Scottie Dog or Jack Russell?

Question

I'm getting a new dog when I move into my own place and am considering either a Scottie dog or Jack Russell. Anyone have any (informed) opinions on the pro's and con's of either breed?

Answer 1

We have owned one of each of these. They are similar because they are terriers. I can not stress obedience-training enough if you have your heart set on one.

The Scottie standard describes the perfect breed specimen as "compact, well-muscled, and powerful, giving the impression of immense power in a small package. The Scottie is basically a healthy breed but is susceptible to vonWillibrand's disease (vWD), skin problems and flea allergies, epilepsy, and some jawbone disorders. He is also prone to Scottie cramp, a minor condition that may cause difficulty in walking. VWD is an inherited bleeding disorder; breeding stock should be tested before mating and puppy buyers should ask the breeder if VWD scores on the parents of a litter are available. Cerebellar abiotrophy, a rare, slow-to-progress neurological disease that causes loss of coordination, has also been found in the breed. The Scottie coat needs attention to maintain its texture. The dog should be combed a couple of times a week and trimmed occasionally. As with all hard-coated terriers, the Scottie's dead hairs must be plucked out in a process known as stripping. Unless the pet owner has the time to learn proper stripping technique and can spare the hours necessary to do the job, the Scottie will need professional grooming once or twice each year to stay firm and wiry. The coat can be trimmed with electric clippers, but it will grow in soft and dull. Like all terriers, the Scottie has a mind of his own. Unlike his cousins, he is reserved, quite particular in his choice of people, and steadfastly loyal. He tolerates rowdy children and many adults quite well; he is wary of strangers and is likely to become a one-man or one-woman companion, sensitive to the moods of his chosen master. He barks a lot, and he loves to dig; no fence will hold him if he's anxious to burrow his way out. The Scottie's scrappy attitude makes him difficult to train. The new Scottie owner should immediately find an obedience school, for this bundle of energy with an attitude can dominate a household with great skill if he is not taught that the master is the boss. The training must be firm and gentle to avoid breaking his spirit, for nothing so insults a Scottie as severe treatment. You should avoid pet stores and breeders who do not test for von Willibrands Disease or who are unaware of the genetic jaw problems inherent in the breed.

The Jack Russell Terrier is first and foremost a working dog, so character and skill are more important than uniformity of size and coat type. Faults in the breed include shyness, disinterest, overly aggressive, lack of muscle tone, and lack of stamina or lung reserve. The Jack Russell is a fearless, happy, alert, confident, intelligent and lively hunting dog. These qualities make him a sturdy, vigorous companion, ready to meet the world on a moment's notice, and, unless he is appropriately trained and exercised, can be subverted into wanton destructiveness. The dog can be described as: "Unique personality of this feisty little terrier is capturing the hearts of many, but they are not a dog for everyone. While adaptable to a variety of environments, they are first and foremost bred to be hunting dogs." As appealing as he can be_ and that is very appealing_ the Jack Russell is not the ideal pet for everyone. He has his share of terrier aggression towards other dogs and is deadly towards animals it considers to be prey. Thus cats, hamsters, gerbils, and other household pets can be in jeopardy if the dog is not supervised or confined. Furthermore, this militant streak makes it difficult to keep a Jack Russell in a home with other dogs, even others of its breed. Like most terriers, the Jack Russell is a digger and a barker; if not given enough opportunity to indulge these inclinations outside, he may dig holes in the furniture and bark at everything that moves.
However, in spite of caveats about its sometimes irascible temperament towards fellow canines and small animals, the Jack Russell can be a terrific family pet. He has a gentle and kindly nature with people and is usually friendly with small children -- if they are well-behaved. He will likely not put up with poking, prodding, or abusive rough-housing from boisterous or ill-behaved youngsters, but he is amenable to learning tricks and games. needs little grooming and no special physical care. However, he does need to be obedience-trained to walk on a leash, come when called, and stand to be handled.

As usual with terriers, owners must have saintly patience to work either dogs in obedience trials.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Scottie Dog or Jack Russell?
I'm getting a new dog when I move into my own place and am considering either a Scottie dog or Jack Russell. Anyone have any (informed) opinions on the pro's and con's of either breed?

Answer 3

I don't have any experience with Scottie Dogs, so I can't really give you any info.

However, as far as Jack Russells go, Please do your research! Talk to other owners.
They are a very energetic and extremely hyper dog. They need plenty of exercise and interaction. They can be hard to train because of the inability to calm down.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

having owned both kinds i must tell y you the jack Russell's are the very Best. my Scottie was not always nice and needs a lot of care he was high maint. and absolutely adorable but cost wise the jack Russell's does not require anything but food and attention. he is a ball of fun and can turn on a dime i never seen anything like it he is so fast none of the other dogs can catch him when hes playing with them its hysterical.they are very loving and quite a lap dog, mine is about 7lbs and 6mo old he and my Schnauzer play together all the tI'me and i kennel train when im gone. he was easy to pottie train and he I'm teaching him tricks right now.i \have a cat also and they wrestle all over the place he gets along with all my other family dogs they all play together he is just the sweetest dog I've ever had and i have had plenty of them in 66yrs. and hes not to much for me.

Answer 5

Jack Russell! I have a dog that's part Jack Russell. When I got her, she was about 1 and a half years old. WOW, she was HYPER. lol I personally think they're poth cute! But I think a Jack Russell's cuter. =)

Answer 6

You have some pros and cons to both breeds. The jack russell will be a challenge, and I wouldnt get one unless you have LOTS of time to devote to training. They are very hyper. Scotties tend to have some health issues in the breed. SO do your research on both.

Answer 7

Jack Russell. They're easier to train..

Answer 8

If you get a Jack Russell, you should be prepared to give that dog a lot of companionship and exercise. They are not dogs who do well when left to their own devices, all day, while their humans work. Their frustrated social needs and great energy lead them into feats of furniture destruction that are absolutely astounding, considering their small size.

Answer 9

They're the same thing. Some people say "Parson Russell" to sound cool. My dog is (and always will be) George the Jack Russell Terrier. :]

Answer 10

although jack russel's are smart as a whip, they as arule are very high strung...I had one...my neighbor has had numerous scotties and they are on a general note very calm. If i were you Id consider a mutt as they tend to not have as many health problems as akc purebred dogs.