Purchasing A Terrier
Is a Jack Russell suitable for small children?
Very lively as youngsters and generally not suitable for very young children. However if the parents have prior experience with terriers then it is a workable situation. It is important to remember that dogs try to settle into the pecking order and will thus attempt to dominate a young child.
Do the terriers get along with other breeds?
Yes, they generally do. It is advisable however to refrain from getting a male Jack Russell if you already own a male from a different breed.
I bought a terrier and the breeder has not yet sent me a Certificate of Origin. What should I do?
It is advisable that you send the breeder a gentle reminder that you have not yet received one.
Also make sure that they have all the information they require from you — Correct spelling of your name as should stand on the Certificate of Origin, the name of your terrier, and a postal or email address to which the certificate can be sent to.
If, after repeated reminders, the Breeder does not get back to you on the matter, you can lodge a query with the Breed Records Officer (breedrecords@jackrussellsa.co.za).
We ask you to please remember that for most of us breeding is a hobby that originates from our love of the breed, and all of the National Committee members are volunteers. Thus real life can ensnare us and keep us from completing necessary paperwork on time. Also consider that displaying anger will not hasten any processes.
I am purchasing a terrier to breed with, should I mention this to the breeder I am purchasing it from?
Definitely! The breeders are experienced and knowledgeable about the pedigrees of different dogs. If you let them know what your plans are, they can advise you.
Where can I buy a top-class terrier that is guaranteed to be a winner?
Most of our breeders are held to a high standard and thus we all have top-class terriers. Something that is extremely important to remember is that this is primarily a working breed, NOT a showbreed. Yes, some dogs might be the “Supreme Champion” at a show, but each dog has his day and the winners are dependent on what the judge likes. Our breed standard is very open to variation and thus you will find each breeder has their own preferences, and so do the judges.
Membership
How do I become a member of the club?
You fill out the Membership Application form, pay the applicable membership fee and email your form and proof of payment to the Treasurer (treasurer@jackrussellsa.co.za).
Are there any membership requirements?
Member and affliliated members are expected to abide by the National Working Terrier Federation Code of Conduct for terrier work provided that these rules do not conflict with any laws or regulations in their own countries.
Any member being actively involved in opposition to field sports will be asked to resign from this club.
No JRTCSA member may permit their Jack Russell Terrier to participate, or participate themselves in any Jack Russell Terrier related event or activity, connected in any way to a Conflicting Organisation.
When and how often are meets held?
Due to economic circumstances, we unfortunately no longer have as many meets as we’d like. We do however have standard meets once a year in different provinces, including our Nationals. The meets include conformation and fun classes, earth trials and in KZN we also recreationally race the terriers.
Meets for us are not about winning in the show ring, it simply gives breeders an opportunity to showcase what is in their kennel and observe what other breeders have. They are generally extremely social and fun.
Breeding
I am interested in breeding, how can I become a registered Breeder?
You fill out the breeders license application form and email it to the Breed Records Officer (breedrecords@jackrussellsa.co.za). Attach a proof of payment and email that to the Breed Records Officer, as well as the Treasurer (treasurer@jackrussellsa.co.za).
A word of advice: Make sure you are serious about becoming a breeder before you apply.
I would like to have a Kennel name, how do I get one?
When applying for the breeders license, you let the Breed Records Officer know what you would like your Kennel name to be. If the name you have chosen has previously been used, you will be asked to choose a different one.
I have a male and female terrier and would like to have a litter of pups. What is the procedure?
Both of your terriers need to be passed for breeding by an A Judge. If you are unable to get to a judge, you have to go to your local vet to have your terriers certified as “free from genetic defects”. It is then advisable to speak to an experienced breeder to ascertain whether your mating would be acceptable. Inbreeding is not accepted within the JRTCSA, and while we understand that accidents occur, please make the effort to prevent any inbreeding from occuring. You can then proceed with the mating.
If you are interested in becoming a serious breeder and having more than one litter, it is advisable that you register as a breeder.
I have a litter of puppies, what do I have to do to get them registered?
If the sire and dam are both registered with the club, fill in a Litter Return and send it to the Breed Records Officer (breedrecords@jackrussellsa.co.za).
My dog accidentally mated my bitch, what do I do now?
Please contact the Breed Records Officer (breedrecords@jackrussellsa.co.za) to organise a once off Litter Return (if you are not interested in breeding).
I bought a terrier from an unregistered breeder, but would like to breed with it and register the pups with the JRTCSA. What procedures should I follow?
Try to get as thorough a pedigree from whoever you purchased the terrier from, it is important you have knowledge about the parentage. Then contact the Breed Records Officer (breedrecords@jackrussellsa.co.za) to discuss the potential of registering the terrier and breeding with it.
General
I have queried something with a breeder/ national committee member and they have not responded/ failed to follow up. What should I do?
We ask you to please remember that for most of us breeding is a hobby that originates from our love of the breed, and all of the National Committee members are volunteers. Thus real life can ensnare us and keep us from completing necessary paperwork on time, displaying anger will not hasten any processes.
It is advisable to first follow up with the person you had initially contacted. If all attempts prove unsuccessful (giving them one missed call does not count as a follow up), then contact a different person.