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Re: Will my Chihuahua get along with a Jack Russell?

Posted by:  Marie Evans
Posted on:  August 28, 2001 at 20:05:25

In Reply to: Will my Chihuahua get along with a Jack Russell?
Posted by:  Kay Hirai
Posted on:  August 28, 2001 at 03:21:17

Question:

: I am interested in adopting or buying a Jack Russell dog. The problem is that I already have a 2 year old male Chihuahua. He is a great dog but tends to be territorial when another dog comes to visit. I did try a Jack Russell whom I watched for a vacationing couple for five days. My Chihuahua was territorial and got aggressive a couple of times. Does this mean that if I brought a Jack Russell home, they will never get along...or will my Chihuahua get used to the new dog after a while?

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Hi Kay,

I don't think any of us have Chihuahuas so it would be difficult to tell you whether these two breeds would make good companions.

I can tell you this, a terrier is usually quite territorial themselves and once the new dog gets settled in and feeling comfortable you might have real trouble on your hands. Although a JRT is considered small, your Chi is even smaller and no match for a terrier in the mood to show who is the boss.

Never get another dog of the same sex either as same sex aggression is well documented with this breed.

Your biggest problem is going to be the possibility of having two alpha personality dogs (you already know your Chi has alpha tendencies but you might not know right away about the JRT) and I can tell you if that happens you will have nothing but trouble.

Personally I would look for a different match. If a fight would break out between the JRT and the Chihuahua, your Chi wouldn't have a chance.

Regards,
Marie


Additional Reading: Other Breed FAQ