Jack Russell Breeders Nc? Quick Answer

5 things you didn’t know about Jack Russell Terriers

Bred to be fearless and lively

Jack Russell Terriers are tough, tenacious, athletic and super friendly. This energetic dog was bred as a working dog and still displays the cleverness that made it a desirable hunting dog in the early 19th century.

If you own a JRT, you know your pup thrives on attention and getting things done. Finally, this breed is also one of the most successful “working dogs” in Hollywood, often ending up in feathered roles like Eddie on the long-running sitcom Frasier, Milo on The Mask, Friday on Hotel for Dogs, and as a dog on The Artist.

Here are some things you may not have known about Jack Russell Terriers.

1. Couture Hairstyle

The Jack Russell Terrier originally had a brown fur coat. Its almost entirely white coloration was strategically bred to distinguish the hound from the fox game it hunted.

2. From namesake to name change

The Jack Russell Terrier was named after the Reverend John “Jack” Russell, a keen fox hunter who bred hunting dogs in England in the mid-19th century.

The breed has since been renamed three times. Confused? So were we. Here are the facts:

The Jack Russell Terrier was the first gun dog bred by the Reverend Russell. After his death, the breed evolved into the Parson Terrier (“Parson” is another word for “Reverend”). This breed had longer legs — 12 to 15 inches compared to the JRT’s 10 to 12 — a deliberate development to allow the dogs to better navigate the hillier areas where they hunted.

The Russell Terrier is the newest offshoot of the original Reverend Terrier breed. Known as the “Shorty JRT,” the breed has the shortest legs of all three species in the line: eight to 12 inches tall.

The three breeds look similar with some differences, such as: B. Body size and shape. The Parson Terrier has a square body while both the JRT and Shorty JRT have rectangular bodies.

3. Small dogs can jump

Did you know that Jack Russell Terriers can jump up to 5 feet? These pups are also known for their stamina: they can run long distances and even burrow underground and wait for days to chase away their prey (not an ideal situation due to dehydration).

4. Genetically Prone to Deafness?

The Jack Russell Terrier’s white coat has been linked to the pigmentation genes associated with deafness. Does this mean that all JRTs are prone to deafness? Not necessarily, says the National Institutes of Health. According to their research, the prevalence of deafness in JRTs is lower than originally reported. If you are the owner of a Jack Russell Terrier, it is always recommended that your dog have routine check-ups to ensure the quality of their health.

5. General Health Conditions for Jack Russell Terriers

The most common health conditions for Jack Russell Terriers, based on claims from Nationwide pet insurance policyholders, are, in order of prevalence:

Jack Russell Terriers are naturally strong-willed, protective, territorial and stubborn. Bred to hunt and protect, Jack Russells instinctively bark protectively when approaching people and other dogs. Breaking the habit of barking takes diligence and dedication. However, if you are committed to following through with the training steps consistently, the odds are in your favor.

Provide your Jack Russell with plenty of toys to keep him entertained, as this breed tends to bark out of boredom. Make sure he has enough toys when he’s home alone so he doesn’t have to bark to entertain himself.

If possible, return home during the day to break up his solitude and give him an outdoor break. Consider hiring a dog sitter to come to your home for walks and play if you are unable to come home during the day.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise when you spend time with him. Jack Russells are bred for fox hunting, and they have a lot of energy to expend. Avoid letting this energy build up in him, which often leads to excessive barking.

Help your dog reach objects he cannot reach, such as B. a jammed toy or a clogged water bowl. Jack Russells often bark when frustrated, and they get frustrated easily, so offer them a helping hand if possible.

Don’t let Jack Russells run about the yard barking at other dogs in the distance. Stop barking by calling him inside when he runs and barks. Although Jack Russells are known to be constantly running, they don’t need to bark when they run.

Use the “stop” command if your Jack Russell starts barking at people, other dogs, the doorbell, squirrels, and the like.

Bring him in when you’re outside when he barks. Wait 10 minutes and then let him out again. Repeat the command and return indoors when the barking stops.

Completely ignore him when you are indoors when he is barking. Don’t pay attention to him until he stops barking. Give him verbal praise when he stops the behavior. Continue to ignore if he repeats the bark.

Be consistent in your training methods. No matter which method you choose, always stick with it. Jack Russells can be difficult to handle and they need clear, consistent rules that they must follow on a regular basis if they are to be successfully trained.

All dogs need friends.

As the years have gone by, we seem to become more and more concerned with life’s complications. If you own a dog and are out and about for hours during the day, remember that a lonely dog ​​is most often a sad dog, as dogs miss and value their own company. I own a Jack Russell Terrier myself and have often wondered if Jack Russell Terriers get along well in pairs.

From what I’ve personally seen, Jack Russells tend to get along very well in pairs. When the right precautions are taken along with the right upbringing methods and proper socialization from birth, two Jack Russells in the same household can live well together, especially those of the opposite sex.

Despite this, Jack Russells have extremely high energy and can be aggressive towards other animals due to their hunting instincts and drive to prey.

I’ve read of Jack Russells fighting to death in the same household but I honestly believe it’s up to the owners to make it work.

Especially if I plan on bringing another dog into the house with my own Jack Russell I would definitely go for a more relaxed dog from another breed class as dogs of the same breed can really clash.

It is important to understand the nature of Jack Russell Terriers in order to fully understand if living two together is right for you.

If you are looking for a companion for your Jack Russell Terrier, read on. Based on my own experience, I’ll give you my personal recommendation for a companion for your Jack Russell Terrier.

Jack Russell Terriers in same-sex pairs

First, the Jack Russell Terrier is a hunting dog at heart. These dogs are extremely energetic, highly intelligent and very fierce.

Because the Jack Russell Terrier is a working breed used primarily for hunting, these dogs are fiercely independent and their role as gun dogs means they are fiercely confident around other animals.

I’ve noticed this with my own Jack Russel Terrier “Max”, he gets along great with females but when he’s with another male he just seems to have some sort of problem with their whole agenda.

Dogs generally build themselves into dominance hierarchies. To put it simply: If three dogs live in a wild pack, they arrange themselves in a clear pecking order that serves the distribution of power, decision-making and conflict resolution.

In the wild, dogs know their place. The dog at the top of the hierarchy makes all decisions and holds the most power, while all other dogs in the pack follow his lead.

It is important to understand this as a whole as a dog owner as we humans tend to mess up the hierarchies.

If you own a dog, you must be the pack leader. You have the power; You make the decisions. You feed them on your terms and they only go where YOU let them go.

If you’re not the leader in your pack, you’re setting yourself up for failure: especially with multiple Jack Russell Terriers.

Often the hierarchical structure is manipulated by poor husbandry, things like paying more attention to one dog than another, feeding before meals, poor punishment and overall poor leadership can lead to discrepancies in pack order.

This poor ownership often results in your more dominant dog taking the lead.

So if you have multiple dogs in the household with an uncertain packing order, they will sort it out themselves, which can lead to serious fights.

And Jack Russell Terriers don’t shy away from a fight, especially when it’s man to man.

It really isn’t uncommon for same-sex Jack Russell Terrier owners to come home to a bloodbath, so it’s imperative that you come to terms with yourself as a leader and make a conscious effort to be the rightful leader of your own pack.

Watch this video if you need more insight into Jack Russell Terrier behavior towards other Jack Russell Terriers in the same household:

A group of animal behaviorists conducted a study of canine aggression in different breeds, examining aggression in a total of 5,312 dogs from a total of 25 different dog breeds.

