Thinking of buying a little dog for my 31/2 yo, was thinking Jack Russell?

Question

Does anyone have any experience with owning a Jack Russell? How are they as a family pet? Do they bark for than the average dog? Are they good with kids? What are your recommendations for a good (small) family dog. I dont really want one with long hair. thank you.

Just wanted to clarify that I am not thinking of buying a dog for my daughter, but very much so for the whole family. I just wanted a dog that will be best suited to a small child. We have 2 indoor cats, and she is great with them, very gentle.

Answer 1

I have a Jack Russell and they are great dogs! The only problem is they need lots of room to run! they are very high energy dogs, they love to play with kids ours plays chase with the kids okay so he just chases the kids around but they all have fun. They are also very loving dogs, and protective. I also have 8 puppies that i will be giving away to good homes there mom is a terrier mix and daddy is a jack russell. Good luck with your puppy hunting and I fully recommend a jack russell. Oh they get along good with other dogs and cats ours loves to play with the cats and our Rotti!!

Answer 2

My son had a Jack Russell when he was a teenager. It was a great dog, but JR are hunters, so it had a habit of roaming everytime it was outside. They are tough little dogs and in my opinion for a 3 year old it would probably be a good dog. However age 3 is still very young to totally understand how to handle a puppy. But I always had dogs when my children were younger and it just requires extra attention especially if it is a puppy. All dogs will bark and JR's are about the same as any other breed, it will be up to you to train it not to bark when it is not needed. Another good breed for inside is a Min-Pin or poodle, both love people and make great inside dogs. (The poodle would be my first choice because they are so great with children)

Answer 3

I have two JRs, Jack and Jill and they are absolutely superb. They are the most affectionate dogs I have ever owned (and I have had a few dogs over my 45 years!!). They are extremely intelligent and pick up training very quickly. My two don't bark excessively, just when the doorbell rings or during play.

I run a B&B in Spain and they have been amazing with all our guests - adults and children alike. they just love everybody.

They are energetic but also quite self sufficient. Lots of toys and stimulation and they're fine. My two however are not good with cats and will chase them for miles. I do think though that you would have no problems if you are thinking of getting a puppy. They shold all get along fine within a couple of days.

Good luck and if you decide to buy one I hope you and your little daughter get as much from them as we have. I wouldn't be without mine. xx

Answer 4

Our friends have a Jack Russel, he barks A LOT but he is great with their 2 kids (2 and 4). We have a Tibetan Spaniel, he's 10 lbs, but he is furry, though he doesn't shed much. He's awesome with my son (who is 2) but does bark when other dogs walk by or when you get home. I think he's an awesome dog and leaves our cats alone (for the most part).

Answer 5

I've never had a Jack Russell, but a friend of mine does. 3 in fact. They are very good with children, however, they do bark and are often considered hyperactive (typical terrier)
If you are thinking of buying a dog for a young child, smaller dogs do not neccessarily mean better. Most small dogs are terriers: hyper, loud, energetic. A medium sized dog such as a Lab, Golden retriever or other type of gundog would be a better choice. they are gentle and are very good family pets. Hope this helps :D

Answer 6

we had two jack russell dogs, they are definately not for young children, they do not tolerate very young children very well, because young children do not have boundaries and these dogs are set in their ways, ours liked to bite alot and no matter what we did, they still bit, and they are hyper anyway, and a young child running around will just keep them running all around the house all the time, and yes they do bark alot. i would highly not recommend a jack russell for such a young child. maybe a shih tzu or a lhapso apso (sp?) or a pug. they are all good with children

Answer 7

Hello.. I have a 5 month old Jack. I also have a son that is a month old. I used to have an older Jack Russell too, he was very good with everyone! My 5 month old Jack is very playful, you should be able to take yours outside to run for a while everyday, unless you want him going crazy in your house :) Well mine is still a puppy he does like to jump on people, he gets very excited whenever he sees someone.

Answer 8

I have two, and they're great dogs. The only thing is, they're very high energy. With a small child I would think there may be issues with their jumping, and constantly wanting to play. It could very easily work, my vets bring their 2 year old daughter over and the girls get along with her, but we have to supervise constantly to keep them from being too forward. Perhaps something a little lower energy? My vets have two dachshunds, both middle aged adults, and they do very well with their daughter. In fact, the older male has the patience of Job. He's her buddy, confident, guardian....he tolerates her hugging and loving all over him. Don't get me wrong....I love my little jrt girls, just not sure about the energy level.

Answer 9

I'm new to this and haven't an idea when you posted, but as a long time dog owner and granddaughter to a woman who bred chihuahuas, I can honestly say your best bet for dog ownership is to rescue a dog from a pound. They are terrific and loving animals. If you can't find the right size dog you're looking for, check PetFinders.com for your area. Too many dogs are bred in puppy mills these days. Too many others are killed every day for lack of a home. Please consider this before spending a lot of money on a pet. Thanks for listening.

Answer 10

well i have a golden retriever puppy and he is very good with small kids it takes them at least 2 years to get big and they love kids and also i have 2 cats and he is very good with them. They sleep on the couch together. I would say golden retriever because they are very loving. And if u dont want it to shed a lot u only have to brush it 2 days a week.