| any of a breed of small, short-legged terriers having large, erect ears and a short, white coat with brown or black markings. |
| Jack Russell terrier n. A terrier originating in England, having a small sturdy body, straight legs, and a smooth, mostly white coat that has brown or black markings. [After the Reverend John Russell (1795-1883), English clergyman who bred the strain.] |
Jack Russell terrier
breed of terrier developed in England in the 19th century for hunting foxes both above and below ground. It was named for the Rev. John Russell, an avid hunter who created a strain of terriers from which are also descended the wire-haired fox terrier and the smooth fox terrier. Though it is not known which dogs he crossbred, it is believed that bull terriers and beagles were among the breeds used.
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