Should I get a Jack Russell Terrier? Tell me about them

rosemc

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#1
I am a very active person and I live in downtown Chicago in a very small apartment. I want a compact dog but I also want to do agility and flyball. I also really enjoy running and would love a dog that can run more than 7 or so miles. I want a dog that is easily motivated and loves being trained and learning tricks.

Is this the right dog for me? If so, how can I find a good JRT breeder?
 

milos_mommy

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#2
Although your activity level sounds appropriate for a JRT, there are a lot of other considerations to make:

Do you have any other pets, or children (or plan on either in the future)? JRTs aren't know for being good with either other animals or young kids.

Do you plan on taking the dog to a dog park for exercise? Most JRTs can't handle a dog park.

Do you have a lot of experience training and raising dogs, particularly terriers? JRTs can be a challenge to train and are typically recommended only to experienced owners.

Are you prepared, living in an apartment, to deal with reactivity? They aren't know to be horrendous barkers, but some are, they'll often bark at windows, other dogs, or just general apartment noises, and can have tendencies towards chasing cars/bikes/wheels or reacting to other dogs on leash. It's not impossible to handle with a small dog, but can be more inconvenient than many people are looking for.

I would recommend going to a breed show or a flyball event and talking to owners in your area about their experience. If you do pursue a JRT, I'd recommend an adult dog (either rescue or rehome) so you have an idea of how the dog will be at maturity with city life.

Other breeds you might consider are a Chinese crested or poodle, both of which are smart, good apartment dogs, and excel in sports.
 

Elrohwen

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#3
I think on paper they sound like they could be a good breed for you. They can be barky though. My friend is on her third JRT and hers back like crazy any time they think there might be something out in the yard.

It's possible to find dogs who are a little lower key and more dog friendly too. My friend went to a breeder whose dogs compete, but are not super high drive and are generally dog friendly. Her dogs have plenty of drive and energy for agility, but also turn off nicely and are friendly with most other dogs.

I would meet some and see if you like their personalities. Check out the breed club website for a list of breeders:
http://www.therealjackrussell.com/index.php

I also like the poodle suggestion for you. Maybe papillon?
 
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#4
It sounds like it could be a good fit. But yeah, I agree with finding a adult so that you can have a really good idea of temperament and barking tendency. There was a JRT that lived 3 houses down the street from us and wow, that dog barked ALL. THE. TIME. I actually have no idea how they lived with it. Earplugs? LOL!
 

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