The Jack Russell Terrier is a type of white-bodied hunt terrier originally developed in Mid-1800's England by Parson John Russell.  The Parson was an avid fox hunter and wanted a terrier with the heart and "grit" to follow fox and other ground quarry into their burrows, to "go to ground", and either bolt the quarry or hold it in the earth until it was dug out.  Parson Russell, known as Jack to his fellows, developed the best terrier for working earth quarry, the dog that continues to bear his name: the Jack Russell Terrier.

Everything about this terrier is suited and designed for his work, from his strong hindquarters to drive into the ground, to his powerful head and neck; his webbed paws for work in water and to facilitate digging, his narrow chest to allow entry to tight earths, his short tail to allow him to be pulled out of a tight or dangerous situation -  he is a perfect example of form following function.  The goal of Blackburn Kennel is to always hold to these standards to maintain the excellent working characteristics of this wonderful animal.

Our breeding program is centered on what we feel are the most important areas where we can make a positive contribution to the maintenance and improvement of the terrier.  First and foremost, we are committed to maintaining the superior working characteristics of the Jack Russell.  Any breeding we undertake must be only between terriers that have proven their worth to us in the field.  Our breeding stock traces its lines back to some of England's finest working terriers but each individual must still stand on it's own merits.  Because of the extensive working background of our terriers, we prefer to place puppies in homes that are interested in working and hunting their dog.

Human companionship and interaction are very important for such a complex animal as the Jack Russell.  All of our terriers live with our family in our home, and spend a great deal of time with us, hunting, playing, walking, sleeping, and even an occasional all-pack howl together.  All new puppies are socialized extensively with our family of humans and dogs, so that they can get a good start on feeling at ease with both.  Our philosophy of raising puppies is generally in line with that of the Monks of the New Skeet Monastery in New York.  We'll be happy to discuss the early development of any of our puppies.

We will NEVER release puppies to a new home before the age of eight weeks, since a great deal of  development occurs through interaction with their mother and littermates during this period.  All puppies will receive at least one puppy test to help determine certain temperament characteristics.  The results can be used to help us determine the right puppy for your lifestyle or requirements.  Puppies will receive a thorough vet exam, the appropriate series of puppy shots and wormings, and any other pre-placement medical care.  You will receive a small supply of the food your new puppy is used to, along with additional recommendations for good nutrition.  Each puppy will have an AVID microchip implanted to provide a permanent method of identification of your puppy in case of loss or theft.

It's hard to believe that this expert little hunter would be such a wonderful companion, but his intelligence and sense of humor make him a pleasure to be around - if you are aware of his personality traits and special needs.  Russells need a great deal of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise.  They continue to test their limits with you throughout their entire life, so they require firmness and above all consistency in their handling, or you will find yourself being trained by your Jack Russell! Their funny antics will continually amuse you, their intelligence seems to know no bounds and their assertive nature and boundless energy can at times be overwhelming. The Jack Russell can make a terrific family pet, and gets along well with well behaved children. One of the Jack Russell's most surprising qualities is a kind and gentle nature. He is usually friendly with small children, provided the child understands how to properly handle the terrier. Having the natural assertive terrier characteristics, however, the Jack Russell will not put up with even unintended abusive nature from a child.  This should be carefully considered, particularly with children under the age of six.

Here in the St. Louis area, you will have opportunities to meet with other Jack Russell enthusiasts at scheduled "fun days" throughout the year, where you can practice go-to-ground, racing, and have a great day with other people who are as outgoing and friendly as their dogs.  We even hold a major trial once a year, usually the Memorial Day weekend, with entries coming in from all over the country.  Experienced hunters can help to school your dog for work in the field, and even to earn the awards available in the JRTCA for excellence in hunting - The Natural Hunting Certificate Below Ground, and the Bronze Medallion for Special Merit in the Field, awarded after Natural Hunting Certificates are earned for three different quarry, under the watchful eyes of a JRTCA judge.

Please take some time to consider these questions, to see if a Jack Russell might be the right dog for you:

What sort of residence do you have?
Jack Russells prefer larger houses (more room to run about)

What type of area do you live in?
Jack Russells are country dogs. When made to live in a city or suburban-type environment, their needs and instincts do not change.

What size is your yard?
The larger your yard, the better.

Are you able to keep a dog secure?
Jack Russells will roam due to their hunting instincts.... even if left in an unsecured area for a few minutes!

How much daily exercise would you give a dog?
They need a great deal of exercise and outdoor activity, and are usually too loud for high-density living. They need room to run; leash walking does not satisfy their boundless energy. Unless your schedule permits many hours at home and a lot of outdoor activity, with a safe place the terrier can run, this is not the dog for you.

For how long would your dog be alone each week?
Jack Russells can be very destructive if left unattended and unemployed!  Most behavioral problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise.

What is the age of the youngest child living in or regularly visiting the house?
Jack Russells will NOT TOLERATE even unintended mistreatment from a child. They will not put up with typical child handling such as pulling of ears, tails, etc., or taking or "sharing" of the dog's bones, food, toys, etc. They are very assertive and demanding, and never still... jumping all over whoever will allow it.  Jack Russells are not recommended for households with children under the age of six unless you are previously experienced with this feisty little bundle of energy.

What sort of dog would you prefer?
Jack Russells are first and foremost hunting dogs. The traits and skills that make them excellent hunting dogs i.e., digging, barking, aggressive nature, ability to follow scent, are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to give them up.

What length of coat would you prefer? How much grooming would your dog receive each week?
Jack Russells are NOT a non-shedding breed! All coat types shed! Smooth coats shed the most, dropping hair continuously year round. Roughcoats maintain the guard and dead coat, requiring manual shedding a few times a year. The broken coat is an intermediary coat, between the two types.