The subjects were randomized, and the study found that Jack Russell Terriers averaged the third highest for canine directive aggression and the second highest for canine rivalry, second only to the Chihuahua. (Duffy et al., 2008)

Canine rivalry refers to repeated conflicts between dogs living in the same household.

As Jack Russell Terriers are very aggressive towards dogs living in the same household, it is not advisable to let two of them live together.

The sensible approach would be to go for a dog with a lower canine rivalry to limit the chances of them fighting it.

I don’t really think Jack Russells are dangerous, but you should definitely pay utmost attention when your dogs are interacting.

What breeds do Jack Russells get along with?

Since Jack Russell Terriers do not get along well in pairs, it is important that you find a compatible companion for your dog.

I usually advise when choosing a companion for your dog to opt for a dog of a different breed and sex to limit potential fights.

You should also look for a breed that shares characteristics similar to the Jack Russell Terrier, i.e. think highly energetic, intelligent, and extremely playful.

There should also be some time between getting the second dog. Don’t rush to bring a new dog home when your Jack Russell is still a puppy, you need to give him time to integrate properly first.

Now that’s out of the way, here’s a list of breeds that get along well with Jack Russell Terriers:

English Springer Spaniel

I never really see this mentioned for dogs that are Jack Russell Terrier compatible, but the English Springer Spaniel can be a good choice.

They are very energetic, playful, intelligent dogs, so their traits complement the Jack Russell Terrier.

My girlfriend owns one and she is an absolute delight with Max, they never have any issues when they are together aside from Olive harassing Max for a chase.

Yorkshire terrier

Although the Yorkshire Terrier can be as wild as the Jack Russell Terrier, these dogs can live in harmony.

I grew up with these dogs because my grandma loved them. When we went on vacation my Jack Russell Terrier Max would stay there and they got along great and tired each other day after day even though they were both male.

This partnership makes for an energetic, happy handful, but it could be the match you’re looking for.

I have a friend who has a Jack Russell Terrier and a Yorkie duet, they live in harmony.

Labrador Retrievers

Because of their easy-going demeanor, the Labrador Retriever can make a great companion for your Jack Russell Terrier.

They have very low canine rivalry meaning they don’t mind another dog in the home allowing this breed to live in harmony with your Jack Russell Terrier.

From my own experience Max doesn’t really like Labradors as a whole, this may be from his own personal experience but it’s a point that should be made.

Golden retriever

Much like the Labrador, Golden Retrievers are very easygoing dogs with little canine rivalry, making them a great candidate for your Jack Russell Terrier.

These dogs are eager to please and easy to train, making them a tolerant pack member.

last words

Jack Russell Terriers tend not to do well in same-sex couples.

Establishing yourself as an effective pack leader is important to maintaining and maintaining a safe, competent pack hierarchy.

Jack Russell Terriers have strong canine rivalry, which means they tend to show aggression toward other dogs in the household.

When choosing a companion for your Jack Russell Terrier, you should stay away from other Jack Russell Terriers. As a rule of thumb, you should choose a different breed, different sex dog.

Overall, you should not single out any breeds (apart from Jack Russell Terriers) as compatible companions for your Jack Russell Terrier. Dog compatibility depends on the individual dog, its training and personal needs.

If you liked this article, you may enjoy these:

Ksuksa/Getty Images

Smartest Dog Breeds, Ranking

Dogs have been humanity’s faithful companions since the Stone Age, and not just because they’re so damn cute. They are intelligent in a way that is ideal for humans, a condition that was entirely intentional; Over the millennia, humans bred dogs to be perfect canine companions. At any point in history, the smartest dog breeds have been more than just man’s best friend: They have been navigators and field guides, comrades-in-arms, detectives, garbage collectors, movie stars, and security advisers, as noted canine researcher and professor Stanley Coren, PhD, points out in his legendary book The Intelligence of Dogs. Dogs are among the few animals to have traveled into space, and they have saved countless lives, both literally and figuratively.

“There are three types of canine intelligence,” says Coren, who defines canine intelligence by the way dogs interact with humans. The first is “instinctive” and focuses on what the dog was bred for by humans. The second is “adaptive” or how well the dog learns from its environment to solve problems. The third is “work and obedience,” or how hard the dog is willing to work to please his people and get his job done. What underpins all three is the desire and ability to communicate effectively with humans – both by understanding the signs, actions, and commands of its humans, and by expressing it through barking, body movements, and actions.

According to Coren, the average dog can understand 160 words, and some dogs can understand as many as 250 or more. But perhaps even more fundamental to effective communication between dogs and humans is that dogs tend to genuinely care about them. “Dogs are very perceptive and responsive to us,” Alexandra Horowitz, director of the Dog Cognition Lab at Columbia University’s Barnard College, told the American Kennel Club (AKC).

While this is true of all pooches, the smartest dog breeds have certain traits that take their intelligence a step further. Just as some of our furry friends are known for being affectionate dog breeds, small dog breeds, or don’t shed dogs, others are known to be the smartest dogs, at least according to Coren’s rubric. So how smart are dogs exactly? The puppies on our list might not be ready to challenge you to a game of cards, but they do their job, and do it well.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health issues like hip dysplasia. This does not mean that every dog ​​of this breed will develop problems; it just means they’re at increased risk. If you’re adopting or getting a new puppy, it’s a good idea to find out what genetic diseases are common in the breed you’re interested in so that you ask the breeder about the physical health of your potential puppy’s parents and other relatives be able .

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Affenpinschers are generally pretty healthy little dogs. Be sure to check for breed-specific rescues in your area or reputable breeders. More about Affenpinscher.

The Australian Terrier is the first native breed to be recognized and shown in Australia. Read more about Australian Terriers.

Created in Bologna, Italy. Also known as the Antidepressant Dog. Read more about this happy little healthy breed! Bolognese

With a typical life expectancy of 12-15 years, the Border Terrier is a healthy little dog worth checking out!

This small, healthy breed of dog is over 100 years old and highly intelligent. Search for breed-specific dogs and puppies in your area! Learn more about Boston Terriers.

Developed on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This small breed is a working dog! Learn more about the Cairn Terrier.

The Coton de Tulear is a crowd pleaser and loyal to a fault. Learn more about the Coton de Tulear.

Fox Terriers are generally a hardy breed with no major health concerns. Learn more about fox terriers.

Lakeland Terriers are a hardy breed and do not suffer from any known inherited health issues. Learn more about Lakeland Terriers.

Bred in Manchester, England, the Manchester Terrier is a spirited, highly intelligent and smart dog that is eager to learn. Learn more about the health and care of the Manchester Terrier.

This is a small, hearty, low-maintenance dog. Well suited for living in small apartments or chasing rats on a farm. Learn more about the Norfolk Terrier.

The Norwich Terrier is a small, generally healthy breed. Be sure to look for reputable breeders and/or breed specific rescues in your area. Learn more about the Norwich Terrier.

The appeal of these hybrids is that they generally have the Poodle’s willingness to please mixed with the Schnauzer’s hardiness and activity. Playful and lovable, this dog lives for fun and is always the center of attention. Learn more about the Schnoodle!

Scottish Terriers are a healthy breed overall. Learn more about Scottish Terriers. Don’t forget to check your area for Scottish Terrier dog and puppy rescues.

Known for his spirited personality, small erect ears, and feline agility. Today, he serves primarily as a companion dog in Japan and the United States.

Learn more about the Shiba Inu.

The Welsh Terrier is a happy, intelligent dog that loves to have fun and is always affectionate. He is energetic and has a playful nature. Loyal and devoted to his family, he can still be quite a social butterfly. Learn more about Welsh Terriers.

