Is a jack russel puppy a goood house dog?

Question

I am thinking of getting a jack russel but I am not sure if it can be a good house dog

Answer 1

They are very high-energy dogs.

Answer 2

Do you have children? Jack Russel's tend to not like small children and will bite if provoked (of course any dog will, but a Russel has very little patients). Also, they are hunting dogs believe it or not. If they pick up a sent or see a wild animal, they are gone!!! They are smaller dogs so they fit into the same little holes etc that the critters do, and they will go in after them. You can call for them, offer treats, what ever you want, they will not come back. A neighbor has a Russel who spent the night in a pile of rubbish tracking a wild animal. They are very energetic and if you don't provide adequate exercise they go crazy in the house. They are very cute little guys, but require someone who really knows how to handle them. If you are interested, do some research, read a book on the breed, and chat with other owners/breeders before purchasing.

Good luck with you decision.

Answer 3

Not unless you are going to get it PLENTY of daily exercise and have a fenced-in dog run or big yard.

I have had two Jack Russels and they were very destructive during the day if they were not exercised for at lease a couple of hours each morning.

They are cute and playful but very high maintenance. The 2nd one was not trustworthy around kids either. Usually was fine but if someone took something from it, it was on them like a Pit Bull and even though they are small they can really do some damage.

I would assume since you asked this question, that a Jack Russel is probably not the right dog for you.

Answer 4

people that I know say that they are a very hyper dog; to insure that you are a match, you should do as much research as possible to make this lifetime commitment work so the dog doesn't end up in a shelter; I wanted a boxer and investigated about a year; I asked every single person that I saw that had one to rule out some of the rumors about the breed, like drooling , gas and activity level ; when I felt comfortable with the answers, I purchased one, which was the best thing that I ever did, I did breed her twice and now have one of her puppies but we screen the buyers and turned down well over 23 - 30 to find the best match for our puppies, there are a lot of crazies out there; we keep in contact and I would take any of them back at anytime to prevent them from ever going into a shelter etc; we get pictures , updates and sometimes visits which we love. You need to really do your homework b/c a life is a life whether it is a dog or not. A dog needs time, attention, training and patience that you factor that in with the dog's natural behavior and instinct ; it is an investment that shouldn't be entered into lightly for both of you.

Answer 5

If you are willing to put the time and energy into them they will be one of the most fun dogs you ever have. I spent a lot of time researching and looking for a good breeder and I think it really makes a difference. You hear a lot of negative stories about jack russells and a lot of times it is due to owners who don't know what they are getting themselves into. Before I got a jack russell, I was worried about aggressive behaviors and destruction of the house.

However, I currently have a 10 month old Jrt and overall she really is a great dog. She hasn't chewed up or destroyed anything in the house. I have been talking her to training classes since she was about 3 months and constantly try to socialize her with other dogs. Next month I am going to start her in agility classes.

You have to have a lot of time to spend with them, my jack rusell will play fetch with me for hours. Until you have one you can't even begin to describe the amount of energy they have. I can take mine to the dog park for 2 hours and then come home and she will still want to play with her toys for the rest of the night. They will definitely wear you out before they are even a bit tired!!! And believe me they don't give you a break, mine follows me everywhere and expects me to play with her every second of the day.

They are a big challenge. She is so smart but is very determined to do her own thing and only listen when she wants.

Answer 6

A Jack Russell has the reputation for being one of the smartest dog breeds there is.

Answer 7

As long as you have a LOT of time to train them, and never leave them at home by themselves, then yes. I adopted a JRT from the shelter and the dog completely destroyed my house. Pooping everywhere, and then walking thru the poop and jumping up at door (so then I had smeared dog poop on my doors). Chewing and ripping up carpet, chewing on woodwork, and shredding my sofa. (This happened in 1 evening, mind you.. what a mess to clean!) I had to give Kooper away to a family that was home all the time and someone who could take the time to train him properly. There are lots of other dogs that won't do these things, and don't have a problem with seperation anxiety. Before making a final decision, do your research! Good luck!

Answer 8

They are too hyper, They shed too much and I can't walk through the house with out my dog being under my feet BUT I wouldn't take anything for my Jack Russel.

Answer 9

Jack Russel's are very excitable dog. They have lots of energy, and as a pup will chew everything in site. They are very hard to train. The dog on the show frasier went threw over 20 owners before he ended up in a shelter and someone from the show took him. You need to be physically fit to handle them. walk them a lot. and spend a lot of time training.

Answer 10

Yes, they are good dogs, but require work and training. They need exercise to burn off their excess energy. It's not a dog that will be happy just hanging around, relaxing at your feet.

Answer 11

I have a Jack and love it but you have to exercise them I found that if I ride my bike while walking him is much more affective than a slow casual walk.This breed is very funny and entertaining if you have the time and Energy to spend with it.