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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Jack Russel puppy

39 replies

TheGinSoakedBoy · 22/04/2014 21:24

Evening all,
I've never had a puppy before so please, bear with me.
I have two children. The eldest is 9 the youngest 6. We have a medium sized house with a big garden. We have two cats one spends her life sleeping in the bedroom and the other is never seen he far prefers the outdoor life!.
We are seriously considering getting a jack Russel bitch.
Can anyone give me any experience on the breed?.
I work part time so the puppy would be in the house for 4 hours or so at a time. We have lots of time and space for walks so this won't be a problem.. But just how much energy will she have? .
Are there any health issues we should considere?
Thanks in advance for your advice

OP posts:

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ProudAsPunch92 · 22/04/2014 21:36

This website may help you :)

www.dogbreedinfo.com/jackrussellterrier.htm

Puppies in general have LOTS of energy, but with the right training turn into great companions.

Original poster

TheGinSoakedBoy · 22/04/2014 21:45

Thank you.. I was just reading that link as you poste it.
I'm a little worried as it states that Jack Russell's are better for a more experienced owner.

OP posts:

ProudAsPunch92 · 22/04/2014 21:49

I think that's just because they are strong willed, so if you put in the training I reckon you would be OK. I personally am not a fan of smaller dogs (I have a labrador) so a jack russell wouldn't necessarily be my breed of choice, however they are obedient and loving which are good traits in a breed. They can be quite yappy though, but most small dogs are (which is why I don't like them lol).

Kleptronic · 22/04/2014 21:52

I would say that they are not for first time dog owners. I've known one who's still in rescue basically because of an inexperienced owner (think, being cross because the pup chews shoes, but buying shoe-shaped chews).

JRTs are fiercely independent, forceful characters who are high energy with a high prey drive and also like to dig and chew and it's very easy to get it wrong with them.

No puppy will be great with 4 hours on their own either.

Linskibinski · 22/04/2014 21:55

I have two! They are hairy! I'm constantly grooming hair or it ends up everywhere. They are full of fun and character they are easy to train but very wilful. They are loud especially around other dogs. Don't trust them with tinies and expect the unexpected. They are very affectionate and can be nervous. They also love scrapping (mine bit chunks out of each other last week) and forget your lawn they will dig dig dig. However, if you want a good guard dog they are second to none and you will never have a mouse or rat come near. I love my little hairy babies but make sure you can cope with a big dog in a little body

Original poster

TheGinSoakedBoy · 22/04/2014 22:01

Thank you all so much. Off to do some more reading up on them. I wish we had a house big enough for a lab but unless the kids move out its not happening!
Thank you all again.

OP posts:

Floralnomad · 22/04/2014 22:19

I wouldn't get a JRT if I had cats ,also house training a puppy will be extremely difficult if they are left for any length of time. I'd look to rehome an older rescue dog in your position .

rembrandtsrockchick · 22/04/2014 22:20

We have a fourteen year old Parson Jack Russell, she is the smallest dog we have ever had and the most problematic. Very good with people and children but bloody awful with other dogs. She is terribly neurotic and a complete drama queen, she is also a runner and cannot in any circumstances be let off the lead.

Despite the problems she is a lovely and loving dog but by no means easy.

All puppies are adorable but there is something extra adorable about JRT pups.

rembrandtsrockchick · 22/04/2014 22:23

We have had cats and we also have a free range parrot...never had a problem with her in this regard, she actually prefers cats to other dogs.

rembrandtsrockchick · 22/04/2014 22:25

JRTs are, in general, highly intelligent with a tendency to be manipulative and very, very crafty.

LEMmingaround · 22/04/2014 22:28

JRT + Cats? no

sanityawol · 22/04/2014 22:29

I've grown up with JRT's and can safely say that no two are alike...

Please don't be fooled into thinking that they are a small dog. Any JRT owner will tell you that they are anything but.

They are a working breed that was 'designed' to kill rats and go down rabbit holes.

