Information
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"Come
here little fishy fishy..." |
Dog Branch Farm in Round Hill, Virginia is home
to a small “family” of the real short-legged Jack Russell
Terriers (JRTs), also called “Puddins” or “Shorties”.
All are registered with the English Jack Russell
Terrier Club Alliance (EJRTCA) as "Jack Russell
Terriers", and the Foundation Stock Service
of
the American Kennel Club (AKC-FSS) as "Russell
Terriers".
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The
Parson Russell Terrier(DBF does not breed the long-legged
variety) |
My
little dogs (8”- 10” tall) have the
intelligence, loyalty, love, and humor of the
Russell Terriers, but they are being bred
to be companions rather than working hunt
or performance or show terriers. I focus on
temperament as the primary consideration, and
prefer the the shorty jacks with a little more
bone and muscling than what the FCI describes as
ideal for show. The long-legged variety of Jack Russell
Terriers are referred to as Parson Russell Terriers by
the AKC. We do not breed the Parsons.
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Josie and Lola |
Dr. Candace Lundin,
veterinarian, and her husband, Frank Zureick,
owners of Dog Branch Farm, always swore to
themselves that they would never own a Jack
Russell Terrier (JRT)
because the terriers that they had come across had strong alpha
personalities and a reputation for
stubbornness and aggressiveness toward other
dogs, cats, and some people. Some
demonstrated the irritating habits of incessant barking and jumping---the canine version of
“hyperactivity disorder”!
BUT, Candace and Frank
changed their minds when they learned that
some small breeders had been successfully
directing their efforts at producing JRTs
with calm, sensible temperaments---small
dogs that would serve as companions and
nice family pets. Thus, DBF Russell Terriers was
born.
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A young Josie
snuggles in the down comforter |
We are not a kennel, and
breeding dogs is not our “business”. Our
dogs live in our home, sit on our sofa, and
sleep in our bed. They go to the beach on
vacation with us and attend pony shows and
steeplechase races. Our “real” business is
the breeding and training of Thoroughbred
horses (see
www.dogbranchfarm.com). The JRTs are just part of our family
—along with an Italian Greyhound, 5 cats, 4
ponies, and lots of koi (pond fish).
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Our Italian
Greyhound, Mia, at 9 mos |
Young Japanese koi in
our water garden |
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Lola’s sandcastle on
the Outer Banks
of North Carolina |
Our goal is to improve the reputation
of the Jack Russell Terrier by producing healthy, jolly little dogs that
are easily socialized and that will respect
and love their owners AND their owners’
friends and family! We are not the breeder
for you if you are looking for the “tough”
little dog that stands its ground against
anything and everything, or if you are
looking for a working hunt terrier or even a show
dog. Terriers
can be known for their tenaciousness, but we
are breeding for family pets. All terriers, not just Jack Russells, can be a bit feisty and
competitive at times---that is part of what
makes them terriers, but we do not want to
strongly emphasize those traits in our breeding for
pets.
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"Come
down and play with us" |
We are striving to breed
terriers without the uncontrollable urge to
chase cats. We don’t
want terriers that will take off across our
farm to blindly chase anything that moves,
such as a squirrel or fox. We don’t want
terriers that “lose their minds” when the
local hunt (Piedmont Hunt) comes through our
property with their hounds chasing a fox.
Instead, our little Jacks hunt crickets and field
mice—WITH the cats! It's quite amazing to
see 2 cats and 2 dogs all stalking one poor
little field mouse together.
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"What's
down there?" |
We
want good-natured,
playful, charming,
and intelligent
little dogs that
become part of our
family and yours.
Though a lot of this
“good” behavior
comes from proper
socialization as
puppies and as young
dogs, it is also in
the breeding.
Bloodlines can play
a role in the
tendency of a dog to
be aggressive toward
other animals (and
children!). This is
why a docile
temperament will be
our NUMBER ONE
priority in
considering whether
to breed a dog or
not.
|
Josie
loves to
run and
roll
down the
hill
with her
toys |
Some
“traditional” Jack
lovers will disagree
with this attempt to
discourage the
hunting/chasing/fighting
instincts of the
Jack Russell
Terrier. Let me say
that we have no
issue with those who
want to breed hunt/performance
terriers or those
who want to compete
in field events that
demonstrate the original natural
instincts of the
hunt terriers. We
admire and
appreciate the
abilities of those
dogs. But, there is
a place both for
working hunt
terriers and for
“family pet”
terriers. Dog Branch
Farm is focusing on
the latter.