There are so many wonderful healthy dogs that didn’t make the list. If you are considering adoption, please look into animal shelters and breed-specific rescues. So many healthy puppies waiting to find forever homes.

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Most people love having an active dog to keep fit or a guard dog to protect them and their home. But everyone knows that the best part about having a dog is getting cozy with them at the end of a tough day. This leads many potential owners to ask: Are Jack Russells cuddly and affectionate?

Aside from their boisterous attitude, I know from personal experience how affectionate these dogs can really be.

Jack Russell Terriers are extremely affectionate and affectionate dogs when given the right care, treatment and respect. Although Jack Russells are very affectionate and enjoy snuggling with their owners, they can be intolerant around small children, so precautions must be taken when Jack Russells are around children.

Jack Russells can be the pinnacle of affection and loyalty for your family, but only with the right socialization, dedication, and training.

These dogs are extremely energetic dogs, they are also extremely independent due to their nature as a working dog.

This means that as a Jack Russell owner, you must meet this dog’s fitness and mental demands to garner affection and ensure the cuddles last long.

That cuddle dog you’ve been hoping for will not be happy at all if it isn’t given the proper care and respect it needs.

So, read on; It will ensure your Jack Russell loves you, show you and your family the utmost affection, and help your dog have a better life.

A positive life leads to affection

As I mentioned earlier, Jack Russells need a high level of mental and physical commitment to live and maintain positive lives.

Jack Russells were originally bred for fox hunting; They are working dogs through and through, so they need a high level of obedience training, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

Dog owners need to understand that not only do you get respect and love from a dog for housing and feeding, you need to be a respected leader in their eyes.

This means doing everything possible to ensure their best possible well-being. Not only do you get a cuddly and affectionate dog; This is work in progress.

I own a Jack Russell and these dogs can be difficult dogs at first but the work always pays off as they are highly trainable, highly intelligent animals that absolutely thrive when kept mentally engaged.

You have to understand that not only are dogs born cuddly and affectionate (okay, maybe that’s not the case with Staffies), but Jack Russells can be easily aggressive, so it’s important to be a responsible owner from the start. Don’t pull one potentially dangerous dog

Look I love Jack Russells, my own dog Max absolutely steals my heart. And I’m not one to ridicule certain breeds, but Jack Russells can certainly be aggressive if raised improperly.

To be honest I raised my Jack Russell when I was about 11 years old, I was responsible for all the training, socialization and exercises.

And it wasn’t always an easy ride, but it taught me so much about the breed. There are several things I wish I had done better since I was younger and number one is socialization.

Max is an amazing dog these days, as I’ve gotten older and more experienced I realize the mistakes I can’t make and the things that absolutely need to be done.

The main point I’m getting at with this is that as I became a more dedicated, dedicated and consistent owner, I have seen a dramatic change in my dog’s character in every nook and cranny.

He respects me more, he’s a lot more excitable and positive overall, he listens to my words and he shows a lot more affection.

I say this as we are not all perfect owners but I hope that through my own learning experience you can gain some insight and knowledge to help create the most positive life for your Jack Russell and in turn help him who to become the loving dog she is craving.

Tips to give your Jack Russell a positive life

Here are some tips to follow to ensure you give your Jack Russell a positive life and show him respect and affection in return:

Keep your Jack Russell physically busy

The main culprit in creating dangerous, unhappy Jack Russells is the lazy owners who don’t train them enough.

Your Jack Russell honestly has tons of energy to burn off, giving your dog at least an hour early in the day where he can run around off a leash and actually be a dog will help keep him happy while he is the stress caused by a deficiency is alleviated by exercise.

It’s also good to keep in mind that I take my Jack Russell to his training session around 10am every morning to keep some structure in their life. This will help relieve stress as they will know when to get off next.

You should also keep them physically occupied by playing fetch with a ball, my Jack Russell loves chasing tennis balls and sticks.

Consistent exercise has a dramatically positive effect on your dog’s attitude and attitude towards life.

Keep your Jack Russell mentally busy

Obedience training is important not only for mentally stimulating your Jack Russell, but also for his manners.

You should make it a habit to train your dog every day, people believe that to train a dog you need experience with a clicker and any device that is available to you.

That’s just not the case; You can teach your dog most things anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s at home, at the park, or on the bus, it’s important to train your Jack Russell in different environments to expose him to different experiences.

You should practice practicing your basic Jack Russell obedience, like stay, drop, come and down.

If you have a puppy I would recommend taking him to puppy training classes where appropriate to lay the groundwork for his training and socialize him from an early age.

You can’t train a dog to be cuddly and affectionate, but mentally stimulating him daily will do; Make them respect you more as an owner, give them a more comfortable life and teach them the necessary manners.

Respect your Jack Russells Space

Like most working dogs, Jack Russells are extremely independent animals. This is due to their work environment; They manage to dispose of vermin and do their job to a high standard.

Their job is their sole responsibility, so this breed has learned to be self-sufficient and individual.

This is important as Jack Russells need their space, sometimes petting just gets to be too much for them and my Jack Russell Max appreciates some alone time.

If you have a busy household you need a safe haven for your Jack Russell. This can be in the form of a box; This safe haven should be a place that children and other pets cannot access. This should be treated as a personal chill-out zone.

This ensures that if the household gets too much, they have a place to go on their own. This is not a problem in my household as we are a quiet family with few members and Max can go to an empty room alone for periods.

Socialize your Jack Russell

You must make it a habit to socialize your Jack Russell as soon as he can walk.

This is essential to ensure your dog is happy with other dogs and provides the basis for learning how to behave in company.

I advise you to make sure that your dog meets at least one other dog in slightly different environments every day: this will introduce him to new experiences and make him understand that there is something to be around and enjoying other dogs enjoy and be welcome.

Do Jack Russells like to cuddle?

As you can see, my Jack Russell loves to cuddle!

If you’re looking for a cuddly and affectionate dog and the Jack Russell is one of your choices, you’re probably also wanting to know if Jack Russells like to be kept.

From my own experience, Jack Russells don’t like to be kept. Often my own Jack Russell puppy will when I try to pick him up. He also doesn’t like having his ears or paws held.

That doesn’t mean they don’t like to be cuddled, Jack Russells absolutely love to be cuddled, but only at the right time and for the right time.

I don’t particularly understand where this is coming from, but it could be present in small dogs as their size makes them more fearful and therefore more sensitive to threats.

Because of this, having a Jack Russell around a baby can be difficult and dangerous. These dogs are highly intolerant of harassment and may bite a child as a warning if they touch them inappropriately.

Children are always grabbing dogs, falling over them, falling on them, pulling their ears and it’s a game for most dogs.

But Jack Russells can interpret this as an expression of aggression, so it’s important that you always monitor the interaction between a Jack Russell and a baby.

last words

To sum up this answer to your question, Jack Russells are cuddly and affectionate dogs—but only when handled properly.

In order to secure affection, you must first gain respect from your dog and in doing so create a very positive life experience for him.

You can help your Jack Russell lead a positive life through consistent exercise, mental engagement through training and play, socialization with other dogs and people, and showing respect for their space.

Jack Russells can be more sensitive to threats; They are intolerant of children and need supervision at all times when they are around.

Some Jack Russells don’t like being held, but that depends entirely on the individual dog and their own specific experiences.

Overall, you don’t immediately gain affection from your dog. You must be a dedicated owner and an even better leader.

