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Jack Russell Terrier recognised as pedigree breed
Jack Russell Terrier
Many people think that the Jack Russell Terrier is already a recognised breed.

Births to be recorded from next year

The Kennel Club has officially recognised the Jack Russell Terrier as a pedigree breed, bringing the number of recognised pedigree dogs in the UK to 216.

A common sight in Britain's streets and parks, the Jack Russell Terrier is a favourite breed of celebrities Sarah Jessica Parker and Maria Carey, and has even appeared in film.  

However, despite its obvious popularity, the Jack Russell Terrier has never been recognised as a breed. Instead it has been classed as a 'type' due to the wide array of dogs that can be described as Jack Russell Terriers.

To protect the heritage of this popular dog, the Kennel Club will begin recording Jack Russell births through its voluntary registration system from next year. It will also draft a Breed Standard, which describes the various characteristics of a breed and how they are likely to be in terms of their size, exercise, temperament and grooming needs.  

It is hoped this will promote the responsible breeding of Jack Russells and ensure that the level of predictability seen in other recognised dog breeds is duplicated in registered Jack Russell Terriers.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, explains: “Many people think that the Jack Russell Terrier is already a recognised breed, because they have seen one in their local park or doing the school run with parents, but there are so many varieties of Jack Russell that until now it has not been officially recognised by the Kennel Club.

“By recognising the Jack Russell as an official breed, we can help cement its heritage and protect its future as a much-loved traditional working dog and popular pet. By encouraging the bulk of the population of these dogs to fit a Breed Standard we can help to ensure that puppy buyers get a dog with predictable characteristics that is suitable for their lifestyle and that they are bred to be healthy, with good temperament and are fit for function."

The Jack Russell Terrier will be the 27th breed in the Terrier group of pedigree dogs, joining the West Highland Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  The breed is native to the UK, originating from the fox terrier type dogs bred by Parson John Russell in Devon after he acquired his first terrier between 1815 and 1819.  

Image (C) Nick Ridley/Kennel Club

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.