Jack Russell puppies are cute and adorable terriers that most children would love to own. Again, be reminded here that if you are buying the puppy for your children, it will ultimately become your responsibility. Don't expect the child to take full responsibility for the animal. It's just isn't a realistic expectation. You will be the one conducting all the puppy potty training.
Like all other dog breeds, Jack Russells have general breed characteristics, but they can be individually different as well. Here are some of the general personality traits that you are likely to come across.
1) Quick and sharp reactions.
A Jack Russell has very sharp and quick reactions. They are very good as watchdogs, since they also display a tendency to bark often. But barking is mostly just to respond to something they don't like. Or they have simply been trained to respond in this manner. They don't usually display aggressive behavior, even towards strangers. But their barking can give adequate warning to homeowners against unwanted trespassers.
2) Highly energetic and requires lots of exercise.
Like many Terrier types, the Jack Russell is a very energetic animal. In fact, it is so energetic that many pet owners can't seem to cope with the exercise demands. All dogs with high energy levels need to get adequate exercise on a daily basis. Otherwise, they tend to get irritated and may bark a lot to attract attention. But children usually love their high energy levels because they make perfect playmates. They never seem to get tired!
3) Strong chasing instincts.
If you don't like your pet to chase animals around or dig holes, then don't keep a Jack Russell. The Jack Russell is just following its instincts when it chases after rabbits or dig holes in the garden. It must be taught, from young, what is the right thing to do, and what is not. Patience is required here because the Jack Russell can be a pretty stubborn dog at times.
4) Dominant personality.
Not only is a Jack Russell stubborn, it also wants to be boss. Because of its strong instincts and heightened senses and energy levels, Jack Russells tend to think they are the king of the world, and they can do anything they want. So they must be properly socialized from a very young age. Show the pet who is boss by being firm. The behavior should be shaped since young. It is way much harder to train an adult Jack Russell.
5) Tendency to snap back.
Dog trainers and owners should be more aware of this trait. If you are trying to correct a behavior using physical measures, a Jack Russell is more likely to snap back compared to other dog breeds. This is just part of their natural defense mechanism, and it's in their genes. They have been bred to react strongly against physical attacks.
6) More intelligent than other terriers.
The Jack Russell is known to be more intelligent than other terriers. They learn commands quickly, and are always excited and eager to learn new things. House training the puppy is therefore easier.
Don't be fooled by the size of the Jack Russell. It can demand so much of your energy that you wished you hadn't bring it home! But the Jack Russell can be a loyal companion if you can keep up with the exercise regime.
If you are buying a Jack Russell, you have a couple of options. Either buy a puppy, or buy an adult. Bear in mind that when you buy a puppy, you can influence the behavior to a certain degree and be involved in grooming the behavior of the pet. But if you buy an adult Jack Russell, you are buying the dog as it IS. So be sure to observe the animal for some days to be sure that the personality is something that you can cope with.
Although Jack Russells have high energy levels, they have individual differences as well, just like human beings. Some may even be introvert, and shy towards strangers and humans. Others may be playful and mischievous - a joy to have around the house, but can be a real trouble maker. It all depends on what you are looking for.
Many pet owners think that because of the relatively small size of the Jack Russell, they are ideal for small apartments. They couldn't be more wrong! Jack Russells are renowned for dashing around the house, as they react to all kinds of stuff - insects, moving toys, etc. They just seem to have an infinite amount of energy, and they must have an outlet for this energy. So if you don't want to have a dog that keeps tearing around the house, think twice before you try to confine a Jack Russell to a small dwelling.
Instead, have lots of space for the Jack Russell to run about. If you have the use of a backyard, that's even better. You can let it play by itself when you don't have the time to take it out for exercise.
Finally, if you have other small pets around the house, a Jack Russell may not be the most ideal choice. The dog will run after cats, birds, or other smaller dogs without hesitation. That will drive anyone crazy. Even two Jack Russells cannot be trusted together alone. They end up getting in fights, which may sometimes lead to injuries because of their aggressive behavior.
If you are looking for a more stable animal, consider a bull dog.