It can be frustrating at times owning a Jack Russell Terrier; I hate to say it, but these energy baskets can really be a handful. Having a hyperactive dog is great, but it can be a real stress for some owners. We are often asked, “When will my Jack Russell calm down?”.

Most Jack Russells will settle down as they age. Your Jack Russell will settle down when he enters seniority around the age of 10 to 12 years. Although Jack Russell Terriers are known to be energetic dogs, a frequently overly energetic Jack Russell can be a sign of an underlying problem in their dietary, physical, and mental needs.

So all hope is not lost.

I know owning a Jack Russell can be so frustrating. When I brought up my first Jack Russell I seriously thought the hyperactivity would never end!

But with experience, I realize how to handle a hyperactive Jack Russell — and it’s easier than you once thought.

This article will help you understand why Jack Russells are hyperactive, how to calm a Jack Russell down through exercise, diet and exercise, and when it’s time to see the vet.

When will my Jack Russell calm down?

To be honest there is no bulletproof answer to this question, Jack Russells have plenty of energy for most of their lives.

And it really depends on what “rest” means to you as a dog owner.

With my Jack Russell he has been hyperactive his entire life. But now that he’s moving into seniority, his energy is much easier to manage.

He can still be an extremely hyperactive dog at times, which is a great sign! To be honest, when the day comes when your dog starts to slow down, you’re going to want the energetic fool back!

He is calm now in his ninth year, but he is still full of energy.

For example, he no longer drags me everywhere, almost choking on his leash with excitement: but he still has the energy to chase a fox and bomb a burrow.

Their Jack Russells energy will peak when they are puppies and as they enter puberty your Jack Russells energy levels should remain high from the age of 1 to 8 or 9 years old.

By the time they’re around 8 or 9 years old they should start to slow down in terms of exercise, but they’re still athletic: meaning they still need a good hour of exercise each day to keep their energy levels up.

But don’t look for your Jack Russell to slow down — you’ll miss the hyperactivity when it’s gone.

And when quiet old age comes, so do health problems, it’s true that a hyperactive dog is a happy dog: so enjoy it while it lasts.

Your Jack Russell will reach seniority between the ages of 10 and 12, and from here you will start noticing a drop in your dog’s energy levels. This is where your Jack Russell will finally settle down completely, and it is sad to see.

But that’s the beauty of having a dog; You must have the quiet times to appreciate the energetic times and the energy to appreciate the quiet.

Why Are Jack Russells So Hyperactive?

Before attempting to manage your Jack Russell’s hyperactivity, you must first understand where it gets its energy from.

Jack Russell Terriers originated as a working dog breed, bred by the Rev. John Russell to hunt vermin, primarily to drive out foxes. These dogs have earned their rightful place as hunting companions because of their bravery, agility, intelligence and strong will to work. As hunting dogs, Jack Russells require significant amounts of energy and when out of work they still have the energy they once needed – often resulting in a hyperactive dog.

These dogs come from the hunting stock and as a hunting dog they require a lot of energy.

This means that certain puppies are selected from successful litters based on traits they exhibit that meet the requirements of hunters.

The result is an extremely successful hunting dog – with boundless energy.

How do you calm down a Jack Russell?

Now that you know why Jack Russells are so hyperactive, you’re probably pulling your hair and wondering how to calm a Jack Russell down.

As I mentioned before, it’s easier to deal with than you think.

To calm a Jack Russell you need to provide them with a constant amount of mental and physical exercise – which I will get into later in this article.

You also need to be mindful of your own habits as an owner and make sure you’re not positively reinforcing unnecessary hyperbehaviour without even realizing it.

It is extremely important that you meet your Jack Russells energy needs as a built up need to release energy can lead to severe anxiety, insecurity and more often than not a dangerous Jack Russells.

Calm down your Jack Russell with physical exercise

Max plays fetch

In most cases I’ve witnessed, an overly hyperactive Jack Russell is the root cause of a lack of consistent exercise.

Most owners these days seem to think that small dogs don’t need a lot of exercise, quite the opposite.

Did you see it right? Senior citizens with Jack Russells who got them as lap dogs due to their small nature and are now afraid of a hypoaggressive dog, an absolute bait case.

It’s a shame, these dogs are primarily hunting dogs.

And a working dog that is no longer working is in dire need of a consistent energy outlet to replace the energy outlet it would have had if it were doing the work it was bred to do.

There are so many ways you can train your Jack Russell, please don’t pester your dog with the only activity of walking – it’s not what he needs.

Leashing a hyperactive dog is not a solution, a hyperactive dog doesn’t want to walk, it wants to run!

Your Jack Russell is one of the fastest dogs ever created, so make good use of that speed.

The schedule I follow to keep my Jack Russell quiet most of the day is our hour-long morning hill walk.

Max on his favorite mountain hike

On this walk he has the opportunity to explore different smells as the multitude of wildlife surrounds the area, which funnily enough can often be a problem when hunting foxes, rabbits and crows: which is a fantastic sensory stimulation for him.

On a safe part of the walk, I’ll let him off the leash and let him burn off his energy as he pleases – this often involves playing fetch with either a stick or a tennis ball, depending on his mood.

I find the best way, in my experience, to burn off your Jack Russells energy is through fetch.

Fetch is great in a number of ways:

First, it allows your Jack Russell to sprint back and forth, which is awesome as it burns off energy quickly. Short and long sprints are a great cardiovascular activity to use up your stores of energy and set them down for the rest of the day.

Second, Fetch is reliable. It’s reliable in the sense that if you have a small yard with just enough space to fetch, you can do 20 sprints in a small enclosed space while burning that much energy. Which is much needed as Jack Russells often run off to chase things.

It’s also reliable in the sense that your dog will usually love it as long as you mix it up with where you’re doing it and what you’re getting it with.

Third, it’s fun! My Jack Russell loves fetch as he loves chasing fast moving objects (clearly due to his hunting disposition) and this is great as it really fulfills them and keeps them mentally engaged. Jack Russells love to chase small moving objects, give them what they love.

There are several forms of exercise that can successfully calm your Jack Russell that you can incorporate; Running, skill classes, swimming, resistance walking, hill walking and biking.

It doesn’t matter what form of exercise you choose to do in particular, just make sure you get at least an hour of targeted exercise each day, this will vary by age and weight, but it’s a good start.

The one hour in the morning is awesome as it usually lulls you to sleep for the rest of the day – which is pure bliss.

If you are looking to calm a young Jack Russell, check out my Jack Russell Puppy Exercise Guide.

Calm down your Jack Russell with mental exercise

Jack Russells are extremely intelligent dogs, so a happy Jack Russell will receive plenty of mental stimulation on a daily basis.

Mental stimulation is important to your Jack Russell’s well-being as it keeps him fit, makes him enjoy life more and through mental exercise lays the foundations that will make your dog a peaceful member of society.

Depriving your Jack Russell of consistent mental engagement will result in a destructive dog. Your dog doesn’t respect you because you don’t provide mental stimulation so he just finds him somewhere else. Neglecting mental stimulation often results in a hyperactive and destructive Jack Russell as they look for an outlet to release pent-up mental energy.

Mental engagement can come in different forms: the two most distinguishable are practice and play:

education

I sit sooo nice for this treat

To keep your Jack Russell mentally engaged, you need to stick to a weekly exercise schedule. This schedule doesn’t need to be construed like an army general, but it does need to be short and consistent.

Dog training requirements can’t always be put in numbers, but what I’ve found most successful has been sticking to short 5 minute sessions up to 3 times a day every other or third day.

Shorter training times are better than longer ones because dogs are more engaged and responsive in short periods of time. Training a dog for a long period of time usually results in your dog becoming tired and then disinterested, leaving the session with a bad impression.

