Considering a Jack Russell Terrier - What are they like to own?

[HereThereEverywhere]

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As the title explains, I'm contemplating the idea of welcoming a Jack Russell Terrier into my home. While I've never owned a purebred JRT before, my family did have a terrier-mix, so I'm not entirely unfamiliar with the challenges that come along with the terrier temperament.

I'm eager to learn from those who currently own a JRT or have had past experiences with the breed to help me make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for me. Specifically, I'm curious to hear about their energy levels, trainability, and any advice or tips you may have regarding their care. Your personal experiences will be invaluable, so please share. Thank you!

 

[JoanneF]

My dog is half JRT. He is a smart dog, still going strong at 13, but there are two very strong breed traits in particular that I think are important to understand.

First, he is very much a 'what's in it for me' dog. He doesn't do things to please me (like my last dog did). To train a terrier, you very much need to make them think what you are asking is actually their idea. Like, they have in fact trained you to produce treats when they ask in a particular way.

The second thing is that they are hard wired to chase (and if possible, kill) small furry things. Including cats in some cases.

Another thing, maybe not quite so high up the list of crucial things to know, is that terriers are a bit addictive. When you've had one, it's hard to imagine not having another

They tend to be tough, healthy, strong little dogs, they will keep going all day. I'd have a full JRT in a heartbeat.

 

[Feverfew]

I have a huge soft spot for JRTs, and currently live with a Cavalier/collie/JRT cross. I agree with everything in the above post. JRTs have not had a breed standard all that long, so I wouldn't be handing over big wads of cash for a 'pedigree'. In fact, there's a good chance you'll find a really handsome JRT in a shelter as they are a popular breed. Not all shelter dogs have a difficult past, and some find themselves there due ti a change in family circumstances, eg bereavement or divorce. A slightly older dog is a lot less work and sleepless nights than a puppy too, and of course you're doing the dog a big favour!

I find them generally quite feisty (which I like) and highly intelligent - my x JRT is the best scenting dog I have ever worked with, and that includes German Shepherds and Springers. They are a sort of 'take anywhere' dog generally, so you have to be careful they don't overdo it.

I hope you find the right dog - come back and tell us about him/her!

 

[Flobo]

I've not had a Jack myself but I have known 3, one of which I look after regularly, she is around 16years old now! I have to say I've loved them all and if I do adopt again I would definitely adopt an older one from a shelter, also in a heartbeat! Good luck

 

[Tinytom]

I always had Jack's...my last two were totally different ...my rescue boy Tiny Tom loved all other dogs but had a high prey drive and would take on foxes badgers and muntjac deer.....he would sniff out rodents too ..he was a year old when we adopted him ...
My other Sid was from working stock and we picked him up at 10 weeks ...he was very nervous and a complex boy ....
I would only have Jack Russell's as they are in my opinion the nicest temperament and with lots of stimulation and Kindness they make super family pets ...loyal loving and funny ....
There are lots of terriers in rescue ...Rescue Remedies are a great rescue ...Good luck in your search ...

 

[HereThereEverywhere]

Thanks for taking the time to reply! I really enjoyed reading about your experiences with the breed.

Out of curiosity, have any of you experienced issues surrounding dog-aggression? I understand that some terriers can be unpredictable with other dogs. Do you think this behavior tends to be more inherent or caused by a lack of socialisation?

 

[JoanneF]

Do you think this behavior tends to be more inherent or caused by a lack of socialisation?

I think a lot of aggression comes from over-socialisation, or poor socialisation, rather than a lack of it.

Many people think socialisation is about meeting lots and lots of dogs. That really isn't how it should be, and that's what I believe actually creates a lot of problems. Imagine if you were expected to interact and be friendly with every random stranger you met - at some point you'd say just. leave. me. in. peace.

Like a colleague who has the habit of jingling change in his pocket - most days you barely notice but on that one day she you have an urgent deadline, you've been up half the night with a poorly kid, your car wouldn't start and you have a headache - I won't say what you want to do with those coins. That's what over-socialisation can do.

Socialisation should be exposure to things, not interaction with them. It's about experiencing them from a safe place to see they aren't scary. And the things should be sights, sounds, textures - people wearing hats, people of colour, sirens from emergency vehicles, pneumatic drills, walking on sand, crossing bridges etc.

There is a nice graphic here.

I don't think Jacks are any more unpredictable than most dogs, if you learn to read dog body language (and you should) it isn't something to worry about.

 

[Flobo]

That's a really good graphic @JoanneF

 

[Hemlock]

Also, terriers in general have no reverse gear, and won't take any nonsense from other dogs once they are grown, so really commit to keeping away any dogs that are the sort to barrel into them, challenge them, bully them etc. while the owner trills that they "only want to play". Of course they can meet and walk with nice well-mannered dogs, though personally I avoid anything like "play" that could turn competitive.

 

[Feverfew]

That's such good advice on socialisation. Love the diagram, that's really great. I tell my clients, 'socialisation is not a contact sport'!

I agree that a lot of terriers don't back down - in fact I have never seen a dog not back off after a hard stare from mine. (She's a bitch, which helps - all dogs have had a mum!). But of course you don't want them to have to deal with ill mannered dogs all the time, so choosing less busy times and places helps. And definitely no 'puppy parties'. Terrible idea.

 

[JoanneF]

socialisation is not a contact sport

I'd love to steal that please, if I may!

 

[Feverfew]

You're very welcome ; I might borrow the diagram myself!

 

[JoanneF]

Of course!

 

[CoCo2014]

Whilst getting a JRT from a rescue is very laudable, it is highly unlikely you will find a purebred pedigree JRT in a rescue(unless it's a breed specific rescue)
The JRT mostly seen in rescues are small cross bred terriers. The pedigree version is a fairly recently recognised breed in 2016 & follows the recognition of the Parson Russell Terrier in 1990. Both breeds can be smooth, rough or broken coated.

Both breeds can be trained successfully, but like all terriers on their terms.

My friend's PRTs have all done formal obedience with great success & her dog, Stanley, is the first of his breed to win at the highest level in competitive obedience.

 

[Feverfew]

All the above may be true, but I don't believe there's a particular advantage in getting a purebred or pedigree dog. There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who can present an entirely misleading front.

With a dog from a good shelter, you'll be given plenty of information based on real observation and interaction with the individual dog, rather than something written on its pedigree papers, and will also receive support and advice on feeding, exercise, behaviour and so on. Ok, the dog might be a bit of a mix of terriers, but so what? Mine has Collie, Cavalier King Charles and JRT all rolled into one brave, fun and optimistic little package, and she was puppy farmed.

Shelter dog every time in my book, especially for a first-time owner.