Are You Thinking of Getting a Jack Russell Terrier?

Are you thinking about getting a dog? Ever thought about a Jack Russell Terrier? Think twice before you get one! Over the years I have had many different breeds, Lhasa Apso, Black Lab, Rottweiler, and Australian Cattle dogs to name a few. But the Jack Russell stands out in its own way among dogs, that's for sure! Sometimes new pet owners don't realize that the various breeds of dogs have definite different personalities and traits. Having a Jack Russell has really shown us that.

We got our Jack Russell from the Humane Society, there seemed to be an abundance of them there just about every time we would go. I think a lot of people don't realize what they are getting into beforehand, then dump the poor little guy when their behavior isn't so cute anymore. Even though I did a lot of research before choosing a Jack Russell, there have still been plenty of surprises. I thought I would pass on a few of the things I have observed about the breed that might be helpful in making someone else's decision a little easier on getting or not getting a dog of this breed.

These cute little guys are everything from sweet and cuddly, to aggressive rodent attackers. Any of the Jack Russells that I have known are real cuddlers. In the evening, when all is quiet if you sit down, you had better get ready for a lap warmer. They always seem to want to be touching you in some way, either laying right on you or just the tip of the nose or paw touching. When I sit down in the computer chair ours thinks he has to lay in my lap for a nap. (It wouldn't be so bad if he would sit down and not have to snuffle every key on the board that might have had food on it first!)

Jack Russell Terriers originated in England and were bred for getting rodents. So, if you have any pet Guinea Pigs, rats, gerbils or hamsters in the house you may want to keep a good eye on them. We have a Guinea Pig and so far we have had no problem. Yes, he sits and stares at it, but we are very careful not to give him any chance to harm it. I am sure he would go for it if he had the chance, just is one of the things that is hardwired into this breed. I have seen him a few times in the backyard, listening intently to the ground, then pouncing, digging rapidly and coming up with a mole. You have to realize with this breed, rodents are underground and being bred to get rodents, they will dig! This is another one of the hardwired behaviors, you can tell them as many times as you want and they will still dig. You have seen the yard statues of just the dog rearend, that is a Jack Russell rear! I can't tell you how many times I have seen that exact scene when I looked out the window!

This breed of dog is a very active type and they need to keep busy. They will drive you crazy if you don't have something for them to do. I try to keep plenty of toys, chew bones and articles that interest him handy all the time. One of his favorite things to chase and toss around the house is an empty milk carton or plastic bottle. They are pretty safe and keep him busy quite awhile. Out in the backyard his favorite is the basketball. A fresh new basketball is heaven to him! Best present ever! He loves to run around the yard pushing it this way and that, guiding it with his nose. He is driven to do this, growling, pouncing, and chasing that prey. Unfortunately a new basketball only lasts a few days before he punctures it, then he resorts to carrying it back to you. If he doesn't get this type of exercise daily or at least every other day he will be bouncing up and down driving you crazy. I swear they have springs in their legs, some people can not have a breed that constantly does this. It can be wearing on you at times. So, if you don't have plenty of room to exercise a dog, time to play with it, or walk it, this is not the breed for you. If a Jack Russell doesn't get enough exercise it can come out in bad behavior around the house. Chewing things that aren't theirs, I have heard of one dog that actually dug up the couch cushions because it couldn't go outside to dig and play enough! I can't express the importance of the exercise factor with this breed of dog. We love to take ours on a walk or kick the ball for him, but not everyone has time for this and it needs to be taken into consideration before deciding on a Jack Russell. Along with this active dog goes having a fence and a good fence at that. If there is the smallest hole in it the dog will get out. And for some reason when a Jack Russell gets out, they just shoot off. Ours can be down around the corner in a blink of the eye. This can be frustrating at times too, well worth having a good fence with no way to get out.

They are also very inquisitive. We are always laughing because no matter what we are doing, from unclogging the sink, to unwrapping gifts, the dog is right in the middle of everything. Snuffling and checking everything out. Ours loves to go through the new grocery bags when we come home from shopping. They seem to have a real thing with insects too, and have been known to make up games with them. They can be occupied for a long time with a few active bugs!

Jack Russell Terriers can be vindictive little guys when they feel like it. One day my husband told ours that he had to stay home, he had wanted to go along so bad. As soon as he left, the dog went in and urinated on my husbands side of the bed. It has happened a number of times, we now watch what we say and put him in his crate when we all leave.

This breed of dog seems to be an all around family dog. They don't seem to favor one member more than the others. They will snuggle on the couch with anyone or beg for a game of fetch with whomever will give them the attention at the time. Ours will go from one person to the next checking to see who will take him up on some play time.

Jack Russell Terriers are by far the most interesting breed of dog that I have had. It is fun to watch the silly antics that they are always coming up with, but also a stress sometimes from being so active. So, when deciding on whether or not to get a Jack Russell Terrier I would take into consideration some of the points that I have brought up, that they can be cuddly, aggressive toward rodents, inquisitive, vindictive and very active! Make sure you have the time and energy to give to a dog of this sort before getting one. They will give all of that time and energy back in love and companionship if you let them!