Thinking of Buying a Jack Russell?
Jack
Russells are extremely loyal, faithful and energetic little terriers.
They are a small compact dog, therefore ideal as a pet, but
before you consider buying a Jack Russell there are a few things that
should be taken into consideration. Where possible try to talk to other Jack Russell owners and read about the breed, there are lots of books available from book shops, the internet or your local library. The Jack Russell Terrier Club holds shows throughout the year so try to find out if they are holding a show in your area.
Jack Russells are lively and energetic, therefore you should be prepared to give them regular exercise. Walking is an ideal way to burn off that surplus energy. If long walks are not your ideal past-time, it's a good idea to take a ball with you. You'll find chasing up and down after a ball will soon give them all the exercise they require so introduce them to ball play at an early age and they won't be able to wait for that daily walk.
They were originally bred by Reverend John Russell, after whom they are named, and were mainly used to follow the hunt and go to ground in order to flush out the quarry, as in fact they still are today. A Jack Russell will bay rather than attack the quarry which makes them an ideal terrier for the hunts to work with. The hunting instinct is something that Jack Russells still possess today, so be prepared when you take them for that walk, especially if you are in open countryside, as they can suddenly take it upon themselves to follow the scent of animals that have roamed there recently. If you have trained your Russell well, he/she will soon learn to obey your commands and therefore keeping him/her under control should not be a problem.
Jack Russell are very intelligent and if you let him/her know what you expect of them, then they will soon learn what is, but more importantly, what is not acceptable behaviour. Teach him/her well as a puppy and you will set the ground-rules for life and have a happy, obedient companion for many years to come. If you are looking for a docile quiet pet who is happy to sit on your lap all the time, please think again about the type of dog you are looking for. Although a Jack Russell loves sitting on your knee and is quite content to be loved and petted, they also need activity and exercise.
I'm often asked how they interact with children. Well, we have four boys and we've had Jack Russells for over forty years and never once have we had a problem. All puppies love to play, as do children, but make sure that playful behaviour does not get out of hand, both with the puppy and your children. This applies to all puppies not just Jack Russells.
If you treat your puppy as you would treat a small child, showing them guidance, love, and patience you are on the right track to owning a terrier that will give you years of affection, companionship and endless hours of fun.
Jack Russells are lively and energetic, therefore you should be prepared to give them regular exercise. Walking is an ideal way to burn off that surplus energy. If long walks are not your ideal past-time, it's a good idea to take a ball with you. You'll find chasing up and down after a ball will soon give them all the exercise they require so introduce them to ball play at an early age and they won't be able to wait for that daily walk.
They were originally bred by Reverend John Russell, after whom they are named, and were mainly used to follow the hunt and go to ground in order to flush out the quarry, as in fact they still are today. A Jack Russell will bay rather than attack the quarry which makes them an ideal terrier for the hunts to work with. The hunting instinct is something that Jack Russells still possess today, so be prepared when you take them for that walk, especially if you are in open countryside, as they can suddenly take it upon themselves to follow the scent of animals that have roamed there recently. If you have trained your Russell well, he/she will soon learn to obey your commands and therefore keeping him/her under control should not be a problem.
Jack Russell are very intelligent and if you let him/her know what you expect of them, then they will soon learn what is, but more importantly, what is not acceptable behaviour. Teach him/her well as a puppy and you will set the ground-rules for life and have a happy, obedient companion for many years to come. If you are looking for a docile quiet pet who is happy to sit on your lap all the time, please think again about the type of dog you are looking for. Although a Jack Russell loves sitting on your knee and is quite content to be loved and petted, they also need activity and exercise.
I'm often asked how they interact with children. Well, we have four boys and we've had Jack Russells for over forty years and never once have we had a problem. All puppies love to play, as do children, but make sure that playful behaviour does not get out of hand, both with the puppy and your children. This applies to all puppies not just Jack Russells.
If you treat your puppy as you would treat a small child, showing them guidance, love, and patience you are on the right track to owning a terrier that will give you years of affection, companionship and endless hours of fun.
