Teds Roots - Tracing the Jack Russel Family Tree

Being an inquisitive sort of chap I decided I wanted to trace my family history, and find out about the origins of the Jack Russell breed. This took me on a 200 mile trip to the village of Swimbridge in North Devon, England.

It turns out that the breed was originally developed by a Reverend John Russell, whose nickname was Parson Jack. While studying for his final exams at Oxford (around 1815), Parson Jack saw a milkman with a little fox terrier by the name of 'Trump'. He was so taken with the dog that he bought it on the spot. This was the very first dog from which all the other Jack Russell's originated, although the other type of dog used to create this strain is a source of speculation.

When the Kennel Club was formed in 1873, Parson Jack was one of the founder members and supporters of the organisation until he died. Although there is now a standard appearance for the Jack Russell terrier, they can vary in height from nine inches to fifteen inches at the shoulder.

This is the village church in Swimbridge, where Parson Jack
worked for most of his life. There is a gravestone in the
churchyard to mark where both he, and his wife are buried.

This is the sign outside the 'Jack Russell' pub opposite the
church. It shows Trump, the original dog purchased from the
milkman. It is actually a copy of a painting commissioned by
King Edward VII. Trump was almost pure white, with just a few
brown patches. The walls inside the pub are decorated with
pictures and information about Parson Jack and the dogs.

Here's a picture of me outside the pub, having had both my
curiosity, and thirst well satisfied!