A wire-haired Jack Russell Terrier is a small breed dog with high energy and a rough coat. It is almost the same as a soft-coated Jack Russell Terrier but has small wiry hairs that grow above the undercoat and often form thick eyebrows, a mustache and a beard.
The Jack Russell terrier was bred by English huntsman Parson Jack Russell in the 1800s specifically for flushing out foxes from their dens. The breed is small enough to go underground to chase out the fox but not aggressive enough to kill it. The white coloration allowed it to be seen easily during a hunt. Character and temperament are considered the most important attribute in this breed, with size and coat type of secondary importance. The Jack Russell Terrier's size can range from 10 to 15 inches in height, measured at the withers. It has a wiry, smooth or broken coat that is mostly white with black and brown markings.
Jack Russells are fearless, alert, happy, intelligent and confident. Exercise is crucial to keeping the Jack Russell breed out of mischief. These terriers do well as family dogs. They don't tolerate poking and prodding but are quick enough to escape any nuisance. They should be taught to be tolerant and active from a young age.
