Dog Breed Jack Russell Terrier Review

Is a Jack Russell Terrior right for you?

A Jack Russell is a very hyper breed of dog.  If you live a very active life that includes being outside at pet friendly events, then this is the breed for you.  If you plan to spend ample time with your pet, then JR's are one of many breeds that I would recommend.  They need lots of attention.  They need lots of affection.  If left alone, they will find something to occupy their time.  Rarely do they sleep while alone.  They love to play.  They can play for hours.  They eat when they are hungry.  Love treats as rewards, but do not overeat.   Rarely do JR's take naps. 

SIZE: 10-15lbs - Anything over 15lbs would be considered obese

COLOR: Black/Tan, White, Spotted, Liver, Solid Black

HOUSE DOG: Prefers outdoors.  Inside dogs must have lots of exercise. Inside dogs need little access to the home.  If they have the run of the house, then they will find something to chew and rip apart if left alone. 

SMELL: JR's in the house do not tend to carry the odor that most inside dogs carry.  Their adrenal glands do not have to be cleaned as often.  Bathing your inside dog will be based on your scheduling.  I bath mine once or twice a month.  He just doesn't get that dirty. 

SHEDDING: JR's shed, but not overly excessive.  Shedding is reduced by brushing and bathing with shampoos that help reduce shedding.

NATURE: JR's are loyal to their owners and will bark at strangers, but if worked with they can be trained to be accepting of others. JR's are inquisitive in an obsessive type manner.  If something is new, they will definetly investigate it to the point of actually taking it apart to see how it is made.  JR's will bark at everything.  Lightening, unexplained sounds, out of place unfamiliar objects, thunder, rain etc. 

Personal story: My JR - "Romeo" - is the most amazing dog I've ever owned.  He is very hyper, and at times this can be annoying.  But I have found that I can channel that hyperness through his loyalty and desire to please his master. He was very easy to house train.  Not with puppy pads.  Puppy pads are a toy in the eyes or my JR.  So, I had to work to train him to let me know when he needs to go outside.  It took no more than two days to get him used to this routine.  He is very friendly with others.  He knows the people in my family, and my friends.  He only barks when they drive up in the yard to let me know that I have a visitor.  Strangers on the other hand are not trusted, and he will continue barking until scolded.  As for training, JR's are very intelligent.  Romeo knows his toys by name.  He even has been trained to pick up his toys and put them in the basket.  He knows how to find a toy when hidden.  He loves to play tag.  He loves to run.  As for sleeping, he only sleeps as night.  He wakes up at sun up ready to go.  If worked with, a JR is a breed that will bring you lots of enjoyment.