Clothes for a Jack Russell Terrier: is it needed and how to take the correct measurements + how to choose a harness, collar, leash and muzzle

The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed considered to be a hunting breed. They were once bred in Great Britain specifically for burrow hunting.

Of course, not everyone gets a Jack Russell for this purpose, because he is also distinguished by his activity, sociability and good appearance.

The Jack Russell Terrier can be used as a guard dog (instantly barking when strangers invade the territory) and a companion dog.

In this article we will tell you about clothes for Jack Russells, as well as other accessories for walking.

Does a Jack Russell need clothing?

To the question whether a Jack Russell needs clothes, you can confidently answer - yes, dogs of this breed definitely need clothes. This is a must when caring for a Jack Russell.

Some people think that the main purpose of dog costumes is to attract attention and to decorate the pet, but this is not true. The fact is that small dogs with short hair are poorly adapted to walks in bad weather.

If you walk a Jack Russell without clothes, the dog can get a bad cold and then it will have to be treated for a long time. The consequences of a cold in animals can be dire, including death.

What else affects the lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier, read here.

So you should take care of your pet in advance and insulate it well.

Useful tips

If the measurements are taken correctly, your pet will not experience any discomfort even in a wire “mask”. Nevertheless, it is better to once again check all the indicators that ensure the safe operation of the accessory. You should make sure that the muzzle does not pinch the animal and that the straps are not fastened too tightly. If, after walking, deep marks from the mesh are visible on the dog’s face, you need to loosen the fastening of the product or buy another model. You should not torture the animal by forcing it to wear a tight and tight “mask”, which will negatively affect the health and character of the pet.

Knowing how to choose a muzzle for a dog without a dog, you need to learn how to properly train the animal to put on the accessory in question. This can be done at home or in another quiet environment where there is a minimum amount of external stimuli.

At the first stage, it is recommended to put your four-legged friend’s favorite treat in the purchased product. After he eats it, be sure to praise and pet your pet. Repeat this exercise several times. After 3-4 days, try throwing a strap or strap over the animal’s head, giving it “snacks” through the holes of the “mask”. After the dog has eaten all the pieces of food offered, remove the accessory. Such activities will allow you to quickly get used to the new “image” and neutralize the stress from previously unusual actions.

Wardrobe must-haves

What you definitely need to buy for Jack Russell dogs include:

winter overalls on padding polyester with fleece lining inside;
autumn overalls made of water-repellent fabric, preferably with a hood, as Jack Russells often have problems with their ears. The fabric must be of high quality;
boots with rubber soles or ugg boots.

IMPORTANT!

Be sure to ensure that the material is of high quality, there are no defects in the seams and no threads sticking out, since the Jack Russell is a very active breed of dog, and damaged clothing will quickly wear out.

Check if the fabric feels pleasant to the touch. It's good if you can discreetly splash water on it to see if it gets wet. The best option for fasteners would be button fasteners - they make dressing the dog more convenient.

Various summer suits are mere decorations and are not part of the required wardrobe.

Leather accessory

Ammunition made from genuine leather is in greatest demand among breeders; outwardly it looks like a dense interweaving of leather strips that restrains the opening of the mouth. Among the advantages of this configuration it should be noted:

light weight;
neat design;
strength;
durability;
the material does not rub or press;
sufficient ventilation of the product is ensured.

Features of the product made from artificial material:

despite the outward similarity of dermantine and genuine leather and the low cost of the first material, the artificial substitute quickly becomes unusable and can cause allergies;
creases may form on the product;
the material is prone to drying out and cracking.

Accessories made from genuine leather are expensive, which is justified by their quality - durability, hypoallergenicity, and a service life of several years.

How to choose a clothing size?

It is very important not to make a mistake with the size, because if the clothes are small, they will restrict the dog’s movements and the Jack Russell will be very uncomfortable. If the costume hangs like a bag on your pet, this is also very inconvenient.

There are basic measurements that need to be taken when you go shopping for clothes:

back length. Take a measurement from the line of the collar to the tailbone or the beginning of the tail;
chest girth. The chest is measured at its widest part (at the base of the front legs). It is better to add 2-3 centimeters to this measurement;
neck girth. It is best to measure by the collar;
chest height. Distance from the base of the front paws to the line of the collar.

