When you think of Jack Russell terriers, most people will instantly think of the most prominent tri-colour coat with the white, brown and black colours, but did you know there are so many other options available for this breed?
Jack Russell Terriers come in an assortment of coat colours, with some being slightly more common than others. If you’re struggling to choose between all the colour combinations, then this may help.
Although born completely white, Jack Russells start to develop spots from puppyhood as they grow. Finding a completely white Jack Russell terrier is incredibly rare for this energetic breed and probably bordering on impossible these days. The now-extinct English White Terrier later evolved into the spotty little dog we now know as the Jack Russell Terrier.
A black and white Jack Russell is a classic colour combination and a relatively common sight. This colour Jack is a predominantly white dog with black patches across its body.
Like most Jack Russell Terriers, the primary colour of this dog is white but it has a much lighter set of lemon tan patches.
These Jack Russell Terriers have a white base colour coat with chestnut-coloured markings.
This is a primarily black Jack Russell Terrier with brown markings situated primarily around the chest and eyes.
Tri-colour Jack Russell Terriers simply have a white coat but with different patches of colour. A good example would be a terrier that comes in white with both black and brown patches.
Markings are another way in which a Jack Russell Terrier can stand out from another, and while overall, your Jack Russell is unique, there are some markings you’ll soon learn to spot.
Common Jack Russell markings include:
To further compliment the markings and various coat colours, Jack Russell coats come in three distinct hair textures; smooth coat, broken coat, and rough coat.
The rough-coated Jack Russell terrier has wiry hair that gives it a textured look and ample protection from the elements. Rough coats offer this working dog a look that matches its spunk, and they’re hugely popular for their edgy look.
Smooth-coated Jack Russell Terriers have smooth hair and a consistently short coat that lies in one direction. A smooth-coated Jack Russell can be highly sought after due to it being easier to manage.
A broken coat is a combination of a smooth coat and a rough coat. The locations of the contrasting hair patches differ between Jack Russell terriers and play a good role in ensuring your dog stands out.
According to the Australian National Kennel Council, the Jack Russell Terriers must be predominantly white dogs with black or tan markings. The markings range from the lightest tan to the darkest, the darkest colour being chestnut.
Choosing a dog, let alone a Jack Russell Terrier, based on its colour can be a bit of a risky decision. When selecting a Jack Russell Terrier, it’s essential that you also consider its temperament, personality, and how well it can integrate into your lifestyle.
But if you are looking for a particular colour for your Jack Russell, here are some factors to consider:
If you like dark clothes or have a darker floor in the house, but want a light-coloured Jack Russell Terrier, then the dog’s loose hair is more likely to be visible.
Jack Russells Terriers do not change in colour as they grow, but a dog’s markings, also known as ticking, may. Jack Russell puppies can develop patches that become much more distinct as they age.
Jack Russell Terrier lovers are spoiled for choice, so when looking for one of these affectionate dogs, go with a colour and coat type that you’ve always envisioned, especially if you want to hunt foxes.
Remember that with any dog breed, a compatible personality is key to having a happy and healthy relationship with your dog and that white Jack Russell Terriers are near-impossible to find, so save yourself the heartache.
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