We
take the placement
of our puppies
seriously. We want
you and the puppy to
be happy---for a
long time. We want
to match the right
puppy to the “right
family”. Many people
do not realize that
the personalities of
puppies begin to
show at just a few
weeks of age. Thus,
we get to know which
ones are more shy,
which ones are the
first to try new
things, which ones
have the most
patience, which ones
tend to dominate
their littermates,
and which ones are the
most active. So, even
though you may have
your heart set on a
puppy with a
particular color or
markings, the
specific pup that
you inquire about
may not be the one
most suitable for
your particular
home/family.
|
Chondrodysplastic
forelimbs—a
sign of
dwarfism |
Conformation IS
taken into
consideration in our
breeding program,
especially in terms
of a desire to avoid
dwarfism
characteristics,
such as
chondrodysplasia,
resulting in
excessively curved
limbs. We also want
skull size and chest
width to be in
proportion with the
dog’s size---in
other words, we
don’t want our
“shorty Jacks” to
simply be
“big-bodied dogs
with cut-off
limbs”. However, we
are not breeding for
show. Our dogs
are smaller than the
FCI show standard. I
just happen to
prefer small
terriers. You may
want something
different.
Jack Russells,
Parson Russells, Russell
Terriers, Shorty
Jacks, Puddins...
JRTCA, AKC, AKC-FSS,
ARTC, EJRTCA, NKC,
UKC, CKC, FCI...
Confused by these
various "breeds" and
clubs? You can read
numerous books and
search the web until
your heart is
content and you will
still be confused!
The history of the
"Jack Russell
Terrier" is marred
in confusion,
misinformation,
politics, gossip,
and the unknown. The
bottom line is that
these dogs never
were a "breed" per
se, but rather a
terrier type. That
is why they can vary
so much in size and
look. Note the
variety of "jacks"
in this old
print: smooth coats,
a rough coat, a
black and tan and a
red (Hunt terriers),
a prick-eared
terrier...
As clubs try
to claim their stake
in this arena,
things are written
and said in a
dogmatic (no pun
intended) fashion,
with no true
legitimacy. Some
write that the
"Shorty Jack" is an
American
invention---if so,
then congratulations
to the good old USA!
However, I highly
suspect this is
untrue since Prince
Charles (see
Celebrity Jacks
below) would be
kicked out of the
United Kingdom if he
favored (and
imported) "American"
terriers! As a
veterinarian and
scientific medical
editor, I read
everything on the
web with a big grain
of salt---I hope you
will too!
Most people who find
this web site are
looking for a pet
and life-long
companion. That is
my goal in breeding
these wonderful
little dogs. I
happen to like them
on the small and
(sometimes) stockier
side. My dogs most
closely fit the
standard described
by the EJRTCA (see
below). I also
have dogs registered
with the Foundation
Stock Service of the
AKC to try and help
keep that gene pool
diversified and not
end up with just a
very few bloodlines
of show dogs from
Australia. Nothing
ruins a breed faster
than tight registry
restrictions leading
to breedings that
lead back to the
same few
"Champions".
There is a place for
line breeding (not
inbreeding), but the
entire breed should
not end up
line-bred! So, I
will do my part to
try and keep
diversification in
the Russell Terrier
breed of the AKC.
For more
information on the conformation standards
that Dog Branch Farm strives to meet, please see the
Standard from the English Jack Russell
Terrier Club Alliance (EJRTCA) listed below. This is
the standard that DBF Russell Terriers
chooses to follow.
EJRTCA Conformation Standard
|
Height |
The height of
the terrier shall be between
8 and 12 inches as measured
at the withers with the dog
standing fully erect, with
10 to 12 being ideal. |
|
Body |
Sturdy,
balanced terrier. Body
length slightly longer than
length of leg. Length should
not exceed function.
