2006-12-20 05:37:23 · 31 answers · asked by mojo 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have two parts to my answer.
I was given a Jack Russell when I was six and he was lovely. we had him from a farm and we picked him from a litter of pups. My father knew the farmer and knew of the reputation of the dog's mother and father. Both were good dogs. This said however he could be nasty when antagonised (usually by my brother) he however never snapped at me until he was old and I went to university. He then snapped at me when I came home for the holidays. We think it was his way of punishing me as he was fine when I moved back home again.
On the other hand my brother has a jack russell of his own now and I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her. However she is a rescue dog so therefore her background is unknown.
My advice therefore is make sure you know everything there is to know about the dog before you commit to it.
2006-12-20 05:56:12 · answer #1 · answered by thecat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't recommend it. The child is at an age when they like to pull dogs around. jacks can be nippy and VERY hard to train. I'd try another breed.
I own a jack, but we've had him since our eldest was 6 months old. She didn't pull him around..but our second did. He didn't retaliate..but that was because he was around a gentle child so young. Jacks are not good first dogs. the dig/bark/dis-obedient/nippy and territorial. I would never recommend them to a novice. I've owned dogs for years...my jacks a star..but still a tearaway at times. I dont think a four year old would be able to cope. Try a cocker spaniel/king charles or labrador instead. Much more reliable and friendly.
2006-12-22 04:04:06 · answer #2 · answered by wolfstorm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I vote no to a Jack Russell for a very young child. They are very high spirited dogs that might react badly to a child's rough play.
But you should consider breeds that you like the most since you will be doing all of the training and care for your new pet.
I suggest adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group. Look for a dog that has been fostered long enough to document their behavior towards small children.
2006-12-20 05:57:26 · answer #3 · answered by Calathea 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We tell pet owners that it's not reasonable to have a puppy in the house any sooner than when their child is 3. The reasoning is the amount of time it takes to care for a toddler, and the amount of time it takes to care for a puppy. There are many breeds which are good with children. We typically recommend the breeds which have soft mouths and gentle personalities such as the hunting dogs....beagles, labs, retrievers. Jack Russels are hyperactive at best. Our practice does not recommend this as a breed which is good with small children
2006-12-20 05:45:49 · answer #4 · answered by Mary F 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't trust a Jack Russel with a child, I have known a baby who's scalp and face were ripped off with two Jack Russels, she was only weeks old and survived with horrific scarring. But it could have been any dog,, never trust a dog of any kind with very young children
2006-12-20 05:47:34 · answer #5 · answered by braveheart321 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not a good choice for a 4 year old for the most part. Jack Russells are very hyper and more high strung. They would be better for an older child.
2006-12-20 05:44:27 · answer #6 · answered by toomeymimi 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
JRT's are NOT ideal family pets. They have tons and tons of energy despite their small size. They have springs for legs. They love to jump and run and play and move fast, all the time!! I have a Parson Russell Terrier, and he is a USDAA Agility National Champion. Russells love agility because they thrive on moving! I suggest that unless you want to get involved in a dog sport or be VERY active with a JRT, maybe consider another dog, like a Cocker Spaniel. They make ideal family dogs and are easy-tempered and very loving.
I run a rescue group for working dogs, and we never adopt out a working dog to a family who just wants a "pet". If they family lives on acreage and has a job for the dog to do, with room ro roam, that we welcome.
I do not encourage a JRT for your situation and what I know about it.
2006-12-20 05:50:13 · answer #7 · answered by LiaChien 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 jack russels I breed them all mine are well behaved and love the kids even as young as 2 yrs old they can be jumpy sometimes but never bite my two year old nepew plays rough with them and they never bite or growel but only you can decide what dog take the child with you to pick the dog out see how they both react
2006-12-20 05:55:27 · answer #8 · answered by ibebarbie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had a Jack Russel for years...he passed at 16...he was OK with small kids but we were never over confident to leave him ...also he was a working dog and Jack Russels do need excercise...they are terriers and therefore have terrier traits and need stimulation. Not to say if it was brought up with the child that it wouldn't be fine. I had plenty of friends with JR'S and kids...the kids were brought up in farming or horse situations and understood and had respect for animals in general..Regardless of what dog you choose....you will need to monitor and watch the situation.
2006-12-20 05:48:48 · answer #9 · answered by minitheminx65 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jack russells are terriers and terriers don't tend to do well with children. Terriers are harder to train than other non terrier breeds, they yap, and worst of all for such a young child is that they nip.
There are other much more small child friendly breeds than terriers. I would suggest firstly a cavalier king charles spaniel, a pug, a beagle, or if you wanted to go larger, a labrador or a golden retriever.
2006-12-20 05:43:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