Should I get a Mini Pincher/Jack Russel Terrier in an apartment (based on energy, temperment, etc...?

Question

I'm thinking I want to get my first dog. I'm looking for something smaller and I found this breed that was "adopted" and looking to find him a permanent home. How energetic do you think he would be? I'm ready for the work but will he lie down and settle down if I try to get him? I know the work that goes into a dog I'm just curious about the breed.

Answer 1

In a word....no. Jack Russel or Parson Russell Terriers are incredibly high energy dogs. While they don't require a lot of space (so an apartment could work) you should assume that in order not to have a hyperactive disaster in your apartment that you spend about 2 hours a day focused on the dog going for long walks, running or joging with the dog, going to dog parks, taking classes. And at least 60 minutes had better be aerobic (ie: taking 2 one hour obedience classes won't work). I'm serious--there is a serious runner in our neighborhood who owns a 10 year old Russell. The guy does marathons (runs 4-10 miles 3 times a week) and the dog runs with him up to 4-5 mile distances and still needs a walk later in the day. A min pin would potentially result in a calmer dog but only by a matter of degree. Again, it's not the space that's the issue, it's the energy level.

Additionally, each dog has its own temperament. So we can generalize about breeds but than every dog is it's own individual. Parson Russells became popular about 20 years ago and that led to a lot of backyard and mill breeding. Depending upon the reason for the "mix" this dog might be another case of poor breeding practices (more likely, accidental--but I'm just guessing). In which case, you don't have an effort by a knowledgable dog person to breed dogs with the best characteristics and avoid those who display bad temperament or poor physical/mental behavior. Which basically means that b/c of puppy mills and backyard breeders, we've seen the worst elements of the Parson Russell (which is a cute, talented and delightful dog) magnified. So I'd be especially leery of any Parson Russell that doesn't come from an established breeder.

Here are a couple of dogs that are small, can adapt to apartment life (as long as they have activity) and tend not to be especially yappy (like Chihuahuas, poodles, beagles).
--Border Terriers (think Benji). Coarse, wirey coat but very good natured. Very hardy and great for walks.
--Rat Terrier. Think of a Russell with an "off" switch that also isn't much of a barker. Very smart and athletic but without the Russell's energy demands or constant activity. With enough physical activity and mental stimulation, a rat terrier is very content to hang out on the couch for hours just being with you.
--Italian Greyhound. Easily injured (especially leg injuries), can become neurotic but often described as the most cat-like of dogs b/c they sleep a lot, like to lay around in the sun and lounge next to you and are perfectly adapted to indoor life. Don't require as much exercise as any of the terriers.
--there are also a lot of other smaller or toy breed dogs that are good in an apartment but have longer hair (Norwich terriers, Westy, Schiperke, etc.) but I find that a short-hair is generally a better apartment fit.

Finally, think about a greyhound rescue. While they're much bigger, these are dogs who need one good exercise period a day and otherwise prefer to lounge around (preferably with you), find a sunny spot in the apartment and relax. They aren't barkers, are good with people and their negatives are not likely to apply to your situation (ie: often aren't adjusted well to non greyhounds since they rarely have been exposed to them, strong prey drive for squirrels, need to always be on leash outside b/c of their speed and ability to jump fences). Plus because they're rescues (retired from the track), you're doing a good deed.

Answer 2

It is rather difficult to determine the temperament of a mixed breed dog. It could go either way or both. I can say that of those two breeds, the minpin will settle down when you want it to, but the terrier will not. They are both very high energy breeds that are very long-lived. Terriers have more of a tendency to chew everything, and minpins can bark like fools when you don't want them to. Both breeds can be nippy.
As far as being in an apartment, small breeds do well here, as even though they need exercise, they don't need huge spaces to get it. This dog may run through your home like a nut, and get all the exercise it needs.
Can you meet the dog first and see what it is like in the environment it lives in now? Sometimes observation can give you an idea what to expect.

Answer 3

Jacks are very smart but like the others have said they bark alot and have high levels of energy. Same goes for the mini Pincher.

Anything thats a terrier will usually bark alot/have alot of energy. Most small dogs tend to have that constant "Yap" and nip alot.

I have a Jack Russel, 5 years old now. He's not the biggest fan of being picked up, or petted. But he needs constant attention, and cant stand to be alone (whines, etc.) Pinchers will probably be about the same temperment. Skwirmish, and active.

Answer 4

Those two breeds are among the more energetic and more "bark-y" dogs there are. Jack Russells never lose their need to play all the time - even when they get very old. But that can be dealt with.. the slightly bad part is the barking. The only dog I can think of that barks more would be a Chow or Wheaton Terrier. Mini Pins can also hurt their legs very easily, and when that happens they yowl in pain for hours. Your neighbors might not be very happy with you..

Answer 5

That breed(s) are full of energy and the right size for apt. living,.. but, they do tend to be barkers.
Very alert, at even a pin dropping.
So unless proper time and training is given at an early age, you may have a problem with yapping from apt. residents.

Answer 6

Good luck in an apt, they are small, but with pinscher yepping, and the jack russell part being so hyper, put your good china away......you will need to discipline and try this baby fast......both are a great breeds with training.......

Answer 7

This dog would be VERY high energy. And he might bark a lot.

But if you give him lots and lots of exercise, before and after work, he probably will handle you being gone fairly well.

Answer 8

ANYTHING W/ A JACK RUSSEL IN IT IS WAYYYYY 2 HYPER AND CRAZY FOR A SMALL APT.....I SAY PASS ON THAT ONE, SORRY

Answer 9

it would be very hyper but good luck