How to Select a Jack Russell Terrier

Jacks are popping up everywhere. Eddie from "Frasier," Milo from "The Mask" and Wishbone are all Jack Russell terriers. But remember that those dogs are trained and work in short segments. The Jack Russell terrier is a hunting dog and not for everyone.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Blankets
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Carriers
• Dog Collars
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Treats
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Pet Hair And Lint Brushes
• Dog Shampoo

1. Choose a Jack Russell if you want a smart, loyal and energetic companion. They're good watchdogs.

2. Remember that while they're easy to train, Jacks have short attention spans. They require consistency and a great amount of patience.

3. Reconsider buying a Jack if you have children. They won't tolerate rough treatment and are a poor choice for families with kids under 10.

4. Adopt a Jack Russell only if he will be your only dog. While some puppies will do fine with a cat already established in the home, they tend to be very aggressive with other dogs, even those much larger than themselves. They won't willingly share food, toys and so forth.

5. Expect your Jack Russell to weigh between 15 and 18 lbs. and stand 10 to 14 inches at the shoulder. There are short- and long-legged varieties.

6. Keep in mind that while he looks like a small dog to you, the Jack is essentially a 130-lb. dog in a small body. These dogs are extremely intelligent, very bold and have no sense of their small stature.

7. Expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a good-quality dog.

8. Consider adopting from a rescue group. Many of these dogs are already housebroken and finished with the chewing stage. There's usually nothing wrong with the dog; the owners didn't research the breed and later discovered that they and the dog were incompatible.

9. Note that terriers require a lot of attention. This is an extremely active dog. The main reason people give up a Jack Russell is that they weren't prepared for the activity level of the breed. The second reason is that the Jack nipped at the children.

10. Be prepared to enjoy a full 15 years with your terrier, as this is the average life expectancy of a Jack Russell.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend at least 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising the dog.
• Keep your Jack Russell in a secure yard - this breed will dig under and jump over 5-foot fences. Don't underestimate the escape skills of this terrier. If he sees something he wants to chase, he will do everything he can to go after it.
• Remember that terriers are bred to dig. Expect this behavior, particularly if you leave your dog alone all day.
• Keep a roll of tape handy; the Jack sheds constantly and a vacuum will get most, but not all, of the coarse hairs.
• This is a dog that will test your limits. You must be able to be firm and kind to him. If you tend to be the doting type of pet owner, the Jack is not for you.
• Most Jack Russell terriers don't do well in apartments or condominiums. They need more space than that and require a lot of exercise.
• This breed is not good with children or other pets.

[damiank]

on 5/8/2009 My Jack Russell is 5.5 years old, very active, and very good around children. I play ball with him every day, and he has a big elmo doll that he lays and sucks on, quite cute to see. Maybe my dog is just one of a kind, but I truly think if you train your dog and be consistant, he will be a very reliable and loyal companion.

[AlaCher]

on 1/12/2009 To avoid health and temperament issues, buy your beagle from an AKC hobby breeder that has shown the parents in conformation and tested for genetic health problems. AKC is the quality registry in the United States. Other all breed Registries have lower standards which you will come to regret.

[delarose2005]

on 12/28/2008 i have a 1 1/2 year old jack russell. he is a very fiesty, very energectic and very stubborn. if you are going to get a jack, you MUST NOT HAVE ANY SMALL CHILDREN! i know from experience. Jack's are very dominant dogs and will challege a small child. they are also very aggressive,to other dogs. you must not have any other dogs. believe me. If you have a jack, that is not going to fly with him or her. they are very protective and very possessive. they will choose one family member and become that family member guardian to the end. choose wisely think twice and if you are willing to deal with this great, sassy energectic dog. if the pro's are out weighting the con's for you then a jack russell is the dog for you. they are not bad dogs, just to smart for thier own good at times. Also you better be ready to become very active with your a jack russell. they need all the running and playtime

[delarose2005]

on 12/28/2008 i have a 1 1/2 year old jack russell. he is very energectic. remember if you are going to get a jack russell you should have no kids and no other dogs. jacks are VERY DOMINANT. And because a child is small they will try to bully them. my jack isn't allow around children because of this. Also remember jack's are very protective and possessive. They will choose a family member to be very protective over. If there is a challege they surely step to the challege with no fears. jack's are known for v-lining even if they are trained properly. They are not bad dogs just to smart for thier own good at times. i suggestion if you are going to get a jack. Seriously check out the good and bad of having these intriging animals. They will test your limits and also people you incounter too. trust me i know. Jack's are get dogs they just are dogs who will forever going threw there teribble two's.

[LorilynFarms]

on 11/14/2008 You are okay if you have two JRs but bring home another breed of dog and you have disaster! I had two, male and female and because they were opposite sex, they got along. But my attempt to bring home a larger dog, one a Rottweiller and another a Great Dane, because a killing field. They killed every puppy I brought home. In my presence, they acted respectful, but when left along for dog play, things always became confrontational and the JRs would go into killing mode. DO NOT think they are okay, even after three months together. Even two years later, they STILL ganged up and tried to kill the Great Dane- but the GD seemed indestructible. Do not be fooled, they will attack years later....