Jack Russell lovers fight like terriers ... to keep their pets OUT of Crufts
THEY’RE the much-loved dogs whose distinguished owners include the Duchess of Cornwall and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
But fans of the Jack Russell terrier are howling with rage after the Kennel Club decided it should be recognised as a pedigree breed for the first time in Britain.
It would mean the dogs – until now considered a mongrel – will be eligible to enter the show ring, including the world’s biggest canine competition, Crufts.
Some owners have insisted the Jack Russell should be considered a working dog – traditionally used to catch rats and other vermin on farms – and that the decision was a ‘disaster’ which goes against the dogs’ nature as charming ‘rogues and scallywags’.
The constitution of the Jack Russell Club of Great Britain states: ‘History has shown Kennel Club recognition to be detrimental to the physical structure and working capabilities of a variety of working breeds. Therefore this club is opposed to recognition.’ Although there are thousands of Jack Russells across the country, no one knows exactly how many because the puppies have never been registered.
Well-known owners include the Duchess of Cornwall who owns two, Beth and Bluebell, rescue pets from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home; and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who took his dog Bothie to the North and South Poles. Model Jodie Kidd has three – Slinky, Dooby and Bubbles.
Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, who named his son after her old Jack, Freddy, said: ‘I like them as outsiders and mongrels. They’re charming rogues and scallywags, not dull showdogs that have to fit into some Kennel Club standard. Jack Russells are at their happiest down holes, chasing rabbits rather than poncing about like those ghastly popinjay showdogs. Keep them out of the ring.’
But Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: ‘By recognising the Jack Russell as an official breed we can help protect its future as a much-loved traditional working dog and popular pet.’