Jack Russell Terrier owners

[whirlsy]

please fill me in on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Love the looks of the dog and my kids want one bad but I need more information than what the websites read. Please help.

 

[phillybeth]

I don't have a JR, but I know they are very intelligent and VERY high energy.

 

[LoraJ]

Originally posted by whirlsy
please fill me in on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Love the looks of the dog and my kids want one bad but I need more information than what the websites read. Please help.

My ex boyfriend had one for a month and then gave it away. He got it from someone else that had given her away.

They are VERY high energy. They neeed a big yard, and very high fence. They also need constant attention.

Again, this is just from my experience, but do a lot of research before you get one. They are very cute, and very very smart, but very hard to handle.

 

[lynetteSC]

Hold on to your seat! LOL! Just kidding! We have a full blooded JRT and also a mix breed JRT. We love them! They are VERY smart dogs and ours are both have two speeds: full speed and dead stop! Maisey (our full blooded JRT) is actually very cuddly at times!

They are bred hunters so, they are always bringing us some kind of "prize" (mice/frogs/etc). We had them as inside dogs until very recently (new baby) and they have adapted very well to living outside. I will say I miss them terribly inside.

I know there have to be other jrt owners on here! Good luck! Let us know if you get one!

 

[skiwee1]

We have a JRT and he is not the normal energetic variety. Rascal enjoys life mostly in a horizontal postion lounging on his sofa. He does start racing around every night about 10pm after his last time outdoors before bed. He and my other dog Zoe seem to burn off the stored energy of the day and get pretty rowdy. Other then that, he is very smart. You can spell out the word pizza and he knows it. He will sit and stare at the front door until the pizza guy gets here. He even knows what I mean when I order it. He doesn't have to hear the word pizza. All it takes is for me to say pepperoni and he goes nuts. LOL!

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

My sister's sister-in-law has one, and he is adorable. But he is also as single-minded as a dog can be. When he gets an idea in his head about what he wants to do, good luck!

When I think of him, I remember that these are dogs bred to go down a hole to catch a rat. Since a rat can be almost as big as a JR, survival for these dogs depended on being intelligent, determined, tough-minded and tenacious. Cute as all get-out, but needs an owner who admires and can handle those characteristics.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

I think this would describe them best....
My uncle and aunt got two last year, and I feel so sorry for their old Golden lab. He gets SO tired of their energy. He's even hidden their toys from them before.
Kim

 

[Shugardrawers]

Yup, JRTs are VERY high energy dogs. The love to run, dig, fetch and play. They are wonderful pets for the right owners. I'd consider your lifestyle before getting one. They will require LOTS of exercise or they'll take our their energy on your possesions. Do you have the time to take the dog on a good long energetic walk every day? I personally don't care to own any type of terrier because I don't have the time and inclination to keep them that occupied. On the upside, they are highly intelligent and easily trainable. EsmereldaX should weigh in here. Monty is a JRT.

 

[Karista]

We have a jack russell/rat terrier mix. The first year he was just crazy. Once we had him neutered he calmed down considerably. Now, he's almost 7 and he spends most of his days asleep on my pillow or asleep on the couch when he wants some variety. He still can get into "hyper mode" as my kids like to call it, but he prefers laying around and eating the cat's food.

He's very smart and very loyal, but not really a kid-friendly dog. When little kids are over and start running around, he likes to run after them and nip. He much prefers an adult's lap. Maybe it's just our experience, but I would think twice about getting a dog like him with little kids in the family.

Ours also has very short hair, so he's cold most of the time. During the winter, he doesn't take his time outdoors! Every morning we wake up to find him UNDER our covers. I definitely wouldn't want him to be an outside dog if you live in a cooler climate.

But for the most part, we adore our "Jack" (creative name, eh?) and wouldn't trade him for anything. That being said, I wouldn't get another one though either. Once is enough!

 

[SEAlla]

My brother and I got one for my mom and dad about 7 years ago and it was the best decision ever. He is very friendly and outgoing. He is a real people dog.

However, he is still (at &y/o) extremely energetic. My parents own lots of land and he can run and run w/o any concern for cars or other houses. He also requires a lot of human interaction. I don't think he realizes he is not human.

As one one of the other posters mentioned, they are sensitive to the cold weather so they do need to be inside at least at night where they have a warm bed with a blanket.

When people ask my dad whether they should get one he usually asks if they have a place where they can take the dog on a regular basis to run, run, run and if they have the patients to deal with a high energy dog. Don't get one if you don't have the space or time.

They were bred to be hunters too. If you have him off hs leash for any reason and he sees a squirl or other animal, he will take off. Once the are in the animal mode, no mattr how well trained you have him, he will not listen to you if you try to call him back.

Good luck, if you decide to get one. They are really fun loving pups!!!

BTW, my parents JR fought a racoon (bigger than him) and won (killed it) w/o a scratch on him. Of course my parents took him to the vet to be checked but he was fine.

Susan

 

[DawnCt1]

Before you consider a JRT, check out this website on the JRT rescue board. www.terrier.com/breed/baddog.php3
My neighbor has one. She is very sweet but its a breed that requires a major committment.

 

[MinnieMe2]

JRT's are cute. They're also high-energy, as in 'A Tired Dog Is a Good Dog'. And remember -- they are a terrier, too, with their own little mind set. They're the perfect breed for some, but no breed is for everyone. That's why all breed rescues are doing a booming business!

