jack russels?

Question

are they good around children under 5?
Thanks xxx

Answer 1

my jack russell is a bit snappy and hyperactive. but when there's a child in the house, she becomes so loving and gentle. they're very good at picking up vibes and stuff so i think you'll be ok if you get one.

Answer 2

No, they're not good around young children. I have one and it has bitten both of my nieces that are under the age of 7 and it bit my daughter that is 10. I have had it for 5 years now and I still have to watch it when young children come around. If you look on the Internet it will say that Jack Russells are not recommended for young children.

Answer 3

You should supervise your children and your puppy carefully. You obviously need to teach your puppy how to behave around children but remember that ALL puppies bite in play and most young children cannot cope with a biting pup.

Children are able to wind puppies up easily but again they can't be expected to know how to calm an excitable puppy down.

It is up to you to make sure that your children are not harassed and hurt by the puppy and vice verse. Very young children drag their soft toys about and throw them down the stairs and the toys don't seem to mind and don't come to that much harm.


Very young children are unable to realise that a puppy can be seriously injured or killed if they treat it in the same way. Babies tend to want to touch teddy bear's eye because it is bright and shiny. If they do the same to a puppy they might get bitten.

Nothing wrong with Jack Russells except that they are very energetic and do better if they are kept busy.

SUPERVISE. SUPERVISE. SUPERVISE.

Answer 4

I don't trust breakable dogs around very young children.... they may bite just to protect themselves against being hurt by the kids.

You're better off getting a more substancial dog. If you want a smaller one, Pugs are great, Corgis are big dogs in small packages and Bassetts Hounds, although a bit larger, are awesome with kids. Lots of people like Beagles too, but I'm not a big fan of dogs that can't possibly be trained to come when called.

I'd steer clear of terriers in general as they were bred to attack small earth dwelling critters and tend to get a bit nippy with kids rolling on the floor.

Answer 5

years ago our daughter was bitten by a jack russell who was protecting some shopping ...we did end up having our own jack russell years later ...yes they are known to be a bit snappy ...but look around and ask others who have one and you will usually find that they are not snappy with their owners but to others ...very protective little dogs and full of character ...always best to have one from a puppy so you know what it is like and it is bought up as you want him to be ...but you have to teach your child to take care of the puppy and not to pull him about and the pup will jump up and want to play so you have to be carefull of claws ...i had 3 children and each has been bought up with us having a new puppy before they have turned 6 ...you train a pup well and he will be a good faithfull dog ..they don't get used to being with kids if they haven't been living with them. I wouldn't let your child touch someone elses jack russell in the street unless its owner says it is ok ...as i say they are protective.

Answer 6

i went through this debate 6 months ago, i decided on a patterdale x lakeland instead, about the same size but less nippy, temperament cant be a jack Russel's best attribute, older kids yeah in your face little ones no way, I'm glad i made this decision now as my 2 year old niece was recently bitten by the Russel i was going to buy xx good luck in whatever you choose xx

Answer 7

if they are brought up around them. Other wise they can be snappy and chase. We got our jack russell when our eldest was 9 months old, and we've never had a problem. They make great protectors of kids and never wear out, just like kids. So all in all a very good play-mate!

Answer 8

Not always, it depends how well they've been raised and trained. There was a case in the States of a JR that killed its owners newborn baby, and another that bit the toes off the owners baby. So as with any other dog, the owners have to be in control, and aware that you don't leave dogs and small children together unsupervised.
If you can take a bone off your dog you're off to a good start.

Answer 9

I have a JR ***** that lives outside who is fantastic with my son who is 2 and I also have a 10 month JR dog that lives in the house and he is perfect-my sons shadow. He sleeps on the floor next to him,follows him round the garden and is first in the house when he hears my son. As for being nippy-cant all dogs be?? Mine have never shown any aggression and if they did they wouldnt be in my company for long. it is down to the individual dog and how it has been brought up. Dont judge every dog by its breeding.

Answer 10

I wouldnt have any dogs with young kids.The amount of stories I have read about dogs and kids is unbelievable.Especially in hot weather when dogs cant be bothered because of the heat.kids get really excited.Most of the things I have read have been animals that have been family pets for years.one story a boy got his nose bitten off.kids savaged.even little dogs can turn.I would never allow my kids to have a dog.They have asked for years.I always say yes you can have as many dogs as you want when you leave home.we have 2 cats.be warned