The story goes a little like this

Once upon a time in the 19th century lived a country parson named Jack Russell.

Jack Russell was reputed to have been an avid sportsman and the collector and breeder of terriers.

One fine day as he was glancing out of a window, he caught sight of a beautiful white terrier perched on a milk wagon. He apparently bought the dog right there and then - so impressed was he. The terrier later named Trump as rumour has it was the foundation bitch of the Jack Russell Terriers.

No seriously folks, Parson Jack Russell who undoubtedly "popularised" the breed, was born in 1795 in Dartmouth and then later grew up in North Devon the son of a very highly regarded Reverend. He attended Oxford where he first laid eyes on the famous "Trump" - she was said to be "as neat as a pin". There were three other dogs that contributed to humble beginnings of the Jack Russell Terrier - Old Jock, Old Trap and Grove Nettle.

Jack Russell was ordained a minister in 1819. He was remembered for his kindness as his dogs were given away - never sold - and for his love of animals in general. Jack Russell was a fox hunter and needed a dog that could go to ground but would not kill the quarry - the fox - and that my friends is where it all began.

These days Jack Russell Terriers can be found all over the world. They were exported to Australia as early as the 1880's and in 1991 the Jack Russell Terrier finally received recognition from the ANKC.