Training your dog every other or third day is also useful as giving your Jack Russell an extra day or two of training will help him retain what he has learned.

A study by (Dement et al, 2011) cited by Companion Animal Psychology on the training outcomes of 44 dogs in relation to training frequency and duration found that dogs retain what they have learned more easily and are more successful in training when exposed to shorter sessions for smaller training periods during the week.

This further encourages the idea that training success in your Jack Russell is heavily dependent on consistency and duration of training sessions.

To play

Playing is the easiest and most fun way to keep your Jack Russell up and mentally engaged.

My own Jack Russell loves to play tugboat: it’s his favorite game. Many people have said that tugging can lead to an aggressive dog, which is quite the opposite.

Pulling is important as it teaches your dog when to let go, when to be too rough, and what can hurt people.

When played correctly, the drag can form a much more effective Jack Russell.

Other games that Jack Russells enjoy playing consist of; Get – what I mentioned above, Frisbee, find and hide the treat.

For fetch, you can play with any type of ball, stick, or toy that can be thrown and retrieved: preferably something with some bounce.

For Frisbee, the clues in the name, you need a Frisbee!

To find the treat, you can hide the treat somewhere in your house and task your dog with searching and finding it. First let the dog know you have the treat, make him stay in another room, and then tell him to “get him!”.

Another great way to do this is by hiding healthy treats in a garden area and allowing your dog to sniff them out. This provides mental stimulation and allows your dog to actually work for his food.

You can also use a treat dispenser or a toy like this Kong toy that Max absolutely loves.

These types of toys are great as they can keep your dog occupied and occupied while he is home alone.

In order to play hide and seek with your dog, you need to hold your dog in a stay position in another room. Continue hiding and ask another family member to prompt your dog to find you.

Do not encourage excessive behavior

It’s one of the most basic, yet non-obvious, ways to minimize unnecessary hyper behavior both inside and outside the home for your Jack Russell Terrier.

Most owners don’t even realize they’re rewarding undesirable behavior until someone points it out to them.

When you get home and your Jack Russell jumps at you excitedly, what do you do? You praise him and tell him he’s such a good boy for welcoming you.

And what if he sprints around the house in a hurried frenzy, you laugh and encourage him.

If you show your dog attention while he’s hyperactive, he’ll learn that it’s good to be hyperactive.

Because if this wasn’t good behavior, they wouldn’t get any attention from you.

The easiest way to stop your Jack Russell from becoming hyperactive is to simply ignore him when he is acting unnecessarily hyperactive.

For example, if you come home from work and they jump up, don’t pay attention to them for at least 5 minutes, do a few things around the house before greeting them.

This will help your Jack Russell understand that being unnecessarily hyperactive is not desirable and is not rewarded. Similarly, reward your dog when he starts exhibiting new behaviors to positively reinforce what you want to see.

Dogs don’t exactly know what you want, they go for what they get praise for.

When dealing with an overly hyperactive Jack Russell, the first thing to do as an owner is to make sure you’re not subconsciously teaching him the behaviors you don’t want him to see.

Your Jack Russell Diet

If you’ve followed all the steps above and your Jack Russell still hasn’t settled down, you may need to consider their diet.

The packaged supermarket food we feed our dogs today often results in health effects unknown to new owners. The foods you feed your dog, if they are packaged goods, usually contain additives such as: artificial preservatives, colors, chemicals, coatings, flavorings and sugars. These artificial additives can often lead to hyperactivity in dogs.

The food you feed your Jack Russell has a dramatic impact on his energy levels. Food containing the ingredients listed above can often lead to hyperactivity in dogs.

Therefore, it is important that you consider a more natural eating plan; You may consider feeding your dog raw meat (not just steak and ground beef, but also liver and other organs and fats that your dog would receive in a natural environment).

Here’s a great video where animal behaviorist Dr. David Sans discusses the behavioral effects that food has on dogs:

You can also incorporate some fresh fruits and vegetables into your Jack Russell diet, here is a list of fresh fruits and vegetables your Jack Russell will love:

apples

bananas

blueberries

strawberries

mango

carrots

broccoli

Peas

spinach

Cauliflower

Green beans

celery

There are several fruits and vegetables that dogs cannot eat for toxicity reasons, such as grapes and onions. As such, it’s important to do your research before introducing any new fresh foods to your Jack Russell.

Incorporating these dietary changes should provide your dog with a more nutritionally appropriate diet – I’m not a nutritionist – so consult your veterinarian if you are considering changing your dog’s diet.

Underlying health problems that cause hyperactivity

If your Jack Russell is still hyperactive despite you giving them enough mental exercise, physical exercise, exercise and a proper diet, they may need to see a vet.

There are several underlying health conditions that can cause hyperactivity in dogs that you should consider, including:

hyperthyroidism

allergies

While this is rarely the sole causal factor for your Hyper Jack Russell as they are primarily related to exercise and diet, don’t turn a blind eye if you have the feeling that they may have an underlying health condition.

If your Jack Russell is still extremely hyperactive then you should contact your veterinarian and discuss the issue at hand as nobody is better at assessing this than a veterinarian.

last words

Jack Russell Terriers eventually settle down with age, although these dogs are hyperactive for most of their lives, you should start to see a chronological decrease in energy levels and movement once they are around nine years old.

At this age, your Jack Russell will still be active and energetic but will be much easier to manage. When your Jack Russell enters seniority at around 10-12 years old, you will start to see a significant drop in energy.

The main reasons why your Jack Russell is hyperactive are lack of physical exercise, mental exercise and an unsuitable diet.

The ways to combat and deal with a hyperactive Jack Russell are:

Engage them actively with physical exercise

Engage them actively with mental exercises

Do not positively reinforce hyperactivity

Reward calm, appropriate behavior

Rebalance their diet in consultation with your veterinarian

If none of the above work, you should contact your veterinarian to set up an appointment to discuss the possible underlying health conditions that may be affecting your energy levels in Jack Russells.

One of the main reasons we love having a dog is the safety and sense of protection their presence brings to our home and family. Having a dog with protective nature and strength can often make the difference between life and death in times of intrusion. Many new Jack Russell owners ask us, “Will my Jack Russell protect me? ‘

In short, yes, your Jack Russell will protect you. The Jack Russell Terrier is a loyal, fearless companion with a very territorial instinct. The Jack Russell is a barking terrier and because of this they can be extremely vocal dogs, using their loud barks on purpose to disperse intruders. They are extremely alert dogs due to their hunting history, making them an ideal watchdog.

Don’t make the mistake that size is the primary factor in creating an effective guard dog.

The Jack Russell lacks size but what they make up for in return can be found in their wild nature; their territorial abilities, terrifying bark, and extraordinary drive to protect their owners.

People seem to think that small dogs don’t do as well as a guard dog, but my Jack Russell Max gives me and my family a tremendous sense of security. He is the perfect guard dog with a feisty demeanor and a hard-hitting bark.

Here are ten reasons Jack Russells make good watchdogs.

1. Jack Russells are extremely noisy

Unless they’re sleeping

One of the fundamental qualities of a good watchdog is how loudly it barks, when it barks, and how persistent its barking is.

Jack Russells are barking terriers, meaning their job as working dogs was to track down downed foxes and keep them at bay with their violent barks.

Because of this trait, Jack Russells are known to be extremely loud dogs. My very own Jack Russell barks at the window whenever he sees strangers in our garden (lately it’s the builders he absolutely despises) and I can assure you it puts people off.

