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Jack Russell Terriers have been around for over a hundred years, but the breed has only been officially recognised in Australia in 1991. The breed takes its name from one of England’s hunting parsons, the Reverend John (or Jack, as he was known locally) Russell from Devon, who established the breed in the early 19th century. Being a keen fox hunter, the Reverend needed an agile dog with plenty of spirit that could keep up with hounds and have the courage to face up to its quarry underground. When not pursuing foxes, Jack Russell’s were used as exterminators of vermin, such as badgers and rats.
This breed has 3 distinct coat types: Rough, Broken, and Smooth. All coat types are predominately white-based colour with black and or tan markings.
The “Rough” is a true terrier-type coat with a harsh texture guard hair that is weatherproof with a softer undercoat. This coat type includes a facial beard, brows and leg furnishings. This is a hand-stripped coat.
The “Broken” is a terrier-type coat of weatherproof harsh texture and the same softer undercoat. However, the degree of the facial beard, brow, and leg furnishing is significantly reduced or sparse. This coat is also hand stripped or tidied but to a lesser degree.
The “Smooth” is a double coat with the outer guard coat is crisp due to a tight weatherproof shorter coat (not harsh like a rough) with a tight soft undercoat.
For all coat types use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It Shampoo. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate-free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It is a nil fragrance, no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate ingredients that clean, soothe, aid healing, and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball-sized amount directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy rinsing yet complete cleaning.
When preparing any of the coat types it’s important to consider 2
important things. 1. The predominantly white base colour and 2. The coat texture.
All coat types should use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo to tone the white base colour. Dilute this to 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water) or up to 1:10 for maintenance. The less dilution (1:5), the stronger the whitening effect. Herbal Whitening Shampoo works brilliantly to whiten whites and intensify darker colours. It DOES NOT lighten or bleach but instead tones with optical brighteners. It reduces yellowing or warm tones in white coats or white areas of the coat and will negate unwanted tones from sun fading or reddening in the coat. Similarly for darker colours, it will reduce any warm tones to intensify the depth of colour by revitalising any lost cool tones.
For those extra dirty coats use Plush Puppy Deep Cleansing Shampoo as the first shampoo diluted 1:5. This is brilliant for more intense cleansing or to remove any unwanted build-up of products. Its rich formulation provides the deepest coat clean available. Not only will it spruce up dull whites, this product can be used on any colour coat for a thorough cleansing and clarifying when required.
For those that require extra whitening to the feet and legs use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. It helps to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin. It is designed to remove unwanted warm or red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp or wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing 5-10 minutes and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
For Rough and Broken coats use Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo which is formulated to retain and improve coat texture. This shampoo thoroughly yet gently cleanses and deodorises the coat of Terriers and other wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening. It’s ideal for boosting body and coarseness in Terrier coats and is full of beneficial and powerful extracts that nourish and vitalise the skin. Use diluted up to 1:10 or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring intensive cleansing. Rinse thoroughly. This can also be used on smooth coat types as it will reduce the “fluffiness” and leave the coat tighter and flatter.
Do not use a conditioner on your Terrier coats as this will increase softness and this is not what these coats need. If you feel the coat needs hydration, use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil. This is excellent for maintaining the healthy vigour to the skin and coat as it is all plant sourced from Evening Primrose and Calendula Oils. It is non greasy and totally water soluble making it easy to apply without the worry of build-up. Dilute 1/2 teaspoon of Seabreeze Oil into 2 Litres of water and work well through the coat with a large sponge. LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. It gives incredible sheen and finish to the hair without softening. We cannot stress enough the wonderful attributes of this product.
For all coat types use the infamous Plush Puppy Ultimate Soft Slicker Brush. This brush promises durability and flawless brushed results every time. It is of ergonomic design to lessen strain on the users hands while at the same time offering maximum brush contact. A soft, flexible rubber air-cushion houses the strong pins. These pins penetrate through the dogs coat without excessive pulling on the hair or scratching the skin. The Ultimate Soft Slicker Brush ensures a gentler, more comfortable brushing experience.
For furnishings care use Plush Puppy Reviva Coat mid-week on the legs, and also on the face for protection. This is a great moisturiser to use without softening the coat. Hard to find things that will do just that! It is the perfect product for after-show bathing of the furnishings to protect and moisturise.
If you want even more texture use Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier. This remarkable natural loose chalk adds that harshness needed and is perfect to use before hand stripping and carding. Just a light sprinkle and pat in. The white chalk disappears without a trace leaving a crisp coat.
On show day apply Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream which is a great cover for stains or discolouration. Excellent on “red” area on worn elbows and to the white on the muzzle. When you really need to cover stains your whites or intensify white areas, Cover Up Cream will do the trick. Apply with a barely damp sponge using a small amount. Build up coverage as required layer by layer.
Then use powder or chalk as required while the cream is drying. Brush off excess when dry. Add a tiny bit of Plush Puppy Chalkestral with your fingertips to the white legs to assist holding the white powder you apply. You need something to help grip and to protect the coat from abrasion. Best of all is Plush Puppy Fairy Frost. This ultra-fine and bright white powder that is more effective and innovative than the usual methods of white chalking and adding powder to coats. Fairy Frost will create the brightest white tone that clings all day. Plus, it covers all coats without creating harshness. Fine and easy to use, our formulation means a little goes a long way. Fairy Frost Regular is naturally sourced and contains no chalk or talc. Use this product instead of chalk or mix with your usual white powder. This product is best for glamorous, perfect whites as it never gets clumpy, even when wet. This stays on the coat well and will last the day till washed off. Apply with the Plush Puppy Ultimate Powder Application Brush. Work well into the area where required for enhancing whites and cover. The absolute best for glamorous perfect whites.
Keep on hand Plush Puppy Wonder Wash which is a no rinse wet instant spray on shampoo for “those show day” last-minute emergencies as this will clean up anything, pronto. Just spray and foam with the fingers then towel off. In moments when regular shampooing is not an option, Wonder Wash will clean, whiten and brighten problem areas on all coat kinds. It contains optical brighteners, has a fresh apple fragrance, and violet tone.
For those that require some extra hold use Plush Puppy HOLD. This is a strong sculpting spray scientifically formulated for shaping all types of coats. The quick-drying formulation won’t become sticky and will not build-up. HOLD can be removed with ease by simply shampooing the coat. It contains Pro-Vitamin B5 to improve elasticity, moisture retention, and flexibility in their coat hair. We recommend using and storing at normal room temperature for a perfect mist spray. Optimum spray distance is approximately 30cm (12 inches).
For coats that are experiencing static use Plush Puppy Anti Static Control. This is an extremely performant spray that controls static electricity. It also adds to the protection, strength, and perfect finished look of the coat. Added benefits include a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat. As it is lightweight in formulation, it will not go oily or cause hairs to stick together, nor will it soften strong texture coats.
The Jack Russell is a true working terrier, their coat and the protection it provides allows them to do what they are bred for. This must be both considered and respected in the preparation for the ring. Judges are educated to understand the coat and the desired texture. It is a dog show and best you impress the judges in your 2 minutes of fame.
An amazing breed that shines in the show rings worldwide when correctly prepared.
