Once called Jack Russell Terriers, these dogs were bred to keep up with horses and go after foxes. These dogs are always better off when they have a job to do, even if it isn’t the job that you want for them. Still today, they are often referred to as Jack Russells, after the man that developed the line for fox hunting.
This is a smart, tough dog. It will play for hours on end and then cuddle for many more hours. It will not accept any challenge to its authority though, and may react with ferocious speed to any threat. They learn well but remain stubborn. This is not a dog for a beginner, but can be an excellent addition to a family that does not have any other pets.