This can be very annoying when they bark at silly things all the time. Unless they are a guard dog, your Jack Russells barking will often be a nuisance to the peace of your household. If you are looking for help to stop your Jack Russell from barking unnecessarily, click here.

Jack Russells are also known to bark angrily at wild animals in the garden due to their barking nature, which is a great deterrent if you are trying to protect your home from wild animals.

We often have wild foxes in our garden and every time Max sees or tracks them, he’s standing right by the window barking like crazy.

2. Jack Russells are fearless

I have to correct myself here, Jack Russells have fears like all other dogs. My Jack Russell is petrified in front of the hair dryer, the vacuum cleaner and the swinging doors.

But they are absolutely fearless when it comes to protecting their owner or their home. They are also fearless of animals of any size, which stems from their history as a hunting dog.

In order to hunt wild foxes these dogs had to be courageous as a strong aggression instinct always kicks in when a hostile situation unfolds and it is not uncommon for Jack Russells to fight to the death to protect humans.

This article here tells the story of George the Jack Russell and his fight to the death while protecting a young child from two rampaging pit bulls.

George kept the violent dogs at bay to save the boys’ lives. George eventually died at the scene, but this Jack Russell died a hero.

This really shows the fearless nature of the Jack Russell when courage is needed, even when the odds are against him.

3. Jack Russells are very territorial

Max on guard duty

Like many other dogs in the terrier class, Jack Russells are known for being extremely territorial.

Dogs’ territorial nature comes from their survival instincts; Dogs value the territory they encompass, so any threat to that territory is highly undesirable and will be treated to increase their chances of survival.

Finally, Jack Russells are extremely wary and wary of strangers and other animals approaching their territory.

My own Jack Russell Max is extremely territorial, we live in an apartment and he recognizes every neighbor so has no problem with them.

But an approaching stranger, an animal or a strange car door that Max slams shut, barking at lightning speed from every window.

The Jack Russell’s territorial nature makes the perfect deterrent for your home, as any incoming unwelcome intruder will be met with a quick display of necessary aggression and will most likely sprint away if given the chance.

4. Jack Russells protect their owners

watchdog on duty

Jack Russell Terriers make extremely loyal companions. They tend to show boundless affection when treated right and because of this love they have for their owners, they become extremely protective.

Their loyalty is easily gauged when you see your Jack Russell stalking you around the house, this is a sign that they have your back.

Jack Russells are often known to become extremely attached to one person in a household, resulting in the dog becoming extremely possessive.

Having a possessive dog may make you feel good because receiving special attention makes you feel special, but this can often lead to conflict and arguments with other people and animals.

A possessive dog will not take well to others approaching what they consider “their property” and if not handled properly you risk encouraging the development of a dangerous Jack Russell.

A possessive dog is one who doesn’t think about sharing their rights to you with anyone or anything else. Therefore, if your dog is showing signs of obsession, it is important that you commit and use the proper training and environmental changes to correct this behavior.

The Jack Russell has unending love and respect for its rightful owner and would most likely fight to the death if it meant saving you and your family.

5. Jack Russells are highly intelligent

Some outdoor obedience training

Jack Russells are extremely intelligent dogs, which makes them very trainable.

This is essential when looking for a guard dog as you need to be able to incorporate the right training methods. Even if you use the right training methods, it becomes extremely difficult to make sufficient progress with a dog that is highly untrainable.

One of the most effective things to teach your Jack Russell to be an effective guard dog is to bark on command. Teaching your Jack Russell to bark on command will make him less likely to bark at unnecessary times and give you the power to disperse strangers on your terms.

Jack Russells’ high intelligence can prove extremely useful when it comes to establishing a guard dog.

My Jack Russell intelligence never ceases to amaze me.

The old house we lived in was a fourth floor apartment, he quickly got used to each and every familiar step that approached the door and could recognize my footsteps, both my parents and any friends or neighbors who frequently were in the block.

Therefore, he would get excited when he heard the footsteps of my family or friends and would run to the door with joy, but every time an unfamiliar footstep came up the stairs, he would bark angrily at the door.

Just to help you understand how impressive this is, he could tell who the footsteps were as they entered the block, not as they approached the door.

He could also distinguish familiar car noises from unfamiliar car noises and was always alert and alert at the window to any unfamiliar car doors slamming in the street.

6. Jack Russells are small but strong

The perfect size for vehicle security

Jack Russells are small dogs, there are no specific size specifications for the Jack Russell as their breed is protected by the Working Terrier Association rather than formal kennel clubs.

Therefore, the Jack Russell will vary in size. You should expect your adult Jack Russell’s weight to be between 6.4kg and 8.2kg and their height at the withers to be between 28 and 38cm.

The Jack Russell’s compact nature can be extremely useful when looking for a guard dog. Their compact size makes them suitable for providing security in moving vehicles where the small space may impede larger dogs.

This versatility makes the Jack Russell a useful protector for small apartments and homes, as a larger dog may be unsuitable for those spaces.

The Jack Russell’s size also benefits seniors who need some home security and a sense of security. Large dogs can be a problem for the elderly due to their overwhelming weight, so the Jack Russell can be an amazing choice for the elderly looking for some extra protection.

The Jack Russell’s size should not be confused with a lack of strength. These dogs can be extremely strong for their size, making them ideal guard dogs for people in confined spaces, in cars, and for the elderly.

So that the power, assertiveness and energy of the Jack Russells do not get out of control. They require consistent mental and physical stimulation. So if an elderly person is looking to adopt a Jack Russell, it is important that they provide daily exercise, whether it is a dog walker or themselves.

7. Jack Russells make great guard dogs

Max fulfills his watchdog duties

My number one favorite Jack Russell hobby is sitting on my bed and looking out the window while watching the world go by.

And I’m serious, Jack Russells absolutely love just sitting by the window and observing what the world has to offer them.

I don’t live in the best areas and I enjoy sleeping with the windows open most nights. A lot of people around me wouldn’t risk having their window open, but I’m not afraid as Max is always watching, my bedroom window is his domain.

It also means that every time a fox, rabbit, cat, or stranger walks by my window, they’ll be met with a desperate warning from Max.

This has often resulted in the paint on my windowsill being scratched off, heck as I write this article he’s sitting by the window barking at something.

8. Jack Russells are on high alert

Jack Russells are known for being extremely alert dogs. You have fantastic; hear, see, smell and are naturally curious.

Jack Russells just seem to know what’s going on all the time. There have been a number of times when I was in the park with my Jack Russell off his leash and without notice he sped like a bullet into the woods in pursuit of a wild animal.

Because Jack Russells are naturally curious and interested in what’s going on around them, they have a natural high alert and will spot something inconspicuous 9 times out of 10 faster than their owner.

Their natural sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness drives them to make a fantastic watchdog. Jack Russells take great delight in being the masters of seeing what’s going on in their designated territory.

Seriously, nothing beats a Jack Russell, and they love what they do, so they never get bored. You can always count on a Jack Russell to sense when something is wrong, if Max seems more awake than usual at night I can always trust his judgment and then check it out myself.

9. Jack Russells have a strong work ethic

Jack Russells are primarily working dogs. Their respectful work as solo hunters gives them a highly assertive personality with an independent desire to carry out their job and serve their owners’ needs to a high standard.

Watch this YouTube video below to see the Jack Russells’ strong work ethic in motion:

Jack Russells are used to getting a lot of work done and they are used to doing it well.

They seriously thrive on any type of work, the sad thing about people who own working breeds like the Jack Russell but don’t work with them at all is the fact that they have an emptiness in their hearts.

