Page 34 - JRT Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Perspectives

Do you see any difference in today's JRT/Russell
Terrier compared to those from 10 years ago? If so,
what are the biggest differences you see?
In Italy, the Jack Russells 10 years ago were longer
in body and much heavier, had poor toplines,
crooked fronts, cow-hocked hind legs, heavy
ears, and soft coats. Improvements appeared
in every aspect and at the same time the Do you groom your own
dogs became more elegant, lighter, better dogs? At what age do you
movers, and better constructed, as well as begin to groom your puppies?
more homogenous.
I do. First stripping to remove
baby coat is at 6-8 weeks.
What aspect(s) do you think that breeders
need to work on improving?
Themselves, first!! Their eye, objectivity, critical
ability, humility, honesty. You can’t improve in any
way if you are kennel blind. So, the most important
thing to improve is to watch your breeding with a
critical eye and watch others’ breeding with keen eye.
In terms of the breed, the hind end movement is still
terrible. Heavy chests are very common along with
big and low-set ears, long muzzles, low tail sets, and
poor coat quality.

How does the JRT/Russell Terrier differ from the
Parson Russell Terrier?
The Parson is lighter and leggier, has different
proportions body/legs, is straighter in front, and its
shape appears square. The Russell is slightly heavier
and has a 50/50 leg to chest proportion. The Russell is
more angulated in front and its shape appears slightly
rectangular.

At what age(s) do you evaluate your puppies for
show potential?

Starting from birth up to 8-10 months.

Do you show your own dogs or use a professional
handler and why?
I would love to show my own dogs, but if I was rich
enough, I would use a professional handler. Preparing
a dog for shows and keeping it in condition is a HUGE
amount of work, and showing is very stressful. A
professional handler would do it so much better,
without being involved emotionally while doing it.

Do you show outside of your own country? What
show would you like to attend that you have not yet
attended?

34 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Jack Russell Terrier / Russell Terrier • Issue 2/2023