They are brilliant, intelligent dogs that can be loving, loyal, fantastic companions. They are also stroppy, arrogant little shits that only walk sideways at the end of the lead, will only start 'discussions' with ferocious dogs at least four times their size, chase cats, chew stuff.

They'll do as they're told as long as they think it was their idea.

If you are getting a puppy then you need to meet both mum and dad. However, their temperament is no guarantee and you will get very different personalities from litter brothers and sisters.

Can you spend some time at somewhere like a local Dogs Trust so that you can meet some different breeds to see which would suit you? They may be able to give you some ideas about breeds that will suit your family.

This thread has made me remember just how much I bloody love JRT's... one day I'll have another one

willowisp · 22/04/2014 22:36

I rescued a lost jr dog the other day. It bit me, barked at my dog, went absolutely bonkers at my cat & farted loudly in the hall.

All quite funny, but made me re-fall I love with my gorgeous dog...a rescue specifically chosen to live with 2 dc & 1 cat. We 3 are sharing a bed at the mo

I'd rethink age of dog & breed

basildonbond · 22/04/2014 22:44

Dpup is terrified of jack Russells even though he's at least 4 times their size! When he sees one coming towards him he starts tip-toeing and looking anxious and only relaxes when they've gone past

Def not my favourite type of dog ...

cookoos · 22/04/2014 22:47

i was a first time dog owner but had a jack russel bitch 3years ago. she is lovely natured. very loving, cuddly, clever & affectionate. we dont have kids yet but shes fantastic with my little neice! shes not jelous at all. she is left for 4hours per day and apart from the first 2 weeks or so never bats an eye lid at being left alone, we crated her when left for the first year. now she just curls up on her bean bag. downsides- she does chase cats!! (but she hasnt been bought up with them) & also not brill with other dogs tbh but we are lucky shes never been a chewer but she will shred the post! shes a joy to have although i know all dogs have different personalities.
x

hellymelly · 22/04/2014 22:48

JRTs are hard going if you've never had a terrier before tbh. And ime the bitches are madder and more stroppy (with other dogs) than the dogs. It depends what sort of JRT you get, the Parson's JRT is different from your bog standard one, but I would really think long and hard about a terrier for a first dog. Why did you decide on this breed? Have you a life long love of terriers, or is it because they seem small and fun and good family dogs? (They are small but full on, fun but can get obsessive, and they are not always great with children). I've had terriers and cats, so not so worried about that- if the cats are there first there is usually less of an issue. The big things to think about are that JRTs can obsess over toys like balls, they are very often difficult with other dogs, they can get very food focused and so run to fat, and they can be snappy with very small children. The really nice natured ones I have known have usually been mainly JRT but with a little bit of something else in the mix. If you do decide that you really want a terrier get a dog not a bitch would be my opinion. The dogs are less moody and more predictable, and they seem less prone to weight problems.

hellymelly · 22/04/2014 22:54

Also if you have a medium sized house and a big garden, I think you could have any sized dog really, don't limit yourself to small breeds, have a look at all sorts, and all sorts of mixtures, and then see what personalities seem to work for your family, and your temperments. I am devoted to terriers, I really can't imagine ever having a different breed, but one of my friends feels the same about labs, and another about sight hounds. By the way I agree with others that 4 hours is ok to leave an adult dog but much too long for a puppy. You would be better off getting an older dog, or taking some time off to be with your pup at first.

fanoftheinvisibleman · 22/04/2014 23:39

Have you considered a Border Terrier if you like terriers? All the terrier fun but often considered fairly even tempered compared to other terrier.

Our has been the perfect family dpg but definitely a big dog in a small package.

I do agree with others that 4 hours is too long to regularly leave a puppy.