They were bred to work; Their genetic heritage makes them amazing at their jobs, and being relieved from hunting and farm work makes life for Jack Russells inherently boring.

That is why they desperately want, need and want some work. An amazing way to enhance your experience of living with Jack Russells is to get them to do a job they are good at on a regular basis and praise them for it.

There are several ways to get your Jack Russell running. being given a responsibility as a guard or guard dog, which are only a few of hundreds.

Jack Russells’ strong will to work means that they not only actually want to guard your home, but also persistently do so to an extremely high standard when given the right opportunity.

10. Jack Russells were bred to hunt

Jack Russells were originally bred to hunt vermin such as foxes, badgers, otters, rats and mice. Their breed dates back to 19th century England where the Jack Russell was born by rev. John “Jack” Russell attempting to create the ideal foxbolter.

The Jack Russell’s hunting heritage, nature and instinct make him a deadly opponent for any oncoming prey. In the hunting realm, the Jack Russell has been praised for its speed, tenacity, size, strength and sheer courage.

The Jack Russell Terrier’s job was to flush out foxes and other vermin that had entered the ground and stay underground, using their bark to keep the foxes at bay until the hunters got close enough to kill them remove.

To do this job frequently, the Jack Russells possess the most courage and strength: two qualities that the Jack Russell obviously possesses.

The Jack Russell Terrier’s hunting history fuels its alertness, hunting instincts and strong hunting drive. All of these qualities are necessary and admirable in a guard dog.

last words

The Jack Russell possesses an extensive arsenal of qualities and traits that are extremely useful when looking for a guard or guard dog.

Jack Russells possess alertness to perceive and notice oncoming danger, barking to ward off danger, aggression; Strength, speed and precision to eliminate danger combined with a protective desire to defend those close to them.

Jack Russells can become aggressive if not provided with the proper dietary, mental, and physical requirements. Therefore, it is important that you train, play, and train your Jack Russell consistently to avoid developing a dangerous Jack Russell.

Jack Russells’ large size makes them fantastic protectors for the elderly and compact guard dogs for homes and vehicles.

Jack Russel Terriers naturally possess the qualities needed in an amazing watchdog, but the safety and effectiveness of your Jack Russell will only be decided by the actions you take as a responsible owner.

The Jack Russell Terrier has all of the wonderful qualities that come with terrier types. They are lively but happy and energetic, but also fearless and courageous. But as an owner, you might be wondering just how intelligent these eccentric dogs are.

When it comes to “Obedience & Working IQ” the Jack Russell Terrier is of average intelligence. In fact, according to canine psychologist Stanley Coren, the JRT is the 84th smartest dog breed. But what really makes the Jack Russell intelligent is its ability to hunt vermin with ease. This ability to stalk, chase, and corner prey requires a special breed of canine intelligence.

There’s more to the Jack Russell Terrier than meets the eye. Just because they like to have fun doesn’t mean they aren’t highly intelligent dogs. Read on to learn why these terriers are smarter than you think.

RECOMMENDED: Ranking of the 100 Smartest Dog Breeds

Measure Jack Russell’s IQ

There are many ways to measure a dog’s intelligence. However, there is really only one way to measure IQ objectively. Because we can’t communicate accurately with dogs, our canine IQ tests essentially take the form of an obedience test.

The term “obedience and working intelligence” was first coined by Stanley Coren, a pHD and canine psychologist. According to the renowned researcher, this IQ type is one of the 3 main aspects of dog intelligence. More importantly, it is the easiest to measure.

Coren’s Dog Intelligence Criteria

With the help of 199 obedience trial judges from North America, Coren was able to assess the obedience and working intelligence of hundreds of dogs. However, he had a canine intelligence criterion for his trials. Here is what his criteria was based on:

The number of iterations it takes to learn a new command. Dog breeds that needed fewer repetitions were considered smarter. The success rate of a dog obeying a known command on the first try. Breeds with a higher success rate were judged to be not only more obedient but also more intelligent.

Although many hundreds of dogs took part in the trials, not all made it into the final Intelligence rankings. In fact, only 138 dog breeds did. More data was needed for each breed for better accuracy.

As a result, only dog ​​breeds with at least 100 ratings qualified for the final ranking, eliminating breeds with low popularity. The good news is that Jack Russell Terriers are among the most popular terrier breeds.

How the Jack Russell performed

The Jack Russell Terrier scored average. Of the 138 qualifying dog breeds, they are the 84th best performing. And while that doesn’t put them at the top of the canine kingdom, there’s nothing wrong with being average.

The Jack Russell Terrier could learn a new command with only 25 to 40 repetitions. Depending on the complexity of the command, they can learn something new in under an hour. Not that bad!

The obedience of the Jack Russell Terrier is not to be scoffed at either. These dogs are willing to obey a known command (on the first try) with a 50% higher success rate. When the JRT is focused, it will likely respond well to obedience.

And for reference, some of the most popular dog breeds in the world fall into this average intelligence category. For example, the Australian Shepherd, Husky, Shiba Inu, Greyhound, Boxer, and Bichon Frize are all average too.

Jack Russell vs the smartest dogs

The 10 best dog breeds are in a class of their own. These dogs are the smartest in the world. In fact, they are three classes above the average dog that the Jack Russell sits at. How do the JRTs compare to the best?

The smartest dogs are able to learn a new command in less than 5 repetitions. It’s amazing. That means they can learn a new command at least five times faster than the Jack Russell Terrier (and other average dogs).

When it comes to obedience, the smartest dogs are just as impressive. Given a known command, they can obey with a success rate of 95% or more. In some cases they are nearly twice as obedient as the Jack Russell.

And it’s no coincidence that the smartest dogs are also the most popular dogs. For example, the top 10 includes basic breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Doberman, Rottweiler, and German Shepherd.

Reasons Jack Russell Terriers are smart

If not obedience and working intelligence, what actually makes the Jack Russell Terrier an intelligent dog breed? As previously mentioned, there are three components to true canine IQ. So far we’ve only covered one.

According to Stanley Coren, the other two aspects of canine IQ include: instinctive intelligence and adaptive intelligence. Both are just as important – if not more so. The problem, however, is that these dimensions cannot be measured objectively.

Rather, we must rely primarily on anecdotes and observations to truly appreciate the Jack Russells’ instinctive and adaptive IQs. The good news is that the consensus is that the JRT excels on both dimensions of IQ.

The “Vermin Hunter’s Intelligence” in the JRT

Instinctive intelligence relates to the original purpose for which a dog was bred. Before we had dogs as mainstream companions, they were mostly workers in society. In other words, they had their own jobs that they were purposely bred to do.

For example, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding and Beagles were bred for tracking. That’s why we have so many categories of dogs today: herding dogs, retrievers, companion dogs, pointers, and the list goes on.

But is this really a kind of dog intelligence? When Australian Shepherds are born, most are capable of instinctively chasing livestock and herding them into formation. You can do this with little to no human intervention. This requires intelligence, i.e. an instinctive IQ.

On the other hand, Jack Russell Terriers were developed in the 19th century for hunting foxes and rabbits, among other small vermin. The Jack Russell is capable of hunting both above and below ground with quick agility and a persistent bite.

Above ground, JRTs are fast enough to hunt wild animals. Plus, they have the stamina to keep up over long distances. However, when the game goes underground, JRTs are small enough to follow the quarry into a burrow.

