Jack Russell’s often get a bad rap as yappy, aggressive and hyper dogs but what are the real facts about Jack Russell’s. They are an extremely popular dog breed that can be ”lap-dogs” inside and highly adventurous, active dogs outside. They have big personalities that often means once someone becomes a Jack Russell owner, they never want to have any other breed.
1. Jack Russell’s are easy to train (if you are consistent)
Jack Russell’s are clever little dogs that often have their owners wrapped around their little fingers (or paws), but they aren’t hard to train. In fact, it’s that intelligence that made them such a famous breed in roles like “The Mask” and “Frasier”. They are usually totally food dominated or crave praise which are the keys to training a Jack Russell.
2. Jack Russell’s love to jump
They are very agile dogs and capable of quite impressive feats. If a squirrel runs up a tree it can be pretty surprising how far up the trunk a determined JR can get! This can also make keeping a Jack Russell penned in tricky. With those springy legs, great digging skills and determined nature they can be pretty mischievous little escape artists, but only if they have a reason to (like said squirrel!).
3. Jack Russell’s can bark (a lot)
This is a very common question for people interested in getting a Jack Russell Terrier. The simple answer is yes. They are very smart dogs that use the same methods that we do to communicate: Voices! But it can become a bad habit due to boredom, fear or anxiety. There are many ways how to stop a Jack Russell barking though. You just need to understand the route cause as well as the difference between normal and excessive barking.
4. They love to play
Jack Russell’s really are pack animals. They love nothing more than a tussle with another Russell, Greyhound or even a Bulldog. If properly socialised, they can be extremely friendly dogs that are great fun for the whole family.
5. Jack Russell’s are great companions
They love attention! Sometimes a little too much (like when you’re trying to have a nice peaceful bath and they barge in and try to drink the water)… They usually pick one or two members of the family and are fiercely loyal to them. The only problem can be when you have to leave them alone. Separation anxiety can be common in many dogs especially Jack Russell’s, but it can be managed with simple techniques.
6. Jack Russell’s shed
Jack Russell’s have three main types of hair; long-haired (rough), short-haired (smooth) and wire coat (broken). They can be prone to shedding as they were bred to be outside dogs, growing more fur for the winter seasons. They are usually mainly white with small patches of black, brown or both. Often they also have cute little black spots on their belly called “ticking” due to a pigment in the skin. Excessive moulting can be caused by over bathing, poor quality food or stress.
7. They have flat backs for rolling
If you own a Jack Russell you will be used to seeing them in the “play dead” position. They love to roll around (especially on something smelly) and have a very flat back for this or maybe because of this. It’s particularly present in older age.
8. Jack Russell’s can live for a really long time
Because all dogs age differently, depending on size and breed, the seven-year rule doesn’t always apply. Jack Rusell’s generally live to the age of between 13 to 16 but many have been known to get into their early twenties!
9. Jack Russell’s can have dental problems
Because JR’s live so long and love to eat well, you really have to look after those snappers. Like us they need a good clean, every day if possible, or at least a few times a week with a proper dog toothpaste. Of course, things like bones, hemp toys and certain chews can really help to keep the plaque at bay. But tooth brushing should be as much of a routine for your dog as going for a walk.
10. Jack Russell’s are hunters
Jack Russell’s were bred from white-coated fox terriers to be working dogs. Reverend John Russell created the breed in the 1800s from a single dog named “Trump”. They were bred to hunt and bolt foxes out of their dens. For this reason, Jack Russell’s are still fierce hunters to this day, chasing anything cute and furry and “going to ground” if given the chance. This can be dangerous where there may be badger sets or other animals that could harm a Jack Russell in defence.
11. Indestructible toys are a must-have!
If you’re wondering what is a must-have for a Jack Russell owner number one has to be indestructible toys. They have a powerful grip (did we mention they’re hunters), a shake that gives you arm ache and destroys all fluffy toys in your hand. Some great options are kong, toys made out of natural rubber or deer antlers.
12.Should I buy a Jack Russell puppy?
Jack Russell’s are fantastic dogs but like any breed, they have certain characteristics that make them more suited to certain people. They need a lot of exercise (at least two walks a day) or they will get bored and have behavioural issues. They will hunt, shed hair and bark, it’s part of who they are. But they’re also one of the smartest, most loyal and characterful dogs around.
13. An adventurous dog
Bothy is probably the most intrepid explorer dog after Laika, the first dog in space (a mongrel by the way but also looks a lot like a JR!). He made history in 1982 as part of the Transglobe expedition travelling to both the north and south poles. He was explorer Ranulph Fiennes companion on the epic journey, along with wife Ginny.
Author Bio: Jo Williams is a freelance writer from London, England. There is nothing she loves to talk about more than dogs, good food and travelling. Coming from a family of JR owners, Jo shares tips for looking after these enigmatic dogs on The Jack Russell.