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Are you ready for the Jack Russell Terrier?
Jack Russells...
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... are first and foremost hunting dogs. The traits and skills that
make them excellent hunting dogs are often interpreted as bad habits
that cause people to give them up.
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... are bred to go underground, following scent to locate and
bark at quarry until they are dug down to or the quarry bolts. If they
do not have an outlet for their natural instincts, they will invent new
and fun jobs for themselves, which frequently include guardian of the
world and/or their possessions and family, chasing cars, hunting
birds, bugs or leaves, or digging in the soil.
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... are a big dog in a little body. They have the same need (or
more!) for exercise as a much larger dog... and the mentality to
match -- they think they are at least 150 pounds, and are fearless,
often challenging other dogs, or animals three times their size.
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... are NOT a non-shedding breed! All coat types shed! Smooth
coats shed the most, dropping hair continuously year round. Rough
coats maintain the guard and dead coat, requiring manual shedding a
few times a year. The broken coat is an intermediary coat, between
the two types.
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... require firm, consistent discipline. They are extremely
intelligent, continue to test their limits throughout their life. More
often than not, train their owners before the owner knows what has
happened! This ability to train their owners can include displays of
aggressive behavior. Their assertive nature must be understood and
handled properly!
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... can become very possessive of their owner or a favorite
member of the family or of what they consider to be their personal
property if allowed to do so to the point of showing aggressive
protective behavior that must be controlled from an early age.
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... are commonly known to harass, injure or kill other small pets,
such as cats, birds, rabbits, mice, rats, etc., simply due to their
strong natural hunting instinct. Raising a puppy with a cat does not
guarantee the cat's life-long safety! Although all of our pups are
raised with other animals, and socialized at a very young age.
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... remain active well into their 15-year-plus life span; their need
for activity and desire to hunt continues for their entire lifetime.
Untrained, unsupervised dogs rarely meet their life expectancy.
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... require at least basic obedience training. The dog's life may
depend on it! Even well trained dogs will be tempted to chase
something interesting, or even disappear into a hole while you are
not looking. Off-lead is always a dangerous situation for a Jack
Russell unless in a safe environment with experienced JR owners.
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... absolutely need a securely fenced yard! Jack Russells will
roam due to their hunting instincts.... even if left in an unsecured for
a few minutes! You can let them out every day for three years with
no trouble....but one day they will disappear and may never come
back. Many JR's have been killed by cars by darting into the road in
pursuit of a squirrel, cat, etc. They can also dig under, climb or jump
over fences; some can climb trees and any height chain link fencing.
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... can be very destructive if left unattended and unemployed!
Most behavioral problems are due to a lack of companionship,
discipline, activity and exercise. If you've only seen perfect,
well-behaved JR's, they are ones that were lucky enough to be
exercised, well socialized, and trained.
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... are NOT recommended as apartment or condo dogs. They
need a great deal of exercise and outdoor activity, and are usually
too loud for such high-density living. They need room to run; leash
walking does not satisfy their boundless energy. Unless your
schedule permits many hours at home and a lot of outdoor activity,
with a safe place the terrier can run, this is not the dog for you.
MANY rescues come from apartments, condos, or homes where the
owners work away from the home for long periods of time.
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... require a long-term commitment to obedience, activity,
exercise and entertainment... their unique character, intelligence and
high energy level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you,
and can bring you great joy (when they're happy!) or great grief
(when they're not!). If this type of relationship does not appeal to
you, then consider another breed. Jack Russell Terriers are always a
work in progress!
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