Re: breeding a tamer JRT?

In Reply to: breeding a tamer JRT?
Category:   Breeding
Posted by:  Jack McDougal
Posted on:  December 29, 2002 at 01:21:42

: A breeder has informed me that the 'shortie' or 'puddin' Jack Russell Terriers which they breed differ greatly from the Parson, especially when it comes to their temperaments. Is this just a sales pitch or can breeders actually create a child friendly, more temperate JRT? Should I be cautious of such claims?

Response:

Hi Jack,

As the owner of two shorties myself, I can tell you that it's not the type of Jack you own but the temperament behind the dogs that is more important.

One of my shorties is a rescue that came from a family with 4 children, he didn't do well with them and so he ended up in rescue. The previous owner told us "the breeder said they are good with children." He hated kids when he came to us! It took lots of time, patience and effort for him to overcome his hostilities. I can't tell you whether he got this way from mis-handling or from genetics, but he is a different dog today.

That being said I would be cautious with ANY dog of ANY breed around small children.

So, in the years I have been familiar with this breed, I have come to see the best and worst in both types, so don't buy the hype. It all depends on breeding and raising for either type.