Re: Children & Jack Russel Terriers

In Reply to: Children & Jack Russel Terriers
Posted by:  Mark Westphal
Posted on:  August 28, 2001 at 21:27:00

: I was interested in obtaining a 1yr. old JR-Terrier from a shelter for my 8 yr. old daughter. The owner claims the dog loves and plays alot with her 2 children who are both less than 8 yr's old, but does not like other dogs. I know a woman who works at a Vet Clinic who pretty much agreed with the owners description of JRTs. My wife and I purchased a book, " K.I.S.S." by Bruce Fogle. He stated JRTs are an excellent family pet and that they get along well with children yet claim they are in the top 10 for dogs that bite. After reading your QA column on Jack Russels and Children I think we should reconsider. We do not care if the dog does not like other dogs but would not like my daughter or other neighborhood children to be biten. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. We plan on taking any dog we get to obedience training classes if that would help. Thank You, Mark
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Hi Mark,

No wonder you are confused! I don't know how Mr Fogle can in one breath call a JRT an excellent family pet and then make the distinction that they are in the top 10 for biting!

A JRT can make an excellent family pet but that comes with many IF's. IF your children are above the age of 6, IF your children are taught how to properly interact with a dog, IF everyone in the house is devoted to make sure that the terrier understands its place in the heirarchy of your household, IF you make sure the dog gets into obedience school, IF you make sure that the terrier gets all the exercise it needs, as this is a high energy breed, IF you have proper Jack-proof containment, IF you truly understand this dog's prey drive which can be very strong, and the list goes on.

Because of this dog's heritage and high intelligence, it can be a pretty quirky dog. There are some things you just learn to accept with these dogs and you have to know when to pick your battles.

Remember too, this is a high maintenance breed and when I say that I don't mean grooming. They are active well into their teens and will test you all of their lives. Just when you think you have them figured out, they will throw you a new curve.

I suggest you take the profiler and see if your home and circumstances are a good match. Spend more time on the site and read more about the breed. Check the Bad Dog page too.

We wish more people like you would do their homework before making a commitment to a certain breed.

Jack Russell Profiler, Bad Dog Talk, History of the Jack Russell, JRTCA Breed Standard