Havanacat · 22/04/2014 23:43

JRT's are characters for sure, but I'd echo the comment about Border Terriers - they can also be 'variable' but can be very calm and lovely, another possible small breed, although not one I know much about, but a chum has one which is delightful is a Norfolk Terrier.

sanityawol · 23/04/2014 07:41

One more thought - how is your garden fenced? They can jump surprisingly high even without a run-up... and they can climb too if they can hook their front legs over the top so a low fence may not cut it.

JRTs dig too - and not just holes in the lawn, if they're determined then they will tunnel under stuff.

ProudAsPunch92 · 23/04/2014 07:55

Some great advice here, OP. I would definitely agree with the above poster that you don't have to have a massive house to have a medium or ever large sized dog. My garden is small and my living room and kitchen aren't that big either! As long as they get walked they will be happy. Labs are easy to train too if you put the work in

LEMmingaround · 23/04/2014 09:41

Yes, you don't need a huge house for a labrador - or even a big garden. Many people labour under the misconception that a big dog needs more space and exercise, or having a big garden means you can offer less space and exercise. A JRT will run all day, a lab will need plenty of exercise but will happily have an hour in the morning, and hour at night - even half an hour if you get a lazy one or can let them have a good run off lead.

Jack russells are brilliant dogs, i used to hate them but when i worked as a vet nurse i met so many lovely ones (among the bitey fuckers) that I was converted. Then i was looking for a border terrier but ended up with a border/jack cross. He is about 6 now and have since got a JRTx that is definately more JRT like. I have had dogs all my life, from rotties to chihuahuas and xbreeds, guess what ones are the most trouble?? Yep, you got it - JRTs!!! little bastards they are - but i love them.

I would worry about cats - their prey drive is strong, mine chased a cat the other week i was convinced if the cat stood its ground the dog would back off - he didn't, i managed to get there before any harm done but he meant business. A lot of it will depend on your cats, if they are likely to run, don't do it. I have to say that every border terrier i have met has been arsey with other dogs. One of mine is a bastard and cannot be let off the lead - thats the border/jack cross. The other one is fine but will join in if the other one kicks off, they sound like demented dogs of satan

fanoftheinvisibleman · 23/04/2014 10:15

Can I be honest and say though that if a lab is genuinely your dream dog and you have been attracted to terriers for their size...don't do it. I am a terrier lover through and through but they are a different animal entirely to the obedient labs and ball focused spaniels i see out and about. If that is reallu your dream dog then terriers are perhaps not for you. Be honest about what you want.

Terriers are great fun (I couldn't have anything else now) but they are bred to be independent feisty workers and even scrappers so bare than in mind. My border is sweet natured but the desire to seek out adventure (and jump in with gusto) is definitely in his DNA. I know I see I good 10 or 12 borders regularly on our walks. Half are great with other dogs and love to play, a quarter indifferent and the rest snarly scrappers! It is by means all of them. Mine just hides behind me if anyone goes for him!

basildonbond · 23/04/2014 10:24

If your ideal dog is a lab but you think they're too big have a look at Tollers - they're the smallest member of the retriever family so are a perfect size if you don't have much space. Mine's nearly fully grown and is knee-height and weighs about 17kg

He is the sweetest-natured dog I've ever had, very easy to train, loves going for walks but happy to chill in between, is fantastic with the children - and looks gorgeous too!

Faver0lles · 23/04/2014 10:37

I have a jrt and a lab. We live in a small house, but the lab takes up less space, as she's calmer and quieter.

The jrt has been amazing with our dc (she was 1 when dc1 was born, 10 when dc4 was born), good with our cats, fine with other dogs.
However, she's a very nervy little dog and will bark constantly if left for any time at all, and has generally been very hard work over the years.
We love her to bits, but would never have another jrt.

The lab in comparison rarely barks, was easy to train, can be let off her lead on walks (we'd never see the jrt again if we let her off, and training has always been an uphill struggle),will settle down quietly when we're doing other stuff, and is a much easier dog to have around. The jrt has loads of character, but is very high maintenance.

That sounds like I hate the jrt! I love her, but as a comparison between the two, I would say the lab is a much better family dog.

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