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Original poster

Talk to me about Jack Russells

103 replies

BassAce · 18/01/2022 09:43

So I’m a long time dog owner - previously had spaniels of all varieties, schnauzers and now currently have a miniature dachshund.
But we fell in love with a photo on a rescue website of a beautiful four year old Jack Russell Terrier, we are very keen to adopt her and have passed the initial stages to be eligible. Tomorrow we will meet her for the first time to see if she gets on with our other dog.

However despite being a dog photographer who works every day with dogs of all shapes and sizes, I’ve realised that JRTs aren’t a breed I’ve spent much time with before, so I know nothing of their true personalities. Appreciate that all individual dogs are different, but we all know that there are certain traits that just seem stereotypical to the breed (my dachshund for example is a delight - but he still very much fits the stubborn, prone to barking, bit diggy if left unattended in the garden, overly needy, mad as a box of frogs stereotype that it’s taken years of training to barely overcome!!)

Would love to hear from any JRT owners how they find the breed. I’m an experienced dog owner, and I have a qualification in understanding general dog behaviour for my work, so I’m not put off by a bit of hard work or any “undesirable” traits (there’s no such thing in my book as a bad dog, only a bad owner). But would like to go into this adoption with my eyes wide open - as I’m fully aware that her ‘real’ personality may not come out until a good couple of months after she’s settled in her new home. Her current foster family describe her as currently a bit timid (due to her bad start in life) but very good with kids and other dogs, which is a positive start. And we live very rurally with acres of land, and surrounded by fields so she will be very much a country dog with plenty of walks and outdoor time. But what can I expect in the house? Any experience / warnings gratefully received…

OP posts:
Thread gallery
26
Hoppinggreen · 18/01/2022 16:19

My vet friend says when she gives hers a command it looks at her with a
“Yes I know what you are saying and appreciate your position but how about we do it my way?” Kind of face.

rambleonplease · 22/01/2022 17:50

@BassAce

Did you meet the dog? What was the outcome?

Original poster
BassAce · 24/01/2022 09:50

Arghhhh… due to a badly-timed case of Kennel Cough at the foster carers house with one of her other dogs we were not able to meet her yet!! Sooo disappointing!
But she’s sent over plenty of photos, and as soon as the vet gives them the all clear on the kennel cough we will be safe to rearrange the meeting. I’m utterly in love with the description of her though, and nothing anyone said put me off, so now it’s just a case of waiting it out (which may take a while with four dogs in the foster house) Sad
Have attached a photo in the meantime for cuteness factor

Talk to me about Jack Russells
OP posts:
supertedious · 24/01/2022 10:14

I have had several Jack Russell's (working farm and pets) over the years and I adore them.
Our current boy is so loving, gentle and loyal with me and the children. Does love to chase my cat but soon gets bored.

He can be feisty with other unknown dogs (he was attacked by a collie when a puppy Sad) and standoffish with unknown males (never bitten), but I figure that's his protective nature. Unless he has company/stimulated can be a bit yappy, but he is never left for long.

We have recently got a new puppy and has been nothing but gentle and patient, even lets her share his bed.

Good luck Smile

iamaswashbuckler · 24/01/2022 10:18

We have a 4 year old rescue jack russell and she is lovely. No digging, but she does bark when someone comes to the door, otherwise she doesn't. Loves to be near people but also seems to like her own space too so will take herself off when she's had enough company. Generally good with other dogs and great with kids. All dogs are different though but our JRT is fabulous

Skeumorph · 24/01/2022 10:23

Ah sorry I have to say that I've known 4 and they have all been really irritating - and two quite aggressive.

They yap and yap and yap too.

Least favourite breed sorry, although I will readily admit I'm not a terrier person.

Big personality is ofter shorthand for domineering and aggressive sadly.

NoSquirrels · 24/01/2022 10:36

I think if you can handle a Dachshund you can handle a Jack Russell.

The dog I still think about (we were the wrong home for him as he has a few issues but I wish we hadn’t been because he was so sweet and full of personality) was a JRT-daschund cross.

