In comparison to many different dog breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier actually requires very little in the way of grooming. However, combing and brushing is necessary, making it important to get puppies used to this aspect of care, from an early age.
How to Groom Parson Russell Terriers - Smooth Coats
Out of all the types of Jack Russell coats, the smooth-coated terrier is by far the most simplest to handle, with this coat needing little more than a quick weekly brush and a polish with a hound glove, which glides through the coat and massages the Jack's skin. As identified by Killick (2009) in Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner's Guide, the smooth-coated dog will need more grooming when going through the moulting period. During the moulting period, it is best to brush the Jack Russell more frequently (daily if possible), with this having the effect of both removing shedding hairs and allowing space for new hairs to grow through.
As anyone who owns a Jack Russell with a smooth coat will know, in moulting season the carpet can become caked with white fur. Therefore, it is better for both the dog and the home to spend time brushing each day, to avoid having to continuously hoover.
Grooming Jack Russell Dogs - Rough and Broken-Haired Coats
Unlike Jack Russells with smooth coats, those with rough coats do not tend to moult, requiring a brush and a comb about twice a week, with this type having a wiry feel. As recognised by Killick (2009), when the hair grows longer it will likely begin to tangle and collect detritus, making it necessary to gently pluck long hairs to tidy them. Long hairs may be plucked out using the forefinger and thumb, although this is much easier when wearing rubbers. While this will not hurt the dog, it is best to do it little and often, until they become used to being groomed. Specific stripping knives may be purchased to make the grooming task more simple.
Jack Russell Terriers with broken-haired coats also do not moult much, with long hairs ideally plucked in the same manner as used on those with rough coats. This type of coat is very different to smooth and rough coats, being softer and growing longer if left.
As highlighted above, Jack Russells have three different coats, which include smooth, rough and broken-haired coats. While Jack Russells require far less work in terms of grooming than most other breeds, it is important to get a Jack Russell puppy used to being groomed from a young age.
Source:
Killick, R. (2009) Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner's Guide London: Collins
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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