While Jack Russell Terriers are a wonderful breed, it is important that you know what owning a JRT entails before you purchase one. I strongly advise potential buyers to visit www.terriers.com, the JRTCA home page, and gather information on the breed's characteristics and needs. JRTs are bred to be hunting dogs, and many have a strong hunting instinct. They are very energetic dogs, and need room to run and play. These are very intelligent dogs, and you will find (like many puppies) that they will often be in search of trouble! However, should you decide this is the dog for you, you will find the breed to be one of the most rewarding companions, and a friend for life.
Below is a list of characteristics of the Jack Russell Terrier, taken from the book The Jack Russell Terrier: Corageous Champion by Catherine Romaine Brown:
* Jack Russells demand constant attention and stray if not attended to.
* If they can't find trouble, they will make it.
* Expect a whole lot of action.
* Never trust them along outdoor for even a few minutes.
* The JRT is not always easy to control.
* Rest is belief.
* Everything about the dog relates to its history as a fox-hunting terrier.
* Loyalty or even attention to you can be replaced with the distraction on the horizon of a mouse or a leaf, to which the dog will run at full speed.
* Expect the dog to ignore you, no matter how good a dog trainer you think you are!
* If your dog's "recall" seems unbelievable, it probably is. Don't depend on your voice for control, ever.
* JRTs can charm the skin off a snake and break your heart. They can snuggle with you one minute then dash off like they never knew you.
* Expect surprises, both good and bad.
* Housetraining is a state of mind more than a state of affairs. It can be political.
* Dog spelled backwards makes some people uncomfortable, not Jack Russells.
* Jack Russells like to take command of all they survey.
* If you lack a sense of humor, this is not the dog for you.