Straight back with high tail
set carried erect. Chest
should be spanned by two
hands behind the shoulder
blades. The rear should be
well put together with
strong muscle and good
angulation. Well laid back
shoulder. |
|
Neck |
Well laid
into shoulder. |
|
Head |
Strong boned
with powerful jaws and
strong cheek muscles. Dark
almond-shaped eyes,
pigmented eye rims, dark
black pigment on nose.
Small, v-shaped ears carried
close to the head. Prick,
semi-prick and rose ears are
acceptable. |
|
Teeth |
The points of
the upper incisors slightly
overlapping the lower.
|
|
Legs |
Straight as
is consistent with the short
legs for which we aim. |
|
Feet |
“Hound-Like,
“Fox-Like” and “Hare-Like”
are all acceptable. All
three are considered sound
working feet for a Jack
Russell. |
|
Gait |
Free, lively,
well-coordinated. |
|
Coat |
Smooth, rough
or broken without coat being
wooly. Smooth should not be
sparse. Belly and underside
coated. |
|
Color |
Predominantly
white with tan, black or
brown markings. Ticked or
mottled acceptable. Brindle
not acceptable. |
|
Faults |
Nervousness,
cowardice,
over-aggressiveness, weak
bite, unsound movement,
minor physical deformities. |
|
Disqualifications |
Extreme
viciousness, shyness or
major physical deformities
(these are considered such
serious traits that dogs
having them are not to be
used for breeding.)
Undershot or overshot bites,
rye mouth. |
|
DBF Luke Skywalker, one
of Josie’s pups |
|
One of
Josie's pups, a female |
Testimonials
"...when we visited your place, I couldn't
believe how low key your dogs were. I can't begin to
tell you how happy we are with Rocket. I'm really
glad we got him from you. I knew from the beginning
that I wanted one of your puppies!"
Rodgers Family
"'Chance' is a totally
awesome dog." Gibson Family
"She is a lovely, intelligent dog...star
of her obediance class.: Yablonski
Family
"I am so impressed
with [Lola’s] ability to learn new commands and
within such a short time. My wife was the one
member of the family that really was skeptical about
getting a dog – at this point I can’t separate the
two! She is a loving member of the family who is
always cheerful and ready to pour out her heart when
I come home from work. Bringing Lola into our life
has brought the Craven family together in such a
special way – we love and adore our DBFJRT."
Craven Family
"She
is the star of the class! The youngest one there.
The instructors just love her! She is so smart it
is scary. She knows her name, can sit, down, and
touch her nose to hand on command. We are working
on the recall. We are having a great time with
her. Of course my Norwich is not amused with her.
She gets in his face, which he hates, and chases him
all over the place. Poor guy, hopefully it will get
better as she gets older, but she will rule the
roost for sure! She is becoming the quite the
little socialite! She has been into my husband's
office for a visit, and into some of my friend's
offices. We have also visited some friends homes
too. The vet's office loved her! The farmer's
market is next on the list. She has been very good
at night and sleeps in her crate next to the bed.
But she is up at 6 am! And ready to play. We can't
imagine life without her."
Lisette & Paul
"I just wanted to update
you on Shor Tee (aka Mary). She loves EVERYONE!
And everyone that sees her is instantly smitten!
She walks on a leash, knows how to bring toys
back when thrown, kinda sits when asked,
loves playing in the water bowl, and eats up a
storm! She is trying to get Poquito (chihuahua)
to love her and is even working on our 17 year
old cat. Most of all, I want you to know that
she is so loved! George
thanks me just about every day for "his puppy".
He can hardly wait for her to be able go to the
beach!
Thank you again for
working with me and being so patient!"
Terri & George
"Rudy
came into our lives on May 6th and nothing has been
the same. He is the most wonderful dog we could
possibly hope for. Candace kept me informed thru
Lola's entire pregnancy and even sent pictures of
Lola right before she gave birth. Once the puppy
was born, we saw him develop until we were finally
able to get to Virginia to see him in person. Dog
Branch Farm is the perfect place to buy a puppy.
