Some Home Truths in Choosing a Jack Russell For a Pet

By Dave T Corby Dave T Corby
Level: Basic PLUS

Dave Corby is an Engineering Software Director with 30 years experience including building a successful computer and software business. He has been working in Internet ...


When we decided to go looking for a pet dog we had just two requirements. The dog had to be small and cute for the children but with enough boyish nature that the father would not be embarrassed to take it for a walk. Our first visit to the local dog pound made the decision very easy once we met Billy the Jack Russell.

Now he is quite definitely not fully pure breed but we have since discovered that he certainly has all the common characteristics which make the breed both lovable and sometimes difficult to look after.

Billy is sturdy and tough and predominately white in coloration with tan markings on a rough coat. He is willful and wants to chase anything and everything that moves. In particular he is very much a big dog in a small package.

Like all Jack Russells, Billy is often very hyper. He has good strength and will run like the wind after a ball or a stick or just nothing at all. This breed need a lot of exercise and stimulation which may be difficult for the owner but necessary to calm down the dog and create harmony at home.

These terriers often have problems socialising with other animals and can be quite stubborn and aggressive especially towards bigger dogs and humans. Obedience classes are recommended to keep them under control and these should continue throughout their lives.

Many owners decide to keep their Jack Russell on a lead when outside to avoid confrontation which is a great shame as it restricts them from running and it is quite wonderful to see them charging at full speed across short grass. A good solution is to find an enclosed space where the Jack Russell can be let loose to run. You will find that it will be a good playmate for soccer or hide and seek.

At home, Jack Russells are an excellent companion who will sit by you and rest whenever you rest and play when you want to play. In general they will accept a lot or a little walking although as said before, a good long walk will stop them getting bored and too demanding in the home.

Billy was an excellent choice for a loving and playful companion but we did not realise how willful and energetic our Jack Russell would be.




Dave Corby

For information about looking after a Jack Russell and other terriers come to:

http://www.thejackrussell.info and about how our dog travelled to live in America at:

http://www.squidoo.com/movetoamerica

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