The Jack Russell Terrier
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying, Owning, and Training (Breed Basics)
by Alan and Maureen Broadstock
About the Authors
Maureen and Alan Broadstock are breeders of JRTs. In addition, they have run a kennel for over two decades and are show judges; Maureen being a Treasurer with the Parson Russell Terrier Club.
Hardcover: 111 pages
Publisher: Willow Creek Press (December 2002)
ISBN-10: 157223511X
-- amazon
My Take
This is another nice book from Great Britain. It is made with quality paper and it has some wonderful color photos of beautiful Jacks and Jackies. [My vote for best coffee-table Jack book.)
In general I would say that it would make a fine introduction to Jack Russells as many facets of dog ownership are covered. Everything from how to acquire a Jack to how to successfully assimilate him into the household. However, like most of the books I've read thus far, it is not a stand-alone book and I'm sure there will be some questions left unanswered at the end.
In general I would say that it would make a fine introduction to Jack Russells as many facets of dog ownership are covered. Everything from how to acquire a Jack to how to successfully assimilate him into the household. However, like most of the books I've read thus far, it is not a stand-alone book and I'm sure there will be some questions left unanswered at the end.
Find the table of contents below. Items which are underlined will show some additional information if you hover your mouse over them.
Table Of Contents
WHAT MAKES A RUSSELL SPECIAL?
CHOOSING A RUSSELL
WELCOME HOME!
STARTING RIGHT
ROUTINE CARE
HAVING FUN WITH YOUR RUSSELL
THE HEALTHY RUSSELL
Appendix
FURTHER INFORMATION
The best part of the history of John Russell and his terriers in this book is the delightful picture of Penelope Russell sitting with one of the first John Russell terriers. It's a very shaggy creature indeed!
Other information that I found especially helpful, and which was not available in every other volume on JRTs, was the advice on how to introduce a pup to it's new family. In fact, I used this information when we introduced Charlie-Amanda, our then 8 week-old Jack-mix to our fat-cat Ling; and then subsequently when we added Rodger to our clan. (Two pups is MUCH easier than one, by the way. Our new poodle is keeping our now 7 month-old Charlie busy and happy.) Everything went smoothly both times. Rodger was happy to meet both Charlie and Ling; and the advice on small children I used with our neighboring small ones.
Final thoughts: I found Alan and Maureen's book very readable and informative. Their advice on how to locate a decent breeder and pup was solid. The history and how-to's of health and maintenance were also good. However, as much as I liked this book, especially the information on introducing puppy into the home, I don't think you can get by with only reading this one book. I don't think, for example, that there is enough information about potty training.
Deficits:::
- The only deficit I can think of is that it could have been longer. This couple obviously knows a great deal and I wish they had been given the pages by the publisher to give us more detail. As it stands, it's a nice introduction but there's not enough information on every topic. [The sections on training were very brief.]
Strengths:::
- Wonderful color pictures. Out of the 5 or so books I've read thus far, this one has the best layout and images. I especially liked the picture of John Russell's wife, Penelope, with one of the Parson's original dogs. A very scruffy and adorable creature. (Mrs. Russell looks sweet as well.)
- This book is well written and very readable.
- I particularly liked the discussions on introducing a puppy to the other inhabitants of the house: be they cats, other pups or children.
- The only book thus far that gives advice on second dogs. "If you already have a dog at home, it is advisable to get a pup of the opposite sex. Although this may pose management problems if the dogs are not neutered, that will probably get on better with each other. Russell bitches often get on fine with bitches of other breeds, but they are not so keen on their own kind."
- I like their discussion on coat markings, and suggestions on getting an older dog.
- Unlike the Pavia and Barron's book this one gives some outlines on how to train your pup to do basic commands like sit and stay.
Pam
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