Philosophy Behind Hot Pursuit

We breed Jack Russell Terriers for three primary qualities -- health, temperament, and working ability.

The breed standard for Jack Russell Terriers, as set out in the clubs of Canada, the US and Britain, is between 10" and 15" at the base of the neck, or withers. Hot Pursuit's goal is to breed dogs that conform to the breed standard but will measure in at the lower end of the measurement spectrum -- about 10" to 11.5" at the withers.

We do not profess to breed show dog -- meaning that our dogs won't necessarily win in the conformation show ring. Hot Pursuit dogs do very well in all the events that one would find at a terrier trial or fun day. We emphasize this aspect of our breeding programme because the show ring doesn't form any part of our consideration for breeding. We would rather breed a smart working terrier who might not place in the ribbons in the conformation ring, than to breed a stupid but beautiful show dog who won't go to earth.

Our puppies are born in our main living area, and all of our dogs live inside the house, roaming free until some are crated for the night. We think that this is a very important aspect of our approach to raising dogs. We feel that the more human interaction working dogs get, the more stimulus they receive and the smarter they become.  

All of our puppies are subjected to extensive early puppy training, based on the principles outlined in the book The Art Of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete.

At the time of weaning, our puppies are introduced to a litter box filled with cedar chips. This "litter" training is particularly beneficial to those puppy people who aren't able to be with the puppy all the time. Once our puppies leave home, at around 8 weeks of age, they are "litter" trained. This cedar chip training is more convenient than paper training. Cedar chips aren't as dirty as newspapers and they smell much better than newspaper when wet!

Warning!!!

Not everyone who wants a Hot Pursuit Jack Russell Terrier will be approved for puppy placement. We are very selective about the homes that take in our puppies and will refuse to sell a puppy to anyone we don't feel is right for our dogs. We will always try to help such a person find the dog or other pet that is right for his/her lifestyle and expectations.

We want all of our prospective puppy people to be fully aware of the characteristics of this feisty little dog, and encourage anyone interested in getting a JRT to visit our home, meet with and spend time with our adults, as well as the puppies.

If you think that you would be interested in acquiring a Jack Russell Terrier, please contact us at topdog@working-dog.com

Please read the other articles on our page. They will give you a fair overview of the breed, Jack Russell people and the national club.

Back to Main Page

This page was last updated September 15, 2007 by Mary E.. Bannister Webmaster.  Send comments or queries to webmaster