8 essential things to consider before getting a Jack Russell Terrier
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If you’ve never owned a Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) then this beginners’ guide is for you.
I’ve owned 6 JRTs (Gypsy, Eric, Dids, Trixie, Daisy, and Rosie), and I’m captivated by this small but feisty breed.
However, owning a JRT can be challenging. So, if you’re thinking of getting one, you need to first appreciate that JRTs are:
- Hunters
- High-energy
- Unpredictable learners
- Selectively friendly
- Keen diggers
- Athletic jumpers
- Prolific shedders
- Determinedly vocal
Click on the links above or read on to discover the truth about JRTs.
JRTs are obsessively prey aware. They’ll be interested in any small pets you own, especially ones which squeak.
Basically, if it moves, a JRT will chase it.
- Trixie was banned from the room where my children’s pet hamster was kept, for Hammy’s safety and Trixie’s sanity.
High-energy
JRTs need walks at least twice a day plus plenty of playtime. Without exercise and interesting things to do they become bored and can be destructive.
Bred to hunt, JRTs want to be active, work hard and be challenged.
- Daisy would run up and down the stairs until she got the attention she needed.
JRTs have minds of their own. They’re very intelligent but are also independent and sometimes stubborn.
They learn quickly but persuading them to consistently do what you ask can be challenging.
- Gypsy excelled in performing tricks including smiling when she wanted. Unfortunately, to the uninformed, a JRT smile alarmingly resembles a snarl.
JRTs can be aggressive to other dogs. Regardless of the other dog’s size a JRT will try to assert itself.
Early socialisation is crucial because if they feel threatened, JRTs quickly stand up for themselves.
- Eric was friendly to other dogs except labradors which, for some unknown reason, he passionately disliked.
JRTs have strong exploratory instincts. They’re fascinated by scents and will dig anywhere from the garden to their owner’s bed.
They love holes and being underground, and can disappear in woodland, sadly sometimes never to be seen again.
- Gypsy was a fanatical excavator. Underneath sheds, in airing cupboards, and compost heaps were particular favourite places.
JRTs are aerial escape artists. For their size they are disproportionate jumpers, and garden fences must be high enough to stop them going walkabout.
They can also try to climb trees in pursuit of prey.
- Rosie, when alone, would jump onto kitchen worksurfaces and over gates.
JTRs constantly shed hair which imbeds into clothes, furnishings, and carpets.
Long haired JRTs also need their fur professionally stripped twice a year.
- Daisy was predominantly white. She devalued several cars as her hairs were impossible to remove from the upholstery.
JRTs are quick to bark at new sights or sounds.
If bored they’ll become nuisance barkers, and if left alone too long they’ll make their displeasure loudly known.
- Trixie appeared to try to communicate with yowling noises. She once astounded us by “saying” something which sounded like toilet roll.
Need more information?
Try to get to know some JRTs. Ask their owners about their pets.
Still undecided?
Consider fostering a JRT. This will help you be sure you can make the commitment plus it’ll help a rescue dog on its way to finding a forever home.
Further details are available from the RSPCA and Dogs Trust
Love JRTs but fulltime ownership isn’t for you?
The Cinnamon Trust provides dog walking services for older and housebound dog owners. The charity needs volunteers, so you could become a regular JRT walker.
Decided to go ahead?
Brilliant! Let’s get started on the adventure.
5 essential things to look for when you choose your Jack Russell Terrier