• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Is a Jack Russell terrier the right dog for you?

Posted February 23, 2019

 
Jack Russell terrier plays in leaves
The Jack Russell terrier is generally not suited for homes with children or other animals. They can be aggressive and are high energy dogs.

The Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, is an extremely energetic, happy and hard-working breed.

They exhibit many classic terrier traits that include excessive barking, willfulness, apprehension to strangers, aggression, and jealousy.

Jack Russells generally are not suited for homes with children or other animals. They can be unusually aggressive toward other dogs. This breed packs a big personality into a very tiny frame.

If you love Jack Russells but aren’t sure whether one is right for you, consider the following points before you decide to bring a puppy home. 

Jack Russell terrier history

This working terrier takes its name from the Rev. John Russell, an active member of the church in England and a dog breeder. Russell had a passion for breeding fox hunting dogs.

Everything about the breed’s genetic makeup was designed for hunting. Their proportionate and compact bodies, coloring, conformation, characteristics, and intelligence make them born to be excellent hunters.

Exercise needs

The breed’s high energy makes them perfect for someone who lives a very active lifestyle. They make excellent dogs to play fetch with at the park or take on long weekend hikes.

This breed requires a high level of stimulation; otherwise, they become bored. If you plan to adopt a Jack Russell, it’s important to remember they need constant attention and exercise.

According to experts, the Jack Russell has an eagerness to explore, which can often lead to wandering. If you’re planning to take home a Jack Russell, consider having a large, gated backyard with a lot of room for them to run.

Buy Dog Training & Behavior Supplies Today – Shop over 1,000 Brands at Chewy!*

Training

Due to their high energy and intelligence, Jack Russells are quick to learn but requires persistence and patience.

They do need clear and consistent practice to be properly trained. According to The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, here are a few tips to consider:  

  • Start training early. 
  • Make sure your puppy is at least eight weeks old before you start training.
  • Establish dominance early. If you don’t, your terrier will easily assert itself as the head of your household.
  • Consistency is key.
  • Use positive reinforcement techniques that reward the puppy for good behavior.
  • Teach your terrier to listen to you and understand bed manners if they growl or snap at you while in your bed this is a sign that they’re trying to be dominant. Make your Jack Russell sleep in their bed for a few nights if they exhibit this behavior.
  • Never keep more than two Jack Russells in one area when you are not at home to supervise.
  • Attend an obedience class.

Are Jack Russell terriers aggressive?

Karen Salter, an injury attorney who handles dog bite cases, Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds are more likely to attack. But even attacks by small dogs like Jack Russell Terriers can be dangerous.  These little guys can be very aggressive, and bites from little dogs hurt, too.

Be sure to monitor the dog if it’s around children and keep it on a leash when around new people or other dogs to prevent an attack.

Their high energy and natural assertiveness make Jack Russells great watchdogs. But they need supervision around strangers and even houseguests.

Because they were bred for hunting, their instinct is to be dominant and aggressive.

Adopting a new best friend

Knowing what to be prepared for before you take home your adorable Jack Russell puppy or dog is a crucial part of how you will bond together. Their Napoleon complex will make them very territorial, but once you assert your dominance, they are the most loyal companions and will be your best friend for life.

Alana RedmondAlana Redmond is a graduate in Media and Business from the University of California San Diego. She is also a consumer safety writer for safer-america.com and an avid dog lover. Instagram: @its_lonnie

 
 
*DogsBestLife.com is a participant in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 
 

Related Posts

  • Small dogs like this sleepy Yorkie are prone to exhibiting Napoleon Complex is they aren't trained properly.
    Don't let your small dog exhibit "The Napoleon Complex"

    Napoleon Complex: Small dogs without training and appropriate boundaries try…

  • Small dogs vs big dogs: Who yaps, bites and loves more?

    Every dog owner is sure to have an opinion on…

  • dogs provide Young girl hugs a Labrador puppy. The unconditional love of a puppy helps boost self-esteem, which is an example of how dogs provide health benefits for children.
    Use Petfinder.com to find your next pup

    PetFinder pulls all of the animals on rescue websites across…

  • Labradors are a good example of dependent dogs -- dogs that like to be with their people all the time.
    Dog training: Know which breeds are tough to train

    Tough to train breeds include Basset Hounds, Beagles, Chow-Chows and…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Breeds, Home Page Tagged With: Jack Russell terrier, Petfinder.com, Small dogs

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

  • Small brown and white dog wears a mask. Dogs and coronavirus: Canines unlikely to catch or transmit the virus to people or other animals, World Small Animal Veterinary Association says.

    Coronavirus and dogs: Can canines get COVID-19?

  • Dogs and other pets on a video conference call. Dog home alone again? If you're preparing to go back to work, get your dog ready. To prevent separation anxiety, use training, treats, and a safe space.

    Ready to go back to work? Prepare your dog to be home alone

Tags

Sheltie Small dogs Camping Outdoor activities Pet parents Socialization Dog communication dog breed names Dog manners Chewing Doberman Pinscher Flying Ticks Shedding Moving Dog health benefits labsky Working dogs Barking Ear infection Yorkshire terrier Pomeranian Dog grief Maltese Cats First-time dog owner Petfinder.com Dog sounds dog age Dog-safe plants

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Training tips: 7 habits your dog must learn early
    Follow these training tips to help your puppy establish good behavior traits. Set a schedule and stick to it. Focus on house training. […]
  • What’s your best financial solution to meet dog expenses?
    Before adopting or buying, consider dog expenses. Do your research on the breed. Health costs will likely be your biggest expense. […]
  • Is a Pekingese the right dog for you?
    The Pekingese has a long, silky coat that forms a lion-like mane. These tiny dogs need a high-protein diet and short daily walks. […]
  • What you need to know about the benefits of dog kennels
    Using dog kennels helps boost your dog's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Boarding your dog helps improve socialization skills. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.