Can You Handle a Jack Russell Terrier?

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small hunting dog, they were once breed for hunting burrowing animals such as rabbits and foxes. As a result, these dogs love to dig, this is only one of the many traits that can make or break your relationship with a Jack Russell Terrier. They are also one of the most intelligent dogs in existence. First you should know that terriers in general are not well suited to city living or small quarters. These breeds are happiest when they can run around and socialize.

Here are some questions you should answer to see if a jack Russell is for you:

1. My Family Lives in a: House or Apartment
2. We live in the: City, Suburbs, or Country
3. We have a fenced in yard: yes or no
4. We have a large yard or a place to exercise the dog close by: yes or no
5. We have a dog crate: yes or no
6. We plan to train the dog obedience: yes or no
7. Are there young children in the household: yes or no
8. Is anyone allergic to animals: yes or no
9. How many hours will the dog be alone: never, 1 to 4 hours, 5 to 8 hours, 9 or more hours
10. How do you describe your lifestyle: inactive, moderately active, or very active
11. Do you own any cats: yes or no
12. Do you own any small animals: yes or no
13. Have you researched the Jack Russell Terrier: yes or no
14. Are you planning on adopting or buying?
15. Where are you planning on getting one: Any breeder, a registered breeder, a pet store, or a rescue
16. Why do you want a Jack Russell Terrier? (because of a TV show, they don't shed, they are working dogs, they are intelligent, or they make a good companion)
17. Do you plan on spaying or neutering your dog? yes or no

Here is what the answers should be and why... if you find yourself only matching a small amount of the questions you may want to consider a different breed.

1. My Family Lives in a House - Jack Russell Terriers are not recommended as apartment dogs. They are extremely active and need room to play and exercise. They are also very vocal and can cause problems with neighbors.
2. We live in the Country - Jack Russell Terriers are country dogs, they are working dogs and they are very intelligent. They love to be outdoors and are excellent for hunting.
3. We have a fenced in yard: yes, Jack Russell's need a secure place to run and play outdoors. They are hunting dogs by nature and it is their instinct to roam so to maintain your dogs safety a fence is essential.
4. We have a large yard or a place to exercise the dog close by: yes, Jack Russel's need plenty of exercise and a large yard or a dog friendly park close by is a necessity.
5. We have a dog crate: ye, crates are very important in training. They allow for you to help house train your dog and it provides them for a safe place. Most people think that using crates is cruel but most dogs enjoy the small secure environment the crate provides.
6. We plan to train the dog obedience: yes, Jack Russell's are extremely intelligent and will continue to push their limits through out their life.
7. Are there young children in the household: No, Jack Russel's can be very aggressive when they feel threatened or mistreated, even if it is unintentional. Small children must be watched and taught how to treat the dogs.
8. Is anyone allergic to animals: No, the Jack Russel's shed a few times a year and are not recommended for families with allergies.
9. How many hours will the dog be alone: 1 to 4 hours is the amount of time that your Jack Russel's should be left alone, after awhile they get lonely and bored and can become very destructive to the house. This is not the dogs fault... it is the owners.
10. How do you describe your lifestyle: moderately active, or very active, the Jack Russel's are full of energy and require as much exercise as most large dogs. They love to run and go for walks which is great if you are active, but if you are not an active person you should look at other dog breeds.
11. Do you own any cats: no, Jack Russel's are natural hunters, they don't hate cats but they can play rough and this can lead to sad events.
12. Do you own any small animals: no, Jack Russell's are known to harass, injure, or kill smaller animals with their hunting instinct.
13. Have you researched the Jack Russell Terrier: yes, it is important to research any breed before you get a dog to make sure they will be compatible with your lifestyle.
14. Are you planning on adopting or buying? Adopting, adopting a Jack Russel is better than going to a breeder because you are offering a better life to a dog that doesn't have a home.
15. Where are you planning on getting one: a registered breeder or a rescue, If you do go to a breeder, make sure they are registered but make sure you check local rescues too.
16. Why do you want a Jack Russell Terrier? (because of a TV show, they don't shed, they are working dogs, they are intelligent, or they make a good companion) Jack Russell Terriers are working dogs, they are very intelligent and loyal and make great companions.
17. Do you plan on spaying or neutering your dog? yes, spaying or neutering your dog is important because there is an overpopulation of animals.