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Rev. John Russell

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Animal Expert

The Resume

    (December 21, 1795-April 28, 1883)
    Born in Dartmouth, Devon, England, United Kingdom
    Vicar of Swimbridge and Rector of Black Torrington
    Fox hunter and dog breeder
    Founding member of the Kennel Club (1873)
    Breeder and namesake of the Jack Russell terrier and Parson Russell terrier

Why he might be annoying:

    He demonstrated more interest in hunting than in his parishioners.
    He married and heiress and spent most of her money on hunting.
    He eventually had to sell his house to pay off his debts.
    A profile of him noted, 'Young dogs that did not meet his expectations were disposed of without mercy.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He became prominent enough in upper-class hunting circles that the Prince of Wales invited him to spend Christmas and New Years at Sandringham Castle.
    In contrast to the usual practice of the time, he did not dock the tails or crop the ears of his terriers.
    He judged fox terriers at the first major dog show at the Crystal Palace (1874).
    The dogs he bred were known for their stamina and their intelligence.

Credit: C. Fishel


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