Jack Russells are lively little dogs that will happily follow you around.
The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes, rabbits, rats and mice. For such a little dog, they have a strong prey drive and lots of energy. They’re determined, incredibly bright and can turn their paw to lots of different tricks and dog sports.
Jack Russells are live wires, they’re super intelligent and love to play and hunt. They need lightning-fast reactions to fulfil their natural chasing role, which can be frustrating for owners as their dog rushes past them with a stolen shoe!
An energetic breed, Jack Russells need to be closely watched around young children and other dogs, they snap first and ask questions later. They do have a very loving and affectionate side too. They really like the sound of their own voice too and make particularly good watchdogs. There is never a dull moment when you share your life with a Jack Russell Terrier.
While these breed traits give a general idea of what to expect from a specific type of dog, it's important to remember that every dog is unique. Just like people, each dog comes with their own distinct personality, quirks, and characteristics!
An active family with older children would best suit a Jack Russell.
They’re not the most patient dogs and don't tolerate being poked and pulled about, so young children are best avoided. They are a very playful breed and will provide hours of entertainment for an interactive family.
Jack Russells have moments where they can curl up on your lap and enjoy a bit of a fuss. Although, many others are more independent and prefer to be in your company than be touched.
A bored, inactive Jack Russell Terrier is an irritable one and they’ll tell you about it by barking, digging at your lawn and destroying furniture. Never underestimate the hunting desires of a Jack Russell. If they’re loose in rural areas or woods, they will catch rabbits and sometimes chase them down into their burrows. They have been known to get stuck in these tricky situations and need to be dug out.
Bear all this in mind if you’re considering a Jack Russell as your breed of choice, if this sounds too upsetting, they might not be the right dog for you.
Jack Russells can live with other animals, but you would need to start introductions when they’re a puppy to ensure a successful bond.
Jack Russells don’t need lots of space in a home, but access to a garden is essential, somewhere they can run around and burn off any excess energy. If you’re an active owner who enjoys getting out and about, you’ll get lots of fresh air with a Jack Russell, they need more exercise than you would think for such a small dog.
Not only do they like to keep physically active, but they also love a challenge and working their minds with training. Bringing a Jack Russell home to existing pets may work well, but adding other pets, especially the small, furry kind to a home where a Jack Russell already lives is asking for trouble.
All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, calmly and politely (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.
Yes! Jack Russells are easy to train because they really love using their smart little minds, they also like working for both food and toy rewards.
Keeping your Jack Russell mentally active will not only keep them calm but also emotionally satisfied. They were born to work, so it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to give them something to do.
I thrive in an active home and like to be taken to fun places where I can chase my toys. I’m no couch potato!
I hate being bored. Please fill my life with exciting activities like giving me food puzzles and lots of toys. I enjoy attacking squeaky toys and the odd dig in the garden.
I can turn my paw to almost any kind of dog sport. I am very fast and coordinated, so I’m good at dog agility. I also love learning new tricks.
A pedigree Jack Russell Terrier puppy from a responsible breeder will cost you anywhere from £800 to £1500. The higher price is reserved for show-quality pups.
It can cost you another several hundred pounds to purchase everything you need. This includes food, bed, bowls, collar, harness, lead and baby gates. Ongoing costs include insurance premiums, food and training classes.
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