Question:
: I am looking for a dog with the same qualities and characteristics as a jack russell but which is friendlier to children (I have one 3 year old and another one will be born in February 2002), will get along with my two female alsatians, and will not be destructive to my garden, especially digging. Any suggestions or recommendations will be appreciated.
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Hi Lunga,
Please know that some of the things that you describe are the things that ARE their personality. If this dog was not still the great white hunter with the intelligence true "JRT people" love, it would not be the JRT. It is very a likely a dog with "the same qualities and characteristics of a JRT" is going to have at least some of the characteristics that people consider undesirable as well.
All dogs can dig if they want to. I don't know a breed that doesn't have at least one digger among them. Definitely steer clear of any terrier or mix to increase your chances of a non-digger, but realize there are no guarantees.
Personally, I do not know of a breed that fits the bill for you. If I did, I would be afraid to reccomend it, because the one you choose may not be the "ideal" for you, and I'd hate to see a dog fail and be given up for it. How a dog behaves has a lot to do with training too; no dog is perfect "out of the box." Dogs are all different, even ones within the same breed. It may be best for you to adopt an adult dog. That dog will have already developed its personality and such, and can be better evaluated for suitability to your household. Or, just stick with the dogs you have already. Three dogs and two kids will be a real handful.
Heather
