Breed Care

   The main genetic diseases that affect the breed and that we were able to detect through laboratory tests:

* Late onset Ataxie-LOA(late-onset ataxia)
*Spinocerebellar Ataxia-SCA(spinocerebellar ataxia)
*Juvenile Brain disease-JBD(juvenile brain disease)
*Primary Lense Luxation-PLL(Primary Lens Dislocation)
*Degenerative Myelopathy(Degenerative Myelopathy)

   Another disease  that the Jack Russell can suffer from is patellar dislocation, which is a ligament problem and very common in animals short-legged.

    In our dogs for genetic diseases, we carry out laboratory tests in Germany (Laboklin) and for patellar luxation, we carry out radiographic examinations. Everything to eliminate the possibility of occurrence of the main ailments of the breed in our puppies.

The wire-haired dog tends to have a smaller hair loss, because due to its longer coat (some call it Jack Russell for the long hair, but the correct one is wire-hair) it has a longer lifespan. But it's important to be careful performing a hand-stripping routine to maintain the health of the dog's coat.

We used as a basis for studying the breed and the characteristics of a good Jack Russell Terrier the lecture prepared by the Australian Rita Francis Little, who was a breeder and judge of the breed and terriers. Rita played a huge role in the development of the modern Jack Russell and in promoting the Australian lineage throughout the world. This must be the "Bible" of the serious breeder! Below you can see the full lecture that was translated by us into Portuguese.

The smooth-haired dog, known as the "short-haired", has less grooming concerns, requiring only regular brushing (about twice a week). However, a greater loss of hair is observed, as its life cycle is shorter due to its reduced length. But nothing that is not normal for any "short" haired dog. Adequate feeding with super premium feed greatly improves the health of the hair and its early fall.

  The coat of wire-haired dogs is renewed when the hair grows old and falls out. This happens twice a year. After this cycle, a new hard hair is born in the area and thus the coat is naturally renewed. 

  In nature, many animals change their coat simply by losing the “old” coat. But how do they do it? Mainly they brush against the lower branches of bushes and trees, and thus manage to pull out the primary hairs by the root, giving way to the next cycle of hairs. We indicate hand-stripping as the correct method of "shaving" wire-haired dogs, because with this method we would simply be helping to remove the primary hair that is already old and about to fall out.

  Incorrect grooming of terrier breeds is the most common cause of the onset of skin problems. According to specialist veterinarians, the normal microclimate of the adjacent skin is altered by excess hair. Therefore, hand-stripping is not a procedure reserved only for show dogs, but for all wire-haired dogs.

  Therefore, it is necessary to demystify the idea that hand-stripping is “unnecessary depilation”. The coat of terries is naturally prepared for the hair recycling process. If done carefully, the technique helps in the microclimate of the skin and in the renewal of the coat. And for that, we always recommend looking for specialized professionals! In Rio de Janeiro we indicate Leonardo Gomes, an excellent professional who has already been awarded in several groomers championships (English term for groomers). He is the one who takes care of our rough-haired dogs, which should start at 50 days of age, so that the animal gets used to handling its fur.