Welcome to the official site of the

"Jack Russell Terrier Club of South Africa".

Welcome to the wonderful world of the real Jack Russell Terrier.

First and foremost it must be remembered that Jack Russells are a working breed and like most working breeds they need sufficient excercise and stimulation, if they are going to be kept as pets.

History of the Jack Russell Terrier

Reverend John Russell

Jack Russell Terriers are a breed of working terrier named after the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest strains of working fox terriers in Devonshire, England in the mid-to-late 1800's. Rev Russell (1795-1883) had a passion for his church activities, as well as fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs. His first terrier, the immortal Trump (acquired in 1819), is said to be the foundation of John Russell's strain of working terriers. It is interesting to note, that whilst he was a founding member of the kennel club in the UK, Russell himself refused to register his working terriers alongside other "show" breeds, being of the wise opinion that breeding for the show ring would quickly wreck the most important aspect of the dog, its working ability.

The Rev. John Russell

rev. john russell trump

Artists impression of "Trump",the root of the legend.

About our Club ...

The Jack Russell Terrier Club of South Africa is registered with the Department of Agriculture (62/98/B-64) under the Animal Improvement Act and as a Non-Profit Association incorporated under Section 21 of the Companies Act (Reg. No: 2002/009114/08).

The Jack Russell Terrier Club of South Africa is run by a National Committee, elected at each Annual General Meeting. The country is split into Regions, each having a Regional Representative. The certificates pertaining to the terriers are issued and controlled by the Breed Records Officer. Breeder's Licenses are also issued by this officer.

The club has trained judges who judge the conformation (showing) sections of our Trials (or Meets as we call them). These judges also inspect the terriers for registration purposes. At our Meets we also conduct earth trials, obedience and agility challenges. Frequently the regions hold "fun days" which take many forms, including educational/training events.

Our trained Working Inspectors get invited by the regions to lead working events for the members and their terriers, and it is they who grant Working and Gameness Certificates to qualifying terriers.

During May of each year the Jack Russell Terrier Club of South Africa hosts the annual National Championships, for which we usually use a foreign conformation judge. All of the competitive events are held at the National Championships and trophies are awarded for most of the classes. Each year the regions host Regional Championships at a time of year suitable to the relevant region.

We believe in having fun with our terriers at the same time and organise light hearted events for team spirit and enjoyment. The goal is to "Protect, Preserve and Work the Jack Russell terrier in accordance with our club constitution globally.