Jack Russel Terrier and the Philippines askal

I've been wanting to post about this for so long, but I was just too lazy to think of something to say about it. Now that my mind is working pretty well (I guess), I will now be writing about a breed of dog that looks so familiar.

I'm talking about the Jack Russel Terrier, it is a small terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. It is principally white-bodied smooth, rough or broken-coated which is commonly confused with the Parson Russell terrier (the American Kennel Club (AKC) and affiliate variant) and the Russell terrier (a shorter legged, stockier variety) with the term "Jack Russell" commonly misapplied to other small white terriers. The Jack Russell is a broad type, with a size range of 10–15 inches (25–38 cm), the Parson Russell is limited only to a middle range with a standard size of 12–14 inches (30–36 cm), while the Russell terrier is smaller at 8–12 inches (20–30 cm), however each breed has different physical proportions according to the standards of their breed clubs.

Originating in the early 19th century from dogs bred and used by Reverend John Russell, it has similar origins to the modern Fox terrier. The Jack Russell is an energetic breed which relies on a high level of exercise and stimulation, and is relatively free from serious health complaints. It has gone through several changes over the years, through different use and breed standards set by kennel clubs. Recognition for the breed by kennel clubs has been opposed by the breed's parent societies – which resulted in the breeding and recognition of the Parson Russell terrier. Jack Russells have appeared many times in film, television and print with several historical dogs of note.

Enough about that post from Wikipedia that I'm sure you never read anyway. *wink

If you haven't notice, the Jack Russel Terrier looks a lot like a common stray dog here in the Philippines, commonly known as "ASKAL" and for some "ASPI" which stands for "Asong Pinoy".

Their size, built, fur, and color are all the same with common askals here in the Philippines, so I wonder if our so called Askal is actually a mixed-bred of a Jack Russel Terrier with a different type of breed. Veterinarians actually calls an Askals as "Mongrell" or "Mixed-breed dog".

The sad part - It is really sad that people don't appreciate Askals, they would never end up in the streets if they were. There are a lot of hypocrites who call themselves dog lover, yet they won't even adopt a pitiful stray dog, they actually look at it as disgusting or a shame to have such a breed of dog.

If only - If everyone will look at Askals as a Jack Russel Terrier, I know for sure that everyone will be catching every stray dogs in the streets and carry them in places with head held high, because whenever someone asks them what breed their dog is, they will be able to say proudly that my dog is a Jack Russel Terrier.

So if you own an Askal, and someone asked you what's the breed of your dog, tell them this:

"Well my dog is actually a mongrel from a Jack Russel Terrier ancestry"

Author : ROJ

Article : Jack Russel Terrier and the Philippines askal

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Monday, July 18, 2011 at 7:03 PM