To buy a JRT or not buy a JRT

I have wanted to buy a Jack Russell Terrier for a long time and have just bought a house, so it might be possible now. The house has a fenced in the back yard. I am a little leery about owning one just because of all the bad things I've heard and read about how difficult they can be at times. I had a dog when I was 10 years old that we got at an animal shelter. Looking back--I now realize that it was a Jack Russell. We gave it away two years later because it was extremely high spirited. I remember him running around in circles in our house and jumping on every piece of furniture in the room. He also barked all the time and my mom-not being an "animal person"--could not handle it. I'm sure we didn't train the dog properly also. I have a friend who has a Jack Russell who is extremely sweet and very calm and she says he is very easy to handle. I want to make the right decision. I love Jack Russells and think they are the absolute cutest dogs around, but I know I have to make an educated decision, not an emotional one. I was considering getting a Rat Terrier as a second option if I can't get a Jack Russell.
I would appreciate any advice you could give!
Thanks

• Re: To buy a JRT or not buy a JRT Apr 26 (0)