The farm is immaculate all the dogs are so well
behaved and Candace makes a point of helping you
decide which is the best puppy for you. It is
evident that Candace puts a lot of consideration
into her breeding program and the health and well
being of puppies and adult dogs alike. She goes
above and beyond to make sure the puppies are the
best jack russells possible with dispositions that
can't be beat. Thank you again Candace for bringing
Rudy into our lives."
Arlene & John
"We absolutely LOVE her and she
truly is the BEST puppy that we have EVER had! She continues
to amaze us with her personality! What a DOLL!She
is loved beyond measure.
Have a wonderful holiday season! "
Terri
"It was a pleasure meeting you and Frank, just a
brief note, Maggie is doing great. we took a chance
the night we brought her home and put her in bed,
she wrapped herself around Donna's neck and went to
sleep, slept till 6.00 am with no accidents, she has
been in bed ever since. She and harley are great
together, they play all the time, she is starting to
ring the bell at the door when she needs to go out,
she does real well for 8 weeks old but we also watch
her all the time. she is very smart as you said but
she is very loveable, we will send pictures and
again thanks for the loving addition."
Brubaker family
"What
an awesome puppy I have! Roxie is so smart, sweet,
cuddly and ALL JACK!!!! She is trained to her safe
room and working on the crate. She is so grown-up
already. I am thrilled with her and I am getting
used to having a puppy instead of a saged old girl.
I have to admit that the first week was almost too
much for me. Less than a week after losing Winkie
was just a bit too soon for a puppy, but because of
the magic of Roxie (and her fine breeding) she let
me know that we would get through the week and all
would be well. She was right and I wouldn't take
million for her! I look forward to many years of
good times with the Rox! She soothes my aching
heart and makes me laugh everyday. Thank you for
your devotion to these most wonderful of dogs...The
Shorty Jacks!!!!!" Twila
"I have to say this is the SWEETEST dog. I thought
that when we lost our previous Jack back in November
no dog could fill the empty space. OMG, if anything
happens to this dog, someone will have to bury both
Dan and I. Each dog is special and JJ was unique in
his own way, but this little dog….
CJ loves EVERYONE. Gives EVERYONE kisses. I still
have a trainer come to the house and he just catches
on to things so quick. He loves going to the vet and
seeing everyone there (that’s different). In fact
last Friday was his 3rd visit there and
the vet told me to keep an eye on him so no one
would steal him! He weighed in at just a little
over 8 lbs. One of the girls there that weighed him
the 2nd time and he had gained a pound,
said to him 'You gained another pound of cuteness.'
He still sleeps in the bed with us. He puts his
head either on my pillow or Dan’s pillow and sleeps
right in our face. When his nose gets cold, he
buries it in our neck or in the pillow. Everywhere
we take him, people literally stop in their tracks
and just stare at him with amazement."
Maggie
"Yeahhhh,
she is a sweeheart! She walks by my side everywhere
... and she loves when I touch her belly and the way
she lifts her little leg up for more. It is too
funny! I already LOVE HER!! My brother is in love
with her as well. She is now sleeping in my room in
a puppy bed with lots of blankets and has made
herself comfy. She is so cute. I’m very happy!!
Thank you so much for this special puppy! I love
her!! Federica
"My
dogs (Pointers) are so kind to her, she has gained
her confidence and is interacting nicely with
them...She is so funny, trying to follow them with
her tiny little legs :-). My husband thinks I
have lost my mind but I went out and bought her a
beautiful beige cashmere sweater...she looks
gorgeous in it...probably won't need it much longer,
but couldn't help myself...She also sleeps through
the night and is doing great with her potty
training. Thank you again for selling us such an
adorable puppy. Maja
"I'm not sure what goes on at that farm down there
but don't stop what you're doing. Mitch is so
friendly and has such a good temperament. He's a
little slice of heaven. Is he always going to be
this quiet and want love all the time? lol Even the
vet can't believe he's a Jack Russell."
Christopher
"Thanks so much. We are so
enjoying her. She has SUCH a personality -
insatiably curious, friendly and so smart about the
potty training. We love her to pieces."
Jennifer & Corwin
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