Jack Russell Terrier
Breed Profile
Group: Terrier
Origin: England
Colour: Any
Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
active, resilient, courageous, tenacious, independent, feisty and exuberant
Owner's Guide
Jack Russell Terriers are popular and well known. They are active, inquisitive and extrovert, as well as being easily aroused and unlikely to back down if challenged. They need careful socialization with children, adults and other dogs when young.
Originally bred to hunt and kill rats and mice.
Special characteristics
Jack Russells are alert and easily aroused, with a hard bite.
Exercise requirements
High. Needs plenty of exercise.
Attitude to:
owners affectionate, loyal
children good if raised with them
other pets may kill small pets, may injure cats unless raised with them
strangers good if well socialized
unfamiliar dogs can be problematic unless well socialized
Perfect owner
Experienced, active owner who has the knowledge and time to socialize this dog well when a puppy and provide plenty of activity, exercise and play when an adult.
Potential problems
May be aggressive to strangers and other dogs, tendency to be 'snappy'.
Articles

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- Q: My terrier has a red rash on her underbelly, can you suggest something to soothe it?
- A: The best course of action would be to make an appointment with your veterinary surgeon to have the rash examined. The rash may be a contact reaction to something she has laid down on, or it may be an allergy... More »
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- Dog Breeds in the Terrier Group
- Bred to catch and kill animals considered to be vermin, or for sport. Most were bred to 'go to ground' to dig out animals from their lairs and so are natural diggers. More »
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