The JRTCA Registry

What is the value to you of purchasing a JRTCA registered terrier, or a puppy from JRTCA registered parents?

The JRTCA Registration system is one of the most unique canine registries in the world. It was developed by Ailsa Crawford, the founder of the JRTCA. It is designed for the protection and preservation of a healthy, sound terrier that meets the JRTCA/JRTCGB breed standard.

The JRTCA's registry is unlike all-breed kennel clubs who generally register any offspring of registered parents, regardless of genetic or structural faults. It is designed for the protection and preservation of a healthy, sound terrier that meets the JRTCA/JRTCGB breed standard. It has been continually improved over many years of experience with the breed, and assistance from medical professionals, breeders and owners.

To be accepted for JRTCA Registration

1. The terrier must be a minimum of one year of age (there is no maximum age a dog is eligible).
   • Ensures maturity of the animal in size and structure, at which time most genetic traits/defects can be noted.
2. The terrier must pass a vet examination designed by the JRTCA specifically for the Jack Russell Terrier.
   • The vet exam precludes terriers from registration for genetic faults such as incorrect bites, luxating patellas, heart murmurs, legg perthes, and other genetic defects known to exist in this terrier.
   • By refusing registration to animals with genetic health issues, these animals are eliminated from JRTCA breeding, further protecting the breed overall.
3. The terrier must generally meet the JRTCA breed standard.
   • Structual faults such as prick ears, bad bites, crooked legs, are rejected for registration (but may be recorded if spayed/neutered).
4. The terrier may not be closely inbred.
   • The maximum inbreeding coefficient allowed is 16%; this precludes father/daughter, mother/son or brother/sister matings which can lead to many serious health problems.
   • Close inbreeding may proliferate genetic health problems; the JRTCA's inbreeding policy is designed to keep the breed healthy in body and mind.
5. The terrier must have a 4-generation (minimum) pedigree, signed by the breeder.
   • Ensures that you know the lineage (family tree) of your terrier; important for planning breedings.
   • The JRTCA maintains a database of pedigrees, and provides a 5-generation JRTCA pedigree with each registration, showing as much information as available.
   • This ensures that any errors in the breeder-provided pedigrees are found and corrected.
6. The terrier must have a stud certificate, signed by the owner of the terrier's sire.
   • Ensures that the pedigree, date of breeding, and date of birth are correct.

Terriers that DO NOT meet the JRTCA breed registry may be RECORDED if spayed/neutered, provided they are within the 10-15" height standard, thereby making them eligible to participate in all JRTCA trials and certificate programs, and a permanent part of the JRTCA's records. ALL JACK RUSSELL TERRIERS ARE WELCOME IN THE JRTCA.

This is a unique registry that means to you, the prospective owner, that the terrier/puppy you are purchasing is likely to be a Jack Russell Terrier that is mentally and healthy sound and meets the breed standard.