Terriers have minds of their own but they’re so full of life!

rambleonplease · 24/01/2022 15:39

@BassAce

Arghhhh… due to a badly-timed case of Kennel Cough at the foster carers house with one of her other dogs we were not able to meet her yet!! Sooo disappointing! But she’s sent over plenty of photos, and as soon as the vet gives them the all clear on the kennel cough we will be safe to rearrange the meeting. I’m utterly in love with the description of her though, and nothing anyone said put me off, so now it’s just a case of waiting it out (which may take a while with four dogs in the foster house) Sad Have attached a photo in the meantime for cuteness factor
Ahhhh she's gorgeous!! 😍😍
Original poster
BassAce · 26/01/2022 19:31

Am pleased to say that she turned up today… she’s in fact decidedly less Jack Russell than we were told - I think she might be crossed with a miniature pinscher or a Manchester terrier. She’s very leggy, and incredibly statuesque. But an absolute bundle of joy, and there was no question that she wasn’t going to immediately be the new member of the family. Grin
Her personality is already beginning to come out, and she’s bossing our little dachshund about already, but it’s utterly love at first sight. A very happy ending (have attached a couple of photos for anyone who wants to guess her actual heritage)

Talk to me about Jack Russells
Talk to me about Jack Russells
OP posts:
Vicliz24 · 26/01/2022 19:58

Oh she's absolutely gorgeous!!! I'm so glad you got her . She definitely looks Minpin to me but whatever she is I'm delighted for you both

rambleonplease · 26/01/2022 22:04

Ahhh beautiful! So happy she has found her home x

liveforsummer · 26/01/2022 22:24

I think if you can handle a Dachshund you can handle a Jack Russell.

Basically this. I refrained from recommending on a previous thread looking for a first time family dog but you sound more than suitable for one. Mine is actually a breeze in the majority of situations. Lazy in the house, only barks if the door knocks (even then not consistently). Hates the rain so needs dragged out for a pee in bad weather and never gets dirty. This is faulty common with all the ones I've known. She's ok with some dogs and not others but just yappy never aggressive just makes it clear who she wants to socialise with and who she doesn't. Recall is generally brilliant - unless there are cats. There's a 'terrier mode' where they lose hearing, recall etc but you learn to pre empt it (again cats but also joggers and foxes). The biggest issue with mine is people. She has a circle of trust and it's small. Anyone else who tried to approach will get barked at. She's very cute/ pretty so kids want to stroke her. I have to firmly say no so they don't ignore or will get a fright - she's incredibly vocal so would scare anyone off if they advance. Has never actually shown any signs of nipping but I'd not trust her 100%. Amazingly fun hardy little dog outside and inside spends most of the time sleeping under the duvet. Now I'm just trying to resist getting another

Talk to me about Jack Russells
Talk to me about Jack Russells
user1471453601 · 26/01/2022 22:25

We have a Jack. Previously we've had staffie rescues. Our Jack we got as a pup.

She's gobby (hurry up, I want a walk), selectively deaf (No, never heard that command before, what the hell are you saying?). She's also scarily bright, she can pick up a command very quickly and will obey. Except when deciding to be selectively deaf.

She's very affectionate,loves nothing more than a cuddle on the sofa. And she's also equally loving to the three of us in the house.

liveforsummer · 26/01/2022 22:32

Ps that face looks all jrt to me. Very similar to mine but with the wire coat and mine is 100% jrt with dna tested parent

OopsadayZ · 26/01/2022 22:42

Yappy and viscious things.

TheDogsMother · 26/01/2022 22:48

She's gorgeous and looks like a wire haired Parson Jack Russell. Wishing you a lovely future with her.

pleasefuckoffcovid · 28/01/2022 22:23

This is my old girl on the beach at new year. She is nearly 18 and very friendly and not at all yappy. She is now mostly blind and deaf and a bit bewildered about the world. They are the best dogs.
We had 2 and they did love to rip the post out of the letterbox, we had many years of teethmarks in all our Christmas and birthday cards. They were also so loyal. This little one once put herself between my then pre-school aged daughter and a much bigger dog that was running towards them. I never had to sweep up crumbs or clean under the table when the kids were little!

