me and my family would love a jack russell terrier, and we would give the dog lots of attention and exercise. But from monday - thursday it will be alone for 5 hours, would this be okay?
It is not a breed I would recommend for a first time dog owner, however, if you adopted an older dog 2-5 years of age, you're likely to fare better.
A dog that age is out of puppy crazies (most terriers are returned or sheltered at 6 months to a year of age due to their insane antics and independent personalities), and is slightly calmer.
The Jack requires a LOT of mental stimulation, or he will become destructive. Due to their breed job of going to ground (going under earth for game), they tend to be diggers, and are very prey driven, so they need to be supervised with any small pets you may have.
Being gone for hours isn't a big deal, as long as you get the dog a kennel to relax in, and be sure to exercise (physically and mentally) adequately for the dog.
I again highly suggest you go to a rescue and get an older dog to start with, so you can have a good experience, and get a feel for them. If you want a puppy, talk to REPUTABLE breeders, and do your research. Look up what they have for health issues, their energy needs, etc.
It is always important to research before choosing a breed.
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April 1st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
no they are very yappy, snappy and energetic. We had a very aggressive one with behavioural problems which attacked us everyday, we even had to get it a dog psychologist x
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April 1st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
This is an active dog,anything with terrier in it is a high strung dog.They need loads of exercise and attention.So with you being away that much I would not get a terrier breed.Something more laid back
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April 1st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
no get a dashound
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i have one named Tucker
April 1st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
i have a jack/beagle and she does well while i am at work. you may want to adopt an adult from the shelter and get around the whole puppy stage issue.
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April 1st, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Nope.
Jack Russells are for barns and farms, and places where they can run around outside and hunt rodents. I saw two of them decimate a house in under an hour - and they were really really cute.
If you'd like a nice little house dog, consider a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Bichon, but definitely NOT a Jack!
You might also consider a retired racing Greyhound - they are lounge lizards, and really wonderful, loving dogs that can hang around for long periods of time by themselves, but great on a leash. And they need homes!
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April 1st, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Jack Russell will be a ok dog if you can put up with the BARKING
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April 1st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
It is not a breed I would recommend for a first time dog owner, however, if you adopted an older dog 2-5 years of age, you're likely to fare better.
A dog that age is out of puppy crazies (most terriers are returned or sheltered at 6 months to a year of age due to their insane antics and independent personalities), and is slightly calmer.
The Jack requires a LOT of mental stimulation, or he will become destructive. Due to their breed job of going to ground (going under earth for game), they tend to be diggers, and are very prey driven, so they need to be supervised with any small pets you may have.
Being gone for hours isn't a big deal, as long as you get the dog a kennel to relax in, and be sure to exercise (physically and mentally) adequately for the dog.
I again highly suggest you go to a rescue and get an older dog to start with, so you can have a good experience, and get a feel for them. If you want a puppy, talk to REPUTABLE breeders, and do your research. Look up what they have for health issues, their energy needs, etc.
It is always important to research before choosing a breed.
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April 1st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
no, they are very active and energetic breed, so they need lots of attention, and exercise, and they don't like to be left alone for a long period of time.
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April 1st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
the first person who answered doesn't know what they are talking about.
JRTs are very very sweet dogs but like all breeds there are exceptions. They are a Very energetic and very smart breed they can become very destructive if they get bored.
hope this helps
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Owned and Showed JRTs for 5 years
April 1st, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I personally would not recommend a JRT for a first time dog owner. They have tons of energy and can be very willful and hard to train. Even if you do have lots of time to devote to the dog, I personally wouldn't do it. You'd be amazed how much damage a little dog like that can cause if you don't keep it properly trained and exercised.
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April 1st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Don't take everyone else's opinion to heart too much. A puppy would only have problems for a short period of time and if you have a fenced in yard for him/her to play in, the dog would be fine for only 5 hours a day 4 days a week.
I used to think they were just too high strung and they are but they are also one of the most loyal, loving dogs I've ever come across.
Usually the owner causes the dog to have the problems they do but if you are aware going into this and make time to train this dog properly, it could be the best pet you ever had especially for a family.
I have a friend who has a male that is now about 7 years old. He is still very active and playful. They have this "big dog" mentality and are not afraid of much.
I would want to see how the mother and father of the puppy you would get acts and at any sign of behavioral issues I would address them immediately as you would with any other dog. Just make sure the one you get doesn't come from one of those "puppy mills".
My friend works sometimes over 12 hours a day and is single and has no children. The dog does not go to the bathroom in the house and waits for him to get home to go out. If he can wait that long and only has one person, I think if you got one it would be fine with a larger family especially.
This dog sleeps with him, knows how he is feeling and picks up on emotions well, and is the most loving dog I've ever seen. If I had a fenced in yard or electric fence and no cats, I would get one myself.
You do need to be aware of how hyper they can be as they do need a lot of attention, love, and exercise but if you are willing to do that and make sure the dog is trained, I say go for it.
My friend often says that this dog has "cat in him" because of how he plays.
People not knowing what they are getting into usually cause problems to continue but if you go in knowing this and when everyone is home give this dog all the attention you can, it could be a great addition to your family.
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April 1st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Jack Russells are strong willed, very predatory and I don't think they always make great first time pets. A Dachshund, Yorkie or Whippet would probably be easier. Jack Russells needs lots and lots of exercise and they are always on the go, even at ten years old +. They can be quite vocal too. I have had a few Jack Russells and none have them have been easy, they do however have great characters and are good fun if trained and brought up properly.
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April 1st, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Most breed of dog, especially Terriers who are usually hyper and crave attention can become destructive and even depressed from being left alone. I agree with some of the other answers which say to get an older dog, a puppy definitely couldn't take being alone that long.
I've had many dogs throughout my life and i'd never recommend anyone to leave a dog alone for that long unless the breed of dog was renowned for being calm and independent.
I hope you find the perfect dog for you :]
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Personal Experience
April 1st, 2009 at 7:10 pm
They are very active - I would suggest that you find jack or parson's breeders near you and go see some young adults in action to see if you really have enough action to stimulate their physicality and brains.
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April 1st, 2009 at 7:39 pm
my jack russell is a lovely dog not.yappy or snappy.but for a first dog i would choose something else.try a lab
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