) since October of 2005, where it has been given the official breed designation of "Russell Terrier."  As of January 1, 2010, the breed is eligible to compete at AKC shows in the miscellaneous breeds classes at conformation events.  The breed has been eligible to compete in AKC performance events since 2001.

2.  The so-called "emphasis" on conformation rather than hunting ability in the American Kennel Club is a misstatement of fact.  One only needs to go the AKC website to understand that the AKC equally "emphasizes" hunting, through the sanctioning of performance events in which more than 100 breeds, including Russell Terriers, are eligible to compete, such as Earthdog, Tracking and others. In 2008, AKC approved 3,950 licensed performance events with 239,000 entries and 9,950 titles earned.  Register your dogs with AKC, and you too can participate in the events that will keep our breed sharp for its intended purpose.

3.  The JRTCA may be at odds with the AKC, but having been involved in the world of AKC shows and events for more than 50 years, I have never seen the AKC take a special interest in either promoting or persecuting any other breed club and I think it's safe to say that AKC harbors no animosity toward JRTCA.  I suppose the conflict on JRTCA's part is a result of misunderstanding the role played by AKC in the sport of purebred dogs.  I have no quarrel with JRTCA - in fact, I'm grateful to them for the careful records they have kept for so many years.  I would like to compete with some of my dogs at JRTCA events, but I've been informed (by members and former members) that AKC dogs are not welcome. Perhaps I've been misinformed.

4.  AKC is primarily a registering body, it is also a rule-making body covering registrations, conduct of and at events, and none of those rules even hint at how breeders breed their dogs - except that they do require keeping accurate records of breedings and that the purity of breeds is maintained through the breeding of registered dogs.  AKC recognizes the integrity of many foreign and domestic registries, and accepts for AKC registration, dogs which have been previously registered with those organizations.  That's where pedigrees begin for most breeds in the FSS - not every AKC recognized breed originated in the U.S. - very few in fact - but "Miscellaneous Breeds" or AKC-FSS is where they started the road to AKC recognition.  I might also say that many, many breeds went through a period of serious contention between individual breeders and breed clubs during the process - and we're no exception.  AKC prefers to leave the arguing to breed fanciers.

5.  AKC does NOT tell breeders they must breed for conformation, hunting abilities, brown eyes, or four legs or anything else - breeders are responsible for what happens to a breed, and as with any other registry - either in the U.S. or elsewhere around the world - puppies are eligible for registration by virtue of their parents having been registered. Neither AKC nor anyone else can predict what the hunting ability of any puppy will be.  AKC does not and can not dictate what events a breeder may participate in - many exhibitors go to UKC and other organizations' sanctioned events and other totally independent events as well and their status with AKC remains unaffected. 

6.  Breeders have&n

I wonder if any of you can help me with some infomartion. I help rescue dogs, and am a retired trainer of 27 years now,but have never came acorss an ALL white JRT. I got one in yesterday. It made me wonders about the problems like other breed white boxers, dobermans and all that should not be that color. Does this color have any problems like those associated health problems with other breeds whom should not be all white? I have really found nothing on the Net about this subject yet. I can check back here if you can email me zahnweg@aol.com   

Thanks in advance,
Jerry Hicklen