Talk to me about Jack Russells

[BassAce]

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…

Gorgeous dog! I think maybe a bit of Border in her too?

JRT's are the best. The first dog we had as a family when I was a child was part JRT and that was it. I have had a JR or cross since I was 18. My current dog is vocal but not yappy - he is tiny so only has a small voice and is prone to squeaking but it is in specific situations so not a constant problem

He is a little nervous when meeting people for the first time (just like me!) but is a real people lover. He is good as gold in the house, loves our other two big dogs and is a joy to own.

Rapidash I did have a few litters over the years, yes. Did you recognise Wuppet? She was amazing, lived a very long life, and the best friend for the children.
And I thought people being recognised on here was a myth!

@Biddie191 I recognised Wuppet's name - I have one of yours! He's 16 now so a bit grey bless him. His mother was Lola



Here's my lovely old boy

Action shot.

Rapidash wow, that's fantastic to see. Was his Dad Mikey?
Yes, wuppet isn't a common name!
These are very happy with family life

I'm not a big fan. A relative had one when I was little, and it was very yappy, snappy and bitey. My parents had a dog before I came along, so I was used to them, but I was very scared of the particular JRT. Our dog was massive, bigger than me until I was three, and I was fine around big dogs, just not this cat sized ball noise with teeth.

@Biddie191 it was Doug I think? One of his brothers lives in the same town - we bumped into each other in the park one day so they had a very sweet mini family reunion

The last photo is the same two at our vets puppy party when they were babies 😭

Just so handsome

I have a JRT and she is the most gentle,adorable little dog . I had another one who sadly died last year and she was my best Pal .
Both full of character but also very different personality wise . One lived to eat and the other one eats to live!
Both quite shivery and actually quite timid .
I would definitely get another one ..probably next year .
The only downside is their dog hairs !
Good luck …am really jealous 🐶

Rapidash - ah, Doug Dog was such a dude, and amazing you bumped into another Lola pup

I think your pics look a lot like my JRT/border terrier cross. Especially the stance. He is fabulous. Sociable and happy. Recall getting better. He's not quite one year yet. An angel to be left and overnight from day one. Loves company. Playful and can have long walks or quieter day. We love him and he's our first dog.

We had one who died age 17 in 2016. He was a legend, we still have his photo on the wall. He was brave, loyal, so ah clever, could practically speak, he understood every word we said, so much we had to spell things out if we didn't want him to know what we were saying 🤣. He loved a good walk, but was equally happy to chill, and would have the odd crazy spurt around the house. He knew when the postman was going to come at least 20 mins before he did, and he didn't come at a set time. He'd wait at the back of the door. He was great with kids, never snapped. He was rarely unwell, and lived mostly on leftovers from our meals, with a bit of dogfood. We had a dog free free years after he went because we couldn't replace him. Got a pup last year and didn't get a jrt only because we have 3 young dc and one has Asd, we got a shihtzu and he's really gentle and quiet, I was nervous about another jrt because you don't seem to know what you're going to get with them do you? If this little dog seems nice I'd go for her, you can usually tell quickly what type they are. Good luck, we need a pic if you do!

Thank you for all your info and lovely photos.
We are now nearly one week in to owning this gorgeous girl, and she’s proved to be an absolute delight from day one! Not too barky (unless the postman knocks), loving, cuddly, highly intelligent and with excellent recall. She’s slotted in to our lives like she’s always been here, and has got us all wrapped around her little finger already

Absolutely without doubt, the best decision we ever made. She’s fabulous, and I’m a very happily converted JRT lover now

I'm with others as I said before - maybe a bit of Border in there - which will make for a lovely dog - Border Terriers are not the least bit yappy or snappy & such affectionate dogs .

Anyway she is a natural in front of the camera

All best to you an family and to her.

How much walking per day do you give your jack Russells? We have a big garden.

@Happydaysandhappysmiles

How much walking per day do you give your jack Russells? We have a big garden.

I don't own one but they need lots of exercise - they are working, hunting dogs and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

A big garden is no substitute for a walk.

@Happydaysandhappysmiles

How much walking per day do you give your jack Russells? We have a big garden.

At 16 with failing health mine still wants to go for two 20-30 minute walks/ambles a day.

In his younger days he could walk miles - we probably averaged 2-2.5 hrs per day minimum? Plus brain games at home.

They are such clever active little dogs - they need a lot more then just a garden. If you give them the time they give you so much in return.

Beautiful pictures and what a view, lucky you!!

@BassAce she is gorgeous glad your JRT shaped hole is now filled!

@Playdoughcaterpillar you're over here too!!!

[quote thestarvingcaterpillar]@BassAce she is gorgeous glad your JRT shaped hole is now filled!

@Playdoughcaterpillar you're over here too!!![/quote]
Caterpillars get everywhere! 😆

Ah what a lovely picture.
They’re not for me-I prefer something bigger and less full on but they are great little dogs if want high energy and a strong personality!
Enjoy her

Ours is very easy. He's 2 now and we have been so lucky. He's NEVER chewed anything except for his own toys. He was so easy to toilet train. He doesn't appear to have much of a prey drive. He's very clever and learns new things easily but sometimes he uses this to his advantage to get a treat!

He's crate trained, has fab recall, is very friendly with other dogs but not in their face. He's brilliant with our children. He's very cuddly and loves snuggling up. He barks sometimes when the door is knocked or someone comes in the back gate. That's it really, he's not very badly at all.

The one thing I would say is that we have had to work hard with regards to brushing and bathing as he can do anxious about it but he's great now. We clip his nails too and he's fine.

He is our little fluffy baby and we all adore him. He brings so much joy to our family, especially my son with SEN.

He is fussy though, doesn't eat much.