Short Leg Jack Russells?

Question

The breeder claims that they have shorter than standard legs and are usually calmer and more laid back. Have you ever heard of these and are Jack Russells in general a good breed to buy? NO RUDE COMMENTS about mutts and mongrells

Answer 1

Jack russelles are a GREAT breed! I have had 5 of them myself all at different times in my life and I absolutely love them! There are shorter Jack Russells it usually has to do with the genes and the breeding of the cute little ones! As far as being laid back not all of them are. Most of the ones I have had are really smart, funny, and energetic. As far as personallity think of a 3 year old child. They calm down allot and grow into there personallites around 2 to 3 years of age. If you want a Jack Russell that is more laid back I would ask the breeder which dog is the most laid back, or whatever you like in a dog. They usually are really good on knowing the personallities of each dog. Also check out the dogs on different days and times of day so that ,if you see a dog that seems relaxed you can get a better feeling on there personallites on different days. Just because they are calm on one day doesn't mean that they are always calm. And that is the wonderful thing about puppies!That is why asking the breeder which one is most like the type of dog you want is the best!Also make sure you have enough time for them most of them get really bored very easy! They like to chew alot/ destory things if not paid attention too!

Most of Jack Russells don't usually have health problems because the breeders are really big on not breeding dogs of the same family (son - mom, dad- daughter) things of that nature. Don't get me wrong they can still have health issues, but not as much as other breeds. Plus there are still people that breed dogs with whom ever they wish! They are rather hard to potty train (from my experience). It isn't that they can't be potty trained its just that they are really I guess headstrong and wants to be in charge! They are so smart though! And if you ever have mice problems they are great hunting dogs. My jack right now (Dasiy) has already hunted down and killed 6 mice! All in all they are great dogs! The nice thing is when you get a jack it is always a new and different (in a good way) experience! With every jack I have had it has been different! And I would trade them for anything in the world!

Answer 2

It sounds to me like this breeder has been breeding Jack Russells with some sort of genetic deformity and claiming it to be "new & improved". I don't see how the length of the leg would affect the temprament of the dog. Does that mean that all people with shorter legs are more laid back than long legged people? Nope, so why would it be that way with dogs. I wouldn't buy a dog from that person. Who knows what other health issues they are breeding. Sadly, most people aren't breeding dogs for the right reasons. They only do it for the money but they are producing unhealthy dogs as a product. If you want a pure-bred Jack Russell I'd use a reputable breeder. You can check with your local ASPCA to see if they have a listing of breeders or find a breeder through the AKC website (www.akc.org) Or if there is ever a dog show near you go to it and talk to the breeders & handlers, they will be more than glad to give you the info you need. Good luck!

Answer 3

Pure genetics, basically. If any breeder starts combining dogs with a specific trait in mind and continues to do so for several generations, more likely than not the trait will continue to be prominant. I've never heard of a Short Legged Jack Russel myself, but as a trainer we run into all sorts of new dog fads.

Jack Russels are excellent dogs, but not always excellent companions. You really need to consider your lifestyle before jumping into a life with a JR. Are you very active? Will you have 45+ minutes a day to spend doing nothing but exercising your dog? Will your dog be able to experience new areas, sights, sounds, smells on a regular basis?

Jack Russels have an abundance of energy and need to have an outlet for that energy on a daily basis. As a trainer, I recommend at least 45 minutes a day of pure exercise, whether it's throwing the ball, going for a run, going to the dog park, etc. If a JR does not have an adequate outlet for this energy, they can become destructive, overly energetic, run continuous "laps" around the house, and could have aggression issues as well.

If you DO have an active lifestyle, however, and are seeking an energetic companion to spend time with outdoors and know you could commit to a JR's energy, then it sounds like you guys could be an excellent match!

Hope it all goes well.

Answer 4

"Shorties" do have short legs. I'm not sure if there is a standard for the JRT. I know there is one for the Parson Russell Terrier which people refer to as a Jack Russell (Eddie on Fraser and Wishbone were Parson's). Remember that all terriers have a hunting instinct. Russell's are extremely high energy and if left to get bored will come up with their own source of entertainment, be it good or bad! I have a Parson and am a total "Jack" fanatic.
Please educate yourself before getting one, they are different from any other breed and remember that you will be getting a 100lb dog in a 15 lb body.

Answer 5

The longer legged Bred is the AKC Parson Russell Terrier. The smaller Jack Russell Type in America is now Called the AKC "Russell Terrier." They are bred to have straight legs to the best of the ability they are 10-12 inches tall in the standard. For more information on the Small Russell terrier, google the American Russell Terrier Club for specifics and breeder referrals for the Russell Terrier 10-12 inches.

Answer 6

There are good dogs that meet the written standard, and there are not so good dogs that don't. There is only ONE standard for PRTs.

I would not expect ANY PRT to be laid back.

To one of the other posters - the name Jack Russell Terrier was changed to Parson Russell Terrier 2-3 years ago. One breed, one standard.

Answer 7

I have a long leg Jack Russell. You must have a lot of energy and be able to send at less 3 days a week outside playing catch or some sort of activity, you must be able to enforce the rules or they well not listen and take control of the house. I love my dog and he's great as a house dog.

Answer 8

Yes, there are short leg Jack Russells- a friend of mine used to breed them. Don't know if the temperament was any different, but they were great little dogs, and very smart.

Answer 9

Hmmmmm, they have pretty short legs to begin with do they not?

I am a Chihuahua owner, and i have seen breeders breed "T-Cup" Chis.. which don't exist as a BREED... however if your breeders have mated a short legged female with a male that is also shorter legged... their babies would have shorter legs, if this is desirable to people they may be breeding this way to produce these dogs.

Just remember that short legs and active dogs can result in lots of breaks...JR's in my opinion are pretty active dogs, and you wouldn't want them to hurt themselves.

Ask the breeder if they have references form previous litter buyers.. and ask them how their pups have turned out.

Don't get suckered into paying more $$ than a normal pup would be worth because they are claiming shorter legs, they may be pulling yours =)

Best of luck

Answer 10

Just because I haven't heard of "short legged JRs" doesn't mean there is not such a thing. Opinion = the breeder is pulling your short leg. Russells are by their nature pretty peppy critters. Laid back? None that I have known are. They are superior companions, brilliantly smart, and little barking terrors protecting their person. I wouldn't mess with a Russell in protect mode!!!