The Jack Russell must remain motionless while his measurements are taken. It's good if someone can hold him.

NOTE!

The best option would be to come to the store with your pet. This way you can see for yourself how the clothes fit on him, how comfortable they are to put on, and whether they are too small for him.

How to choose a leash and harness?

For dogs of this breed, it is very important to choose a good leash, as they are very active. It is important to provide them with some freedom of movement, but at the same time limit their ability to run forward.

A few simple rules:

The harness should be made of soft, non-chafing material. It should not be allowed to restrict the dog’s movements;
A roulette leash is best suited so that the dog can run long distances;
the leash must be a belt one, as the lace can cut your legs;
since we choose a tape measure, it is good if the leash is equipped with reflectors, since passers-by often do not notice the leash and stumble over it, which is very unpleasant for both them and the dog;
the optimal leash length is no more than five meters;
The leash for a Jack Russell puppy should be light.

Let's summarize

Now you know how to choose a muzzle for your dog based on size and other parameters. In conclusion, I would like to note that in the Russian Federation, walking dogs over 0.4 meters at the withers and weighing more than 5 kg without a muzzle faces a fine of up to five thousand rubles. In addition, even the most loyal pets can show aggression in a certain environment, and various “goodies” of unknown origin, picked up from the ground, lead to poisoning. Don't ignore these points. Worry about the safety of people around you and the safety of your four-legged friend!

Choosing a Collar

There are certain rules, subject to which your pet will feel comfortable in a collar:

two fingers of your hand should fit freely between the dog’s neck and the collar;
the collar should be so wide that it cannot be removed over the head;
The collar should not restrict movement or put pressure. The dog should turn and tilt its head freely;
The collar should be made of a material that does not chafe the skin. Check the material, feel it, is it soft enough?

IMPORTANT!

It is advisable to choose a collar, like a harness, by trying it on the dog. This way you can better assess whether the accessory hinders your pet’s movements.

Halter

A popular configuration is called a halti or loop. This type can be used exclusively for short-term fixation of the dog’s jaws; in addition, for safety reasons and to ensure proper safety, it is advisable that the owner be nearby.

Advantages:

low price;
simple design;
light weight.

The disadvantages include poor fixation and difficulty in putting on the accessory correctly.

How to choose a muzzle?

Some people believe that a muzzle is only needed to protect people from large dogs, but this is not true. One of the main purposes of a muzzle is to protect the dog, to prevent the possibility of it eating something spoiled or planted by dog hunters.

It is better, of course, to wean your dog from taking food on the street and from passers-by while still a puppy. Usually, for this purpose, they take a lesson from a professional dog handler, but the technique is quite simple - a random passerby is asked to give the dog food, and if it reaches out to it and tries to take it, the trainer reacts sharply and lightly hits the dog. You cannot harm the animal, but it is important to wean it off the idea of taking food from strangers. After the dog leaves the stranger, the owner gives the pet food from his own hand.

Read more about how to raise and train a Jack Russell here.

So, how to choose a muzzle for your Jack Russell Terrier?

First you need to determine the required dimensions:

measure the length of the Jack Russell's muzzle - from the tip of the nose to the transition of the muzzle to the forehead;
muzzle circumference (measure the widest part and add three centimeters);
head length - from the tip of the nose to the occipital protuberance;
neck circumference - measure behind the occipital protuberance;
distance between eyes;
distance between ears.

It is best, again, to measure directly on the dog.

NOTE!

Inspect the product - there should be no threads or even minor damage or fishing lines. The straps are durable and not stretched. The rivets must be made of metal (for all dogs larger than pugs), otherwise the muzzle will break.

