Atlas Terrier

Pronunciation
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Description
The Atlas Terrier is an off shoot of the Jack Russell Terrier, one difference being they can be solid in color. The Atlas Terrier can come in any color, including "merles" and "brindles", they can not have more that 15% of white, which will allow for a white collar, toes, facial blaze and chest. The Atlas Terrier comes in two coat varieties, smooth and wire. Tail docking is optional as well, but an undocked tail must curl completely over the back and must fall below the body top line. A Docked tail must be carried high above the body top line. The skull is flat between the ears, then tapering. The stop is defined, but not abrupt. Eyes are almond-shaped eyes, and can be solid, marbled or cracked with any of the following colors: Brown, Amber, Yellow, Green, Hazel, Cobalt, Glass. The v-shaped ears fold forward. The neck is strong well set, and of decent length, the body is tapering, with a "sleeve" like chest, the hind end is powerful, well angulated. The coat is a thick, loose skinned and weather resistant, without a good coat a terrier is very susceptible to the elements, above and below ground. The Atlas Terrier is a dog built for athleticism, speed, and flexibility. A *spannable and pliable chest is of utmost importance, any other will have difficulty functioning underground. they are highly motivated, extremely willing, and incredibly intelligent.
Temperament
Much like the Jack Russell, the Atlas Terrier is a outgoing, devilish, merry, devoted, and loving dog. Spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and playing with toys. An Atlas terrier will enjoy playing with your children as long as the playing stays "friendly" and the dog does not start to fear for it's safety. They are extremely intelligent, and will enjoy trying to outsmart their owners at every turn, the will test the boundaries and push the limits, owners need to be on their toes. Much to their delight, They will enjoy training their owners, but such can lead to tragic events if the owner can not safety keep their little devil (oops! we mean angel) under control. The Atlas breed is less dog aggressive than it's Jack Russell cousin, but they will hold their ground if tested. Early socialization can help suppress this trait. They have a high prey drive and small cute fuzzy critters will perk their interest, as the terrier mentally matures the hunting instinct will also grow, having potential victims as pets is best if they are kept separated. They like to chase and explore EVERYTHING, Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well-trained. Atlas Terrier like to bark, dig and chew, especially if bored, or ignored. An Atlas Terrier climb, which means they can climb over a fence, they also jump. This is a BIG dog in a little dogs body. The owner needs to be routine, firm, and half as smart (only kidding....), know the boundaries, before the furball, so everybody will know what to correct them from doing and when to let them have at it. The RIGHT owner for an Atlas Terrier is capable of giving direction, knows how to set boundaries, and won't mind doing daily physical and mental exercise with the dog.
Height, Weight
Height: Toy 9-11 inches (23-28 cm.)
Weight: Toy 6-12 pounds 2.7-5.4 kg.)
Height: Mini's 11-13 inches (28-33 cm.)
Weight: Mini's 10-15 pounds (4.6-6.9 kg.)

Height: Standards 13-15 inches (33-38 cm.)
Weight: Standards 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)

Health Problems
What makes the Atlas so special is the extreme controlled breeding program used to create this breed, all originating dogs used where health tested, as much as modernly possible and they were monitored well into their senior years as longevity was a concern as well. To this day no major health problems have been detected.
Living Conditions
The Atlas Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. If the Atlas Terrier is kept in an apartment, the dog should have a person home with it during the day unless the dog is crate trained. Even then, the owner better expect to get some exercise or be pestered to death for belly rubs and tug of war games when he/she gets home.
Exercise
Like the Jack Russell, the Atlas terrier will exercise, and amuse themselves in a yard, but without supervision their choice of activity my not be to your liking, they thrive on being your shot gun buddy and anywhere you go, they would like to be with you. They excel in active sports, like agility, flyball, & racing. We like to say that a tired Atlas is a well exercised owner.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Grooming
The Atlas Terrier comes in two coat varieties, smooth and wire. Neither are high maintenance coats. Special grooming is not required on your wire coated dogs, unlike a Wire Fox Terrier, this coat is hard, and lays flat to the body. Routine brushing and combing and occasional bathing will keep them in good coat condition, and reduce shedding.
Origin
The Atlas Terrier is a by product of the Jack Russell Terrier, The JRT originated by crossing many terrier breeds together, the base breed being Fox Terrier, and The Old English White Terrier (now extinct), but other solid colored breeds such as Border Terrier, Lakelands, and Manchester where crossed in as well, The Parson himself kept a ole black and tan stud in his kennel, in the day of the Parson, many dogs used for breeding where based solely on their working ability, color and conformation where often given little consideration.

In our modern day society, very few dogs are used for the original tasked they where bred for, and breeding for "LOOKS" became the primary importance, with the standard for the JRT being a mostly solid white colored dog, dogs born of solid or excessive coloring where either culled at birth or given away as none breedable dogs.

The gene that causes the predominant white coloration does have it's price, and like other spotted white dog breeds, the JRT has become effected with deafness, it was out of this concern that the Atlas Terrier was born, it's solid coloration greatly reduces the chance of deafness.
Group
Terrier
Recognition
ATA, APRI, FCI, ACR
The ATA (Atlas Terrier Association) is the most unique in the world, as all Atlas Terriers are DNA profiled and microchipped.