Briefly, A JACK RUSSELL CAN BE A LOYAL, LOVING FAMILY PET, but needs TRAINING, LOVE AND ATTENTION.
Before you get a puppy
Is this the puppy for you?
When inviting a dog to join your household, it is very important to learn about the breed you are interested in. A Jack Russell Terrier, as with any other terrier, can have character traits associated with its enthusiastic, energetic nature that you may find undesirable. It would be unreasonable to expect them to be anything other than what they were bred to be ... a hunting dog.
JACK RUSSELLS ...... are not as they are portrayed in the movies, or on TV, sweetly parked on a sofa. They are first and foremost hunting dogs. Remember that the traits and skills that make them excellent hunting dogs, (i.e. digging, barking, etc.) should not be interpreted as bad habits, only instinct.
... are energetic dogs. When living in a city or suburban type environment, their needs and instincts don't change, therefore they need lots of exercise and companionship.
... are not recommended as apartment or condo dogs. They need a great deal of exercise and outdoor activity, and are usually too loud for such high density living. Unless your schedule permits some time at home during the day, and some outdoor activity, this may not be the dog for you.
... are bred to go underground, following scent to locate and bark at quarry until they are dug down to, or the quarry bolts. Consequently, some Jack Russells will enjoy digging up your flower beds!!
... are a big dog in a little body. They have the same need for exercise as a much larger dog, and the mentality to match. They seem fearless and think they are much bigger than they are.
... can be aggressive with other dogs. Same sex aggression is prevalent in all terriers. It is strongly recommended that no more than two Jack Russells (of opposite sex only) should be left alone.
... are NOT a non-shedding breed. As with any breed of dog that is housed inside, smooth coats shed continuously year round, while rough and broken coats may require manual stripping throughout the year.
Are you the person for him?
JACK RUSSELLS ...... require firm, consistent discipline. They are extremely intelligent. Their assertive nature must be understood and handled properly. Train the terrier before he trains you!!
... can become very possessive of their owner, a favourite member of their family, or something they consider their own. Protective behaviour must be controlled from an early age, before aggression starts.
... are commonly known to enjoy chasing other small pets such as cats, rabbits, birds, etc., due to a strong natural hunting instinct. Raising a puppy with a cat requires training from both the owner and the cat!
... remain active well into their 15 year plus life span. Their need for activity and desire to hunt continue for their entire life.
... require obedience training. Your dog's life may depend on it. Even well trained dogs will be tempted to chase something fun, or even disappear down a hole while you are not looking.
... absolutely need a securely fenced yard. Jack Russells will roam due to their hunting instincts even if left alone in an unsecured yard for a few minutes.
... need companionship. Most behavioural problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise. If you've only seen perfect, well behaved Jack Russells, they are the ones lucky enough to be exercised, trained and loved.
... can be a fun loving companion to a child, as long as the child is taught not to be abusive. (i.e. pulling ears, tails, etc.) Jack Russells mixed with children under 6 years of age require supervision.
... require a long term commitment to obedience, activity, exercise and entertainment. Their unique character, intelligence and high energy level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you, and can bring you great joy.
...should never be allowed to roam unattended. A Jack Russell will go-to-ground at any opportunity, to any quarry. Many a dog has been known to stay in an active 'earth' for days, even weeks, without food or water, because of the strong instinct bred into them to stay with their quarry. It can be very frightening, and an impossible situation for the untrained owner.