Do your homework regarding ANY breed you might consider, and be honest, even if it hurts. If you don't have the time/energy to keep up with a hyper little dog, so what? There are lots of breeds to choose from, and you'll find the right one eventually.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I am a JRT owner (see my Monty Dog posts). I hate to sound negative, but as someone who adores this breed, I spend a lot of time trying to talk people OUT of getting them because as cute and appealing to kids as they are; realistically, they really do not work out in alot of familes.

Here are some things to consider :

** How old are your kids? JRTs are not generally good for families with young kids. I'd say under age 10 it's probably not a good idea. They jump and can be nippy unless extremly well trained.

** Be prepared to spend a lot of time and possibly money on training. JRTs require extensive training from early on throughout their lives. They are very smart, but they are also extremely stubborn and most traditional forms of training do noty work on them. They do respond well to clicker training.

** They can not be kept outside. I don't think any dog should be kept outside, personally, but JRTs need to be kept warm. Obviously, if you live in a warmer climate this is not an issue.

** JRTs can jump very high. You will need a high fence in your yard. At least 6 feet, higher if possible. If they can't jump it, which they usually CAN, they'll dig their way under it. Electronic fences may or may not work on a JRT. They are extremly high willed and I have seen them walk right through the electric fences before. They are strong and tie outs are not a good idea for them unless you will be there to keep an eye on them.

** Likewise, chewing deterrents like bitter sprays etc. don't usually deter them. Basically, what Jack wants, Jacks going to do his darndest to get.

** JRTs need a lot of excercise. Not just your typical walk. They need to be able to seriously run loose and burn off some energy. Or they'll get frustrated and bored and become destructive.

** JRTs are HUGE dogs in small dog bodies. They need to have space to run. They need to be trained from the time they are babies who is the boss but they will continue to try and work their way up in the "pack" for a lot of their lives.

** A well bred JRT is a hunting dog. Your cat, other dogs, small pets and birds may not survive having a JRT in the house. It is generally not recommended that JRTs be kept with anything other than another dog and even that can be chancy.

** They like to chew. They can't have flimsy chew toys. This means you are going to have to spend a little more $$ on hard rubber solid toys, as opposed to toys made of fabric, laytex or vinyl. It doesn't sound like much, but it's something to consider.

** JRTs need a lot of attention. They are not content to just sit quietly on the floor and play with their toys while you eat, type, etc. They want to be WITH YOU. For me, this is part of the appeal but for others it gets old, really fast.

** While JRTs can be kept in an apartment (mine is) they really need to have space to run. Our apartment is set up perfectly for this which is why it works for us. We also have a large fenced in yard like I described.

** JRTs are very curious. Expect them to get into you things unless they are kept high up, out of the way. And remember, with a JRT, high up means REALLY high up.

** The JRT I have described here, could be a 6 month old puppy, or it could be a 10 year old adult. They really don't slow down much as they age.

Of course, on the GOOD side, JRTs are very loving, loyal and ridiculously smart.

*** They can be taught a lot of commands and tricks and enjoy learning and interacting with people. The reason you see so many JRTs on tv and in movies is because they learn a lot and they learn very, very fast.

*** They can be taught to be good with kids. Mine is great with the kids we meet however, we do not allow him to play with any of the neighbors kids unless at least one adult is within 10 feet. JRT's can be unpredictable. We do not let children we do now know pet him unless we are hold him or standing within a foot of him, holding his leash. BUT I should say, Monty seems to know kids. When a kid is petting him, he goes limp and just lets them pet him or gives them kisses. We just do not want to take any chances. Monty has helped at least 6 children get over their fear of dogs.

*** For us, Monty comes everywhere with us. This is something we've done since he was 2 1/2 months old and part of the reason why he is so good with people. He's been used to being in different situations and handled by many different people from a very early age.

*** JRTs are very healthy as a breed. Very few serious medical issues that they are prone to.


I would not trade Monty in for any other dog. He's the best dog I've ever had. But that said, I don't have kids and if I had had kids when I was looking into breeds, I definately would not have gotten a JRT.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you need any more info.

Sheri

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by skiwee1
We have a JRT and he is not the normal energetic variety. Rascal enjoys life mostly in a horizontal postion lounging on his sofa. He does start racing around every night about 10pm after his last time outdoors before bed. He and my other dog Zoe seem to burn off the stored energy of the day and get pretty rowdy. Other then that, he is very smart. You can spell out the word pizza and he knows it. He will sit and stare at the front door until the pizza guy gets here. He even knows what I mean when I order it. He doesn't have to hear the word pizza. All it takes is for me to say pepperoni and he goes nuts. LOL!

That's funny, because Monty also knows "spelled" words.
Saying C-O-O-K-I-E as just as good as saying cookie. Saying "B" is just as good as biscuit.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by LoraJ
My ex boyfriend had one for a month and then gave it away. He got it from someone else that had given her away.

THIS is why people should research breeds before they get a dog. Dogs like this one usually wind up in the pound and usually euthanised.

 

[Christine]

My JRT, Lola, is soooo cute. She is high energy, but I can't say she is any more high energy than other dogs I have; however, I have never owned a Golden Retriever type dog which are VERY mellow dogs. I have had predominantly Shepherds and Terriers. All high energy, so the JRT is nothing new to me.

I also have a "rough coat" JRT and they are supposed to be a little bit calmer than the smooth coat JRTs. Don't know if that is true or not. They definitely jump very high, they can also slip through slats in the fence so we had to put chicken wire up. My JRT is almost 3 years old now and she has gotten much better. It used to be that we could not open our screen door without her bolting out. It was trying just to leave the house without her running wild. We did dog obedience which helped. Housetraining was not as easy as with our other dogs.

 

[Mrs. Darling]

Soon to be....