Can Anyone Tell Me About Jack Russell Terriers?

[aunt kelly]

We are providing a temporary home for a Jack Russell Terrier who was "rescued" by a local animal rescue organization. The vetenarian thinks he is a one-year-old.

I have been told that Jack Russells are hyper, but this dog is very calm-he just follows us around the house and lays down in whatever room we are in. We have one other dog-a female german sheppard-lab-collie mix. The dogs seem to get along fine.

We've only had the Jack Russell for 24 hours, but so far, so good. We are thinking about making this arrangement permant.

I would love to hear some experiences of others who have had Jack Russell Terriers. Is there anything we should about Jack Russells before we decide to adopt this dog?

 

[crz4mm2]

My JRT is a nutcase. She is very teritorial, aggressive and is hyper at times. She barks, growls, shows her teeth and should be featured on the Dog Whisperer

I don't think my dog is the usual JRT. I love her, but because of our experience with her, would never have another..... Sorry, but that is my opinion.
PS, her parents were NOT like this.....

We have a great lab and a great Boston Terrier too.

 

[DawnCt1]

There are several web sites about JRTs. There are a lot of JRTs in rescue because a lot of people do not understand what they are getting. A JRT is a GREAT BIG DOG in a little body. They can leap tall buildings in a single bound, (over an 8 ft. fence if they want to). They are tenacious. Some have been known to chase a small animal into a hole and wait and wait and wait. They do not do well with other small pets (cats) in the house. They will be an alpha dog if you do not step up to the plate. They are very loyal and then one day decide that they just want to live somewhere else and leave home not to be seen again. They are terriers. Which means they have a terrier personality. People who love them, absolutely love them.

 

[SleepyMom]

We have a JRT who will be one year old the end of this month. He can be very hyper at times, I've noticed it is usually in the mornings. During the afternoon and evening he calms down a lot.

In the mornings he just goes looking for trouble, it's actually kind of funny to watch him do this. He also is the type to follow us around from room to room (that might be because we leash trained him in the house when he was little).
He is crate trained and sleeps in there at night and sometimes during the day (the door is left open). I don't trust him yet to be left alone, so he also goes in his crate when we are gone.

DawnCT is right in that they are BIG dogs in little bodies, Dash gets along great with bigger dogs, but not little ones. Ours is a little comedian and we love him to death, I can't imagine not having him.

Maybe wait a little longer before deciding to keep him for good, as he gets used to you and your home he might get more rowdy. However, he might just be a calmer dog and stay this way. Either way, the longer he is in your home the better you will see how he is and if he will fit into your family.

Good luck!

 

[aunt kelly]

Thanks for the replies. I think we will keep him a little while longer before we decide whether the arrangement will be permanent.

 

[soccerfreak_08]

We have a JRT mix and it is the best dog in the world. She is calm and well trained is always obediant.

 

[Christine]

My JRT is about 4 years old. She's never been anymore hyper than other dogs I've had.

 

[mlyn]

If you like to read, get "Horse Heaven" a novel by Jane Smiley. It's a wonderful book, and one of the main characters is a Jack Russell named Eileen. She's a hoot! A typical JR, and Ms. Smiley really gets inside her head.

 

[PixiePop]

We have a JR. He is 9 years old. He is not "hyper" as you would think of in a little dog, but he is VERY active. Willie can amuse himself for hours with his tennis ball....he is very quick, cat like with the ball.

He is very funny and has a great personality and is VERY LOYAL. However, as others have said...he tries to be alpha dog and can get very territorial. He can also be agressive if you get near him while he is eating his food.


We love our JR...but they do have strong personalities.