I've been offered a jack russell dog, aged 15 months. Good family pet?

Question

I know his background - Would he be a good pet for my 3 year old daughter and a good family pet?
What about the breed of dog!!!

Answer 1

why is he being offered first?
If it is because they are moving etc then ok if it because of a behavioural issue decied whether or not you have the time and patience to deal with that first.

Jack russells are stubborn, energetic and can be quite determined. Like all dogs if your daughter annoys him too much he might snap. They are lovely dogs but will need work or something to keep them occupied.

Why don't you suggest taking the dog for a trial weekend? See how him and your daughter get on in your house and then make the decision.

Good luck

Answer 2

A jack russel can be a perfect dog for a child. I had one as a little girl, they are very cheeky dogs and kids just love that. However sometimes these dogs can be agressive. I would allow your daughter to meet the dog and see if they get along. This is probably the best way to tell how they will behave around one another. These dogs are also good for children as they are small and can be walked and looked after more easily by a child. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Jack Russel Terriers are great family dogs. The breed is fine for children. Your 3-year-old daughter will love it. They are very excited and happy dogs, they want to please. They are a litte hyper-active, but they are wonderful.

I taught with a lady who breeds them and she wouldn't have any other kind of dog.

My question would by why is someone getting rid of the dog? If it isn't for a bad reason, then I'd get the dog. He's still sort of a puppy, which means he's still going to be lots of fun, not worn out and tired like an old dog, and you won't have to worry about him dying in the next few years, that would be hard on a child. And you should be able to train him still if he isn't already.

Here are some links to help you:

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/jackrussellterriers.html

http://www.dogs-central.com/dogs-puppies/jack-russell-terrier-puppy/

http://www.terrier.com/

http://www.jackrussell.net/

www.dogbreedinfo.com/jackrussellterrier.htm

Good luck!

Answer 4

It really depends upon whether you have a lot of time and a lot of patience. These dogs are hyper and need attention, like a lot of attention, all the time. They can be trained but can still remain hyper and sometimes will literally bounce off the walls, until you feel like smashing your own head into the wall. My neighbor had just had a baby and she also had a Jack Russell puppy and it was too much for her to deal with, the dog just demanded so much attention and time. She ended up having to give the dog to another couple who could devote more patience and time to him. He's made them a very good pet, they trained him well and now they have their own baby and it all works out well. So if you have that patience and time, then go ahead and take the dog.

Answer 5

Jack Russel's are very lively, joyful dogs to be with, active, and such. They can be great pets depending on how they are treated. Like all animals, training is key. A three year old cannot train a dog, you will have to. Be ready for a hurricane of emotion from it. The dog will want to play all day most of the time. Since a three year old will not be able to keep up with it until it she is older, not the best pet for her right now, but as she grows older, they will make a great pair.

Answer 6

Jack Russells are great family pets. I have one, and at 15 she is still energetic, loves to play, and she's so good with my lil brother and sister, who maul her. The breed likes people, but they don't like other (strange) dogs in their territory much and they will stand up to dogs ten times their size if you let them. They are also fiercely protective of their people-- my doggie even saved my life once! Sweet, loving, and yet also fiesy with lots of personality, they're just real joys to have.
The only downfall to them that I've discovered over the years is they tend to bark a lot. But if you get one young enough, you can train him/her to stop (i didn't have that option when i got mine, because she was already older and she wouldn't take to the training). Otherwise, I highly recommend this breed for a family pet.

Answer 7

I have a 14 week old jack Russell, he is lovely.
They are very loving dogs but also very hectic and jumpy. At 15 months he has probably grown out of this a bit (I hope they do by that age) so I would say yes they do make great pets! They have lots of character and are always up for playing.
My puppy lets me do anything to him and he doesn't get aggressive at all. I hope this helps and you enjoy your little dog!

Answer 8

They are wonderful dogs! Very sweet, very smart! But they are jumpers and they are hyper! My parent's got one a few years ago, and that dog loves my kids! Even when my daughter was smaller, she would pull on the dog and try to ride her back, and the dog just rolled with it! My mom got this book called Jack Russell's For Dummies, get it and read it! It has great information. Their dog has settled down a lot since they got her, but she still is a bit hyper. It's hilarious, because she is actually on my parent's schedule, and I've heard that is common with Jack Russell's. Their dog goes to bed when they go, and is gets up when they get up.
They are very kid friendly. It's just going to take some time and patience to train him/her not to be so hyper!

Answer 9

I have a jack russell dog and 2 kids aged 3 and 4.
They make great family pets,They don't snap or bite.
They have lots of energy and will play with your child nicely.
You don't need to walk them far and they don't poo or eat alot lol.
Brush him once a day and he wont malt either.
Good choice, go for it.
My fav breed of dog without a doubt.

Answer 10

Hi ive got a Jack Russel and she is brilliant with kids she love them, if you get your dog used to your child then you should have no problems. They are a very loyal dog and love loads of toys and attention. If you treat your dog right and train it propley then it will be the ideal family pet for you.