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Is my jack too old to breed?

20 9:29:21

Question
QUESTION: My Jack Russell Female is smaller. She is just under 13" long and just under 10" tall. She is 8 years old and I have never breed her. I would like to know if I could breed her or if it would be too difficlt for her.
Another question has been on my mind about her, because she is so much smaller than many of the Jacks that I have seen before I dont know if she is a mini, a runt, just small by chance, or how to go about finding another her size? I know my question is huge and prob. stupid, but if you could help me I would most deffintlybe grateful.

ANSWER: Hi Emily,
Your question is not stupid at all. It sounds like you own a Shortie Russell Terrier - which is the ORIGINAL breed of the Jack Russell. They are sometimes called Puddin's and are usually of English or Irish descent. The original Russell Terrier was bred with a Fox Terrier resulting in the taller, athletic Parsons Jack Russell Terrier that is recognized today by the JRTCA.  Personally I like the shorties much better than the Parsons in all areas but mostly because of their exceptional personalities and temperaments. They are great pets and companions but love a busy life too. Do I sound like a commercial?
Unfortunately 8 years old is much too old to breed....  in human years that makes your jack 72 years old. No dog should be bred over the age of 5 years maximum. It would be very hard on her body to give birth at this age.
You can find lots of information on Shorties by researching on the Internet. Type in RUSSELL TERRIER or  - I can recommend some excellent breeders to you if I knew where you were writing from. Feel free to send me a followup question with your location and I will give you some excellent and trustworthy names. Including myself of course! :)))

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for answering my questions, it really helped out alot. Its nice to know exactly what to look for when I start looking for another jack. I have one more question though, you say that she sounds like a Shortie Russell Terrier, I went looking at pictures and those jacks look so pudgy. My female is very "petite" in bone stucture. Very fit and always has been. She weighs around 5-9 lb.s. Is that ok for her size or is she underweight? Oh, and my mailing address is from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO! Thanks so much for your help, you've been great!!!

Answer
5 lbs is TINY for a jack russell - are you positive of her breed type? Where did you get her? I would love to see a picture of her if you want to send me one. Shortie jacks are small but 5 pounds is puppy size - here's my email address carolf1209@yahoo.com I would love to see her and talk to you some more.