Jack Russells?

[HeartofSteel]

I am wanting to get a Jack Russell puppy. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with them, I have heard they like to bark and dig but pretty much they say that with any dog but it depends on the dog and training I think. We have two old scottish terriers right now and they get along with anything and 2 cats. The cats I have had since they were 2 days old because they were orphans so they are my babies and our two dogs get along great with them. I am hoping if I get a puppy that it will be young enough still to learn that the cats are friends and not to be chased. So anyone have experience with Jack Russell traits, behaviors or habits?

[WashingtonBay]

They're a lot of fun, a lot of spunk. I don't think they're any more difficult than Scotties are, so if you've done well with the Scotties, you'll do OK with a Jack Russell. :)

[Mercury]

I have a JRT puppy. He's abnormal from others that I've seen though in the fact he's not nearly as high energy. His favorite activity is curling up in your lap and taking a nap! They do have rather strong wills though and many times it's a showdown of who is going to win the battle (potty training for instance- for awhile he was a turkey and refused to poo outside). Large yards or dog parks will be your best friend. Just make sure to socialize early as they can have territorial issues and not get along with other dogs. I didn't really want a puppy, but older JRT didn't get along with my other dog and would immediately try and attack her. So be sure to properly socialize. That is honestly one of the hugest struggles with mine. He's fine with smaller dogs but he goes on defensive mode with larger dogs.

[JetLagaside]

I love Jack Russles :) I've worked with many at the farms but never owned on myself so he's what I see from that side. Most are very active and need to be "entertained" or they do get into bad things. Some are more "hunters" than others - it really depends on the breeder in my opinion. I've seen some raised with cats and are awsome house dogs and then I've seen some that where sweet but just awsome hunters and they did't care what the pray was (instert not a cat, squirl, bunny, ground hog on the property). I would love to have one some day but will be very picky and check out the breeders carfully so I get the "good house" kind :) I want both dogs and cats in my house.
Not sure if that answers any of your questions ;)

[jeezitsjacki]

they are very cute dogs, but I think they can definately go downhill without the right training. Our barn owners parents have 2 of them and my only complaint is that they bark a lot. but theres are very high energy because they dont ever take them for walks or train them.. they just run around in the yard. But I think you will do great with one

[LittleRedMare]

We have a jack russell/boston terrier cross. She is definitely a high energy dog but a total sweetheart. We don't like yappy dogs so from day one we tried to discourage her from barking- anytime she yapped at us we would just walk away and ignore her, and for a dog that loves attention that's quite a punishment! She is 8 months old now and while she will bark at strangers (a surprisingly deep bark for such a little dog) she definitely is not yappy. I have to admit, before we got her I really did not like JRTs because I thought they were obnoxious little things but Cali has changed my mind- she does have her moments, though...

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=80&pictureid=521

[zoel_222]

Jack russels aren't one of my favorite breeds. They're extremely hyper and need a ton of exercise and attention. My friend has one and that thing never lets us have any peace! :D I'm partial to big lazy dogs myself like Husky/German Shepherd mixies.

[Ryderd65]

JRT's are great mousers, and do have a lot of energy. With good training, they're wonderful dogs.

We had one ride in the wagon with us yesterday during our driving lesson- she didn't bark once and enjoyed the scenery. She cuddled with my daughter too.

You might want to rescue one- they turn up fairly often in shelters as people aren't always prepared for how energetic they are.

[vicklynn]

I like Jack Russles, dont think Id ever own one though. To hyper for me.

[zoel_222]

You might want to rescue one- they turn up fairly often in shelters as people aren't always prepared for how energetic they are.


Definitely agree! There are millions of abandoned purebreds in the shelters for less than 1/2 the cost than if you bought from a breeder. Petfinder.com is great place to start :)

[Sundays Man]

We have a jack russel/dachshund mix. Thank goodness he acts more like a weenie than a J/R, but he still has some of the "herky jerky" turn in a circle and run wild fits occassionally. We also had a full bred J/R in the past. They are like little atomic puppies. Full of pee and vinegar and a lot of fun, but they do need a firm, loving hand. Just like horses, they will set their own boundries if you don't let them know your expectations and rules. They are very loving and fun dogs, if you can get them to sit still long enough to love on them.:)

[HeartofSteel]

Thanks everyone that has responded this far. The reason I choose a JRT is because I want something small that can go in my car and come with me to the ranch and not be a wimp lol. I also am wanting something active, we used to have a Golden Retriever and she would play frisbee, catch, swim, ect... now we have the scotties and all they do is sleep... no fun.

[TheBadLands]

I have a rat terrier... jack russels come from that breed. Best dog ever.

http://a346.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_9d92e6d10d9107304548cee69ca6ce29.jpg

[Harleys Owner]

I have a JRT:)....They are great companions. I was a bit worried when I first got her about being hyper, but she isn't that bad. This is Susie:)

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=124&pictureid=900

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=124&pictureid=878

[Sundays Man]

I have a rat terrier... jack russels come from that breed. Best dog ever.

http://a346.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_9d92e6d10d9107304548cee69ca6ce29.jpg

I had a rat terrier when I was growing up. Her name was Pepper. She was the cutest and one of the smartest dogs I've ever owned. Really cool dogs. She wasn't hyper like a J/R though.

[painthorse72]

Im not a little dog person but my daughter wanted a little dog so I did some research and a jack fit in with our lifestyle more than most little dogs. I explained to the breeder what we were looking for and he matched Roofus with Lexi perfectly. I have tons of pictures of Roofus in a little doll stroller all dressed up, poor dog:innocent: Because jacks can be super hyper we had him in obedience early and did agility but Roofus just wasnt your typical jack and thought the collapsable tunnel was a good nap place. Whenever we would go riding Roofus would ride in the saddle with Lexi. With any dog do your research and if your not going to rescue please find a reputable breeder. Jacks do tend to be a big dog in a little dog body and lucky for us Roofus loves everyone but some do tend to be very dog aggressive. I knew nothing about jacks until Roofus so I made a group on msn and have heard more good than bad. Jacks are not for everyone but then that could be said for any breed. Whenever people meet Roofus they want him or say they now want a jack and I always stress that Roofus is not your typical jack.

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=256&pictureid=2342

[oursarge]

A friend of mine has one, she never had one before, she visited an Amish farm to buy a quilt and a little JR came out and she fell in love with it and bought it [Back Yard Amish Breeder, not a great idea but she loved the dog].

She told me she never saw a dog with so much energy, it would be boinging off of the walls all day long and finally at night it would just crash. She does love him though. I love Westies and Cairns, my Westie was high energy too. My Border Collie mix is lazy, I think he suits me, I'm getting lazy in my old age too! A high energy dog might kill me!