Rev. John Russell, an English person, most likely would be pleased with every litter of Jack Russell puppies born these days. They perpetuate not just his memory, but his deep appreciation of the breed he created for his beloved activity of fox hunting.
Today known as Parson Russell Terriers, these small, feisty dogs have become increasingly popular, even with people who have never ridden a horse in a fox hunt. They are alert, active and fun-loving dogs. While small enough to be a lap companion, Jack Russell puppies grow into dogs rugged enough to perform in competitions that harkens back to their days chasing foxes through Devonshire.
Just 13-14 inches at the shoulder and weighing 13-17 pounds, Jack Russell's have the hearts and attitudes of dogs three or four times their size. After all, they are Terriers; being submissive, or overly aggressive, are violations of breed standards. They were bred to be bold since they often went underground after foxes.
Today, with fox hunting having fallen out of favor in the U.S. and abroad, Jack Russell puppies must go to competitions called terrier trials to do what they used to at the side of Parson Russell those many years ago. Terrier trials consist of a series of competitive events designed to test many aspects of these surprisingly athletic dogs.
Of course, 
there are conformation and obedience classes, just as there are at many breed competitions. But, what makes terrier trials special are the events that reconnect the dogs to their past. They race in a straight line course, sort of drag racing for dogs. Jack Russell puppies and adult dogs also compete in "go to ground". In this, the dogs are set into a course that has been dug into the ground and covered, often with bales of hay to simulate a fox den. They are timed as they make their way through the tunnel.
Growing in popularity at terrier trials is the agility course. This is an ideal sport for these compact dogs that are of either the smooth or broken (rough) coated varieties. Jack Russell's are prized for their flexibility, speed, cleverness and what the breed standard calls their "tireless, ground-covering trot".
But not all Jack Russell puppies are destined to compete. Many enjoy the life being constant, caring companions. Like Welsh Corgis and Dalmatians, Jack Russell's are often found in and around the world of horses. They often are kept to eliminate vermin, but mostly because they are fearless around horses and just plain affectionate toward their human companions.
More and more, Jack Russell puppies often leave their littermates to move into a quiet (until they start barking) suburban home or an apartment in a city. They are ideal for either. While they need exercise, like any dog, they do not need to chase foxes; a brisk walk down the street or chasing a dog toy in the back yard will do.
While Parson Russell's foundation sire, Trump, may be among the most important Jack Russell puppies ever born, it was Eddie who led the breed into modern prominence. Eddie, portrayed by a Jack Russell named Moose, was Kelsey Grammer's nemesis in the NBC hit sitcom "Frasier".
