Good breeders ,bad breeders
photo:pups "of jack's paradise kennel"
Purebred puppies are certainly not produce from a ceramic mould.In other words,pups coming from one breeder are not the same as those coming from another.Experience ,knowledge and skill of the breeder can have a big influence on how a pup turns out,in physical and behavioural terms.
There are 2 types of breeders:
1.Responsible and well informed
2.Irresponsible and not/bad informed.
A responsible ,skilled breeder must respond to the following criteria:
Breed jack russells only if the parents are free of genetic diseases:in particular,for JRT the parents must be controlled,twice /year for the detection of: -Patella luxation
Furthermore,dogs with Legg-Calvé-Perthès disease,luxation of cristalline lens,cerebelum ataxia,ulcus of the cornea must push the breeder not to enter thoses dogs into his breeding scheme.
Breed JRT only if the sire and the dam are free of behavioural defects(agressivity,anxiety,fear,hyperactivity.....)In other words make a selection of well-balanced with sound temperament dogs.Notice that genes are involved for 20-50% in the behaviour of a dog.
The breeder's gun concerning the two points mentionned ,it's pedigree:this is a paper where is kept the genetic backround of the dog,till the 3d generation.It's the birth certificate of the dog that allows to the breeder ,after studying it, to make conclusions about the diseases eventually present in a particular line,the temperament of the ancestors and their physical faults or qualities(teeth,position of the ears,proportions,tail set,coat ...).The breeder shall then be able to choose a suitable stud for a particular female or avoid a particular combination,always searching to achieve well-balanced,healthy pups ,with nice behaviour and the closest possible to the breed standard.
The standard is a written description of JRTwhich defines his external and behavioural characteristics.Lets,be clear ,a pedigree doesn't mean a "show ,fancy,dog"!Puppies sold as "pets"(not for showing and not for breeding) are simply healthy,well-balanced pups,with their pedigree being the proof that they are "purebred" dogs,but who present some déviations from the standard concerning:ear setting(too low,pricked ,very big),too much coloured(dog with all his back brown),light eyes or not pigmented,teeth faults(overshot,lack of teeth) ect.Have always theses points in mind when you buy a pup in a pet-shop,presented like a real jack russell(with no parents and pedigree)but who is just a caricature of the breed!
Breeding JRT only if their conformation is close to the official breed standard.,which needs the participation in dog-shows and obtaining good results.Attention!You can't only breed with "champions"!A dog with average scores ,can be a very precious dog for breeding ,thanks to some particular qualities(ex:very good bone,nice mouvement) that bred together with a suitable dog(exlack of bone),are whiling to improve sensibly the breed.
Participation in other activities as hunting,agility,flyball is very important for a JRT,that must not turn into a fancy show dog but needs to keep his hunting instincts , forbeing a well-balanced dog.
Breed JRT at home not isolated in a farm which compromises the socialisation of the pup and its futur behaviour.
Doesn't sell JRT to anyone that offers money ,but make a selection of the byers, asking them all the possible and detailed questions(are they active types,do they love sports,do they have a strong character,do they have previous experience with dogs,are they willing to go to puppy class and educate their dog,how many hours they work,do they have a garden....) and assures to follow the pup's devellopment after going to the owner.
Give adresses of other skilled breeders and not only satisfied puppy owners.
Every person who doesn't fill the criteria mentionned above,is a bad breeder.Don't encourage irresponsiblebreeders that use puppies us a sell product,by purchasing a pup from them.Encourage only thoses who are worth it,who fill all the above criteria and act correctly,because their effort is priceless!
Webmistress:Missirlis Maria
Photos:kennel "of jack's paradise" Holland
Background:M.Tallberg