Talk to me about Jack Russells
UnicornsReal · 28/01/2022 22:34

I had one as a child. I loved him, but he bit the postman and my sister. My parent s rehomed him in the end. He loved to chase and kill things. I think they need to be in a country environment and are more suited to one person rather than a family.

Louloubelles · 28/01/2022 22:55

A terrible pain in the arse. Love mine but wouldn’t get another one.

Limegreentangerine · 28/01/2022 22:58

I've got one! Heart of a lion would easily take on a Rottweiler if she thought I was in danger , VERY clever , extremely cute BUT she is a one person dog .. won't entertain my other half .. only if I'm not there will she sit on another lap😂😂
Also barky . Very barky .

Carolbaskinstiger · 30/01/2022 22:45

Honestly? They’re about the only breed I actively avoid in the park (I’ve had several dogs bitten by JRTs).

While I’ve known a few sweet ones with people, I personally find they’re often not great with other dogs.

Biddie191 · 31/01/2022 13:04

So glad you got her, and hope she's settling in well.
I've had many, many breeds of dogs over the years, but always go back to JR's. IF you are prepared top put the time in, they are very trainable, loyal, feisty, energetic and fun, yet also loving, cuddly and distinctly feeble. Small enough to take anywhere, big and bold enough to keep up with you all day walking, running or riding, happy to boss the car, and just fab.
Yours looks like she has the nice long, straight legs, so a lot less likely to have issues with them (some shorter JR's have the quite owed Queen Anne legs, which can get quite still when they age).
Looking at yours, I'd guess Parson Russel Terrier (Parson Jack Russell was the man who 'invented' the breed) with maybe a bit of Manchester Terrier, or Min Pin a few generations back, but totally gorgeous.
This was Wuppet, sadly no longer with us, but very good with children, too. It's much more about how they are brought up, and being well socialised than genetics xx

Talk to me about Jack Russells
BasiliskStare · 31/01/2022 13:53

@BassAce - just to say, assuming she is a Parson JR I think she has a look of a Border Terrier - the face - more pointy nose than a border but the ears and colouring and the stance so maybe JRT / Border cross ? ( Do you know the answer? )

I have a friend who had one lovely JRT - and one she had to put a muzzle on when she took her for a walk - she would nip at any dog / anyone. . I like terriers - but JRTs are not the top of my list - but that said said friend loved hers and has had many. Neighbour has one who is late teens - he would not harm a fly & does not yap.
All best with new dog. She's a beauty .

Rapidash · 31/01/2022 13:54

@Biddie191

So glad you got her, and hope she's settling in well. I've had many, many breeds of dogs over the years, but always go back to JR's. IF you are prepared top put the time in, they are very trainable, loyal, feisty, energetic and fun, yet also loving, cuddly and distinctly feeble. Small enough to take anywhere, big and bold enough to keep up with you all day walking, running or riding, happy to boss the car, and just fab. Yours looks like she has the nice long, straight legs, so a lot less likely to have issues with them (some shorter JR's have the quite owed Queen Anne legs, which can get quite still when they age). Looking at yours, I'd guess Parson Russel Terrier (Parson Jack Russell was the man who 'invented' the breed) with maybe a bit of Manchester Terrier, or Min Pin a few generations back, but totally gorgeous. This was Wuppet, sadly no longer with us, but very good with children, too. It's much more about how they are brought up, and being well socialised than genetics xx
@Biddie191 did you used breed jrs?
CaptainMyCaptain · 31/01/2022 14:01

Mine isn't yappy. Reward them for good behaviour walking past other dogs quietly. She barks a bit when other dogs pass the house (although she can't see them) but not for long. She's a lovely dog and we would like another one as she enjoys the company of other dogs.

They are intelligent, brave, loyal and protective but need walking more than you might think looking at the size. That's fine for us. I'd say they are a big dog in a little dog's body.