Decide why the muzzle will be used, since different variations are suitable for different purposes:

A blind leather muzzle completely covers the dog's mouth. It is used for trips to the veterinarian, leading an aggressive dog through a crowd of people, during training. It serves only to protect people from being bitten. Such muzzles can only be worn for a few minutes, because it is very difficult for the dog to breathe in them. They are allowed only when there is noticeable aggression;
mesh leather muzzles consist of straps. In such a muzzle, the dog can open its mouth, stick out its tongue, and drink water. It does not interfere with breathing and is suitable for daily wear. However, a mesh muzzle does not prevent your dog from eating unwanted food and objects. To solve this issue, you can find a model with a “solid” or almost “solid” bottom and the widest possible distances between the belts on the sides;
metal mesh is a muzzle that does not interfere with the dog’s eating, drinking and breathing. Very heavy, so it is suitable only for adult strong dogs. In fact, it only protects against bites (even if the dog wants to bite), therefore it is useless for calm dogs. You should not wear it in cold weather, as there is a risk of frostbite and hypothermia;
A plastic muzzle is, in fact, an analogue of a metal one, but it is much lighter and the mesh is more dense, so the dog cannot pick up anything from the ground. Not every day is suitable for walking in a plastic muzzle, since in hot weather the Jack Russell will be uncomfortable, and in cold weather the material may be damaged;
a fabric muzzle is a simple formality to comply with the law (for walking in crowded places and transportation). Does not limit the dog in anything;
bridle - does not limit the dog’s ability to bite or pick up something, but can be used to correct unwanted movements during training. Also suitable for formal legal compliance.

Manufacturing materials

How to choose a muzzle for a dog, taking into account existing materials? There are several versions on the market, each of which has its own pros and cons. Let's start the review with the nylon versions. This soft accessory is ideal for small breed dogs with flat or flattened faces. The advantages of this material include good strength and no compression of the nasal area.

Nylon muzzles for dogs protect your pet from drinking water from puddles, picking up scraps from the ground, and catching cold air with an open mouth. This type of mask is suitable for any season. For regions with hot summers, variations with mesh inserts are provided. There are specialized models for breeds with short jaws that are difficult to find in regular pet stores.

When do you need walking gear?

The French Bulldog is not on the list of dogs that are legally required to wear a muzzle; it falls under another section of the Federal Responsible Treatment of Animals Act. The paragraph concerns the rules for transporting dogs in ground public transport and the subway. It says that during transportation the dog (without specifying the breed) must be muzzled and on a short leash or in a special container.

The Frenchman's outfit can be very attractive

There are no other mandatory conditions for wearing equipment, but it will be useful:

while walking around the city, in the park;
when visiting a veterinarian;
during visits;
during training.

When walking in the city, you need to be prepared for the appearance of an irritant. A French bulldog is capable of behaving inappropriately: reacting to an unusual signal from a car or traffic light, chasing an animal, or getting scared. In these cases, a harness will help maintain control over your pet without causing harm to it.

Do not forget! The small French bulldog is a descendant of the fighting dog. He is capable of engaging in a fight with an opponent significantly superior to him in strength and size.

In the park, walking equipment will save the owner from conflicts with scrupulous vacationers. It will also prevent the dog from picking up unnecessary objects from the ground.

When visiting an unfamiliar house, a French bulldog will certainly want to explore the situation, which may not please the owners of the home. In this case, equipment will also come in handy.

Treatments at a veterinarian's office are rarely pleasant. The dog is nervous and may show aggression. If the doctor examines the mouth, it is better to put a muzzle on the pet.

Some commands during training require the presence of a harness, which not only allows you to hold the dog, but also with the help of it the person prompts the pet to take the necessary actions.

Muzzle for French Bulldog

Personality of the French Bulldog

Black is one of the most common colors of French bulldogs.
These little dogs are full of natural charm and sophistication. It's no surprise that they have gained popularity all over the world. NOTE!

This dog's easy-going nature makes it an excellent companion on short walks. They can be very friendly and sociable, but you shouldn't be intrusive with these kids - if you don't respect their personal boundaries, they can show their teeth.

For a child, a black French bulldog will be a wonderful friend. These dogs, like children, are very inquisitive. They will be interested in exploring the world. The main thing is to explain to the baby that the new four-legged friend must be treated with respect.

Read a more detailed description of the French Bulldog breed here.

Do a Jack Russell Terrier need clothes and how to choose them + how to choose a harness, collar and muzzle for a dog