Their hunting instinct makes the Jack Russell Terrier highly intelligent. Their ability to corner, trap, and predict subterranean moves requires that special kind of intelligence. Don’t you think so? Check out this amazing video of the JRT in action:

Jack Russell’s Adaptive Intelligence

The final dimension of canine intelligence is adaptive intelligence. This refers to the dog breed’s ability to learn for itself. Are they able to learn from their own mistakes and all the past experiences? If so, they are adaptively intelligent.

Adaptive intelligence can also refer to a dog’s ability to read and understand emotions. It’s not like we can tell our dogs how we feel. Rather, they must learn from experience. Those that excel at this tend to make fantastic companions and pets.

Most individual dogs of the same breed have roughly the same instinctive intelligence, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to adaptive IQ. In fact, adaptive intelligence can vary quite a bit among dogs. Despite this, JRTs are known to excel in this area.

For example, check out this owner story about his Jack Russell Terrier:

My JRT is an excessive excavator. There are many holes in my backyard. I’m not overly pleased, but when I’m feeling particularly down, he kind of knows and doesn’t dig. – Tenabylek (dog forums)

This owner JRT demonstrates high adaptive intelligence through his remarkable understanding of his human’s emotions. The dog probably knows that the owner does not like the holes. But even more impressive is that he understands when his owner is feeling down.

Another owner tells us about his Jack Russell and says:

Somehow my Jack Russell knows when we leave the house. It could be the slightest hint and he’ll start running around and doing somersaults. – Desevortan (Chrono of the Horse)

When a dog is able to pick up even the tiniest hints of your intentions, that’s a highly adaptable intelligent dog. This can be something as big as changing clothes to something as small as putting on sunscreen. Smart things will figure it out.

Of course, these are just a few stories of how Jack Russells are adaptively intelligent. There are many more stories like this one. Ask any JRT owner and I’m sure they have so much to say about their dogs!

Is Your Jack Russell Smart?

As previously mentioned, Jack Russell Terrier intelligence can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs are simply more responsive and therefore considered more intelligent. However, to really gauge how smart they are, we decided to interview real JRT owners.

We’ve collected answers to this question from the popular Jack Russell subreddit and other top dog forums. Here’s what the owners had to say:

Answers from real owners:

1. Gentlearts Says Yes: “Jack Russells are very smart and funny. I think they make great family pets…and they’re the perfect size too. The two I know personally are couch potatoes most of the time and the rest of the time they are busy with their owners.”

2. KevinT Says Yes: “Of course, every dog ​​has their own personality, but in my experience, JRTs are some of the most family-friendly dogs out there. They are very smart and sensitive to the feelings and moods of their people.”

3. Paigevz Says Yes: “Fabulous dogs, very smart. Because they are smart, it is lucky in training. They CAN learn easily, but they are smart enough to know they don’t HAVE to.”

4. Theycallmered says yes: “He was very smart and was great at listening to directions and orders. As far as I can remember, Baxter was pretty easily housebroken and rarely had an accident until much later in his life.”

5. Spookhorse Says Yes: “He’s smart and has a lot of energy, but it can be channeled to do fun or work. He’s a damn good hunter when he goes to the farm and he patrols the backyard before he can do his business.”

6. Savinggracen Says Yes: “Jack Russells may seem like little fools who don’t understand what’s going on. But don’t be fooled…super intelligent canines.”

7. Kellyb Says Yes: “Our Jack Russel is so smart, you can teach him almost anything. He’s a great buddy whether you just want to curl up on the couch and watch a movie or go for a long walk outside.”

8. Wickedfelina Says Yes: “They are extremely intelligent and will spend their last breath tricking you. They usually win and only occasionally allow you some kind of victory so that you lull yourself into complacency. devilish!”

9. sixarmybrats says yes, “Jack Russell Terriers are extremely energetic and I would say the top terrier breeds are super intelligent dogs; but they’re ‘nervous on duty,’ as I like to call it.”

10. Dkpw Says Yes: “He was the smartest dog we’ve ever owned, was great fun and loved adults. Food was the only thing that could break that spell and once the food was eaten you could see it switch back.”

Is the Jack Russell for me?

Don’t be put off by the fact that Jack Russell Terriers are the 84th “smartest” dog breed. It’s really not a big deal. Also, there is a lot of evidence that they are highly intelligent beyond tricks and commands.

One reason Jack Russells have been ranked so low is their stubborn and opinionated nature. This is a common trait of all terrier dog breeds, although it’s particularly common in the JRT.

In fact, I Heart Dogs ranked the Jack Russell as the fourth strongest dog! That just means they need a firm and steady hand, along with plenty of patience. But because of their stubbornness, we can see why they didn’t do well on an obedience test.

The truth is, dogs don’t really have to be that intelligent. All dogs are smart enough to give us the things we need. Potty training can vary, but no dog fails to be housebroken, no matter how stubborn or strong-willed.

Never choose a dog based on its intelligence ranking. Rather, you want to select a dog that fits your personality. Jack Russell Terriers are lively, active and charming. They love to have fun but also enjoy hanging out with their owners.

If that sounds like the dog breed to you, we highly recommend bringing one home! Remember that owning a Jack Russell Terrier requires a significant investment of time. Otherwise, they are some of the best family companions you can find.

Do you own a Jack Russell Terrier? How smart is your dog and what makes you think that? Let us know in the comments section below! We are happy to hear from them.

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Wondering how to tell if a Jack Russell Terrier is a purebred dog? Jack Russell Terriers are an energetic small dog breed. They were originally bred in Britain as fox hunting dogs and purebreds often appear in dog shows or competitions. There are several ways you can tell if a Jack Russell Terrier is a purebred. Here are the ways to identify one.

There are four key elements to consider when checking if a Jack Russell Terrier is a purebred:

a coat

head and face

attitude

To build

While there is variation in each element, certain details, such as the amount of white on the coat, show the purity of the breed.

If you are looking for a purebred Jack Russell Terrier, read on to learn more about how to properly identify one.

The characteristics of a purebred Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are a desirable breed of dog that do well at dog shows. As a general rule, if you plan to compete a Jack Russell Terrier, you need to make sure you get one with characteristics that are up to the breed standard. The standard is broad, but some specific requirements must be met.

The coat

In dog competitions in particular, the requirements for purebred Jack Russell Terriers can be very detailed. Coat is one of the most noticeable aspects of dogs and one of the most important in determining if a Jack Russell Terrier is a purebred.

A purebred Jack Russell Terrier’s double coat should ideally contain more than 51% white. There should also be black or brown patches on the face and around the tail. The Jack Russell Terrier’s skin should be pink and dotted with either brown or black freckles.

Jack Russell Terriers can have different textured coats, which affects coat length requirements. Those with smooth coats should not have sparse patches or a silky texture, and the coat should remain about 1.5 cm/0.60 in. long. Those with rough coats should not have a woolly texture and their coat length should not exceed 10 cm/4 inches.

Jack Russell Terriers can also have what is known as a broken coat: a combination of the two types of textures. This can change the hair length on the face or around the tail.

head and face

Breed experts will recommend a few things when it comes to a Jack Russell Terrier’s head and face. A purebred dog should have V-shaped ears that are moderately spaced apart. The ears should also taper over the eyes, which should be almond shaped and dark.

The Jack Russell Terrier’s head should be in proportion to the body with a flat skull. The nose should be black, and the length of the muzzle should also be taken into account. The mouth should have strong teeth, preferably with overlapping teeth. The preferred bites are the scissors and the spirit level.

In a scissor bite, the lower canines are in front of the upper ones. The jaw should also be strong and well muscled in the cheek area. The attack, the angle at which the skull and nasal bone drop, should be defined but not too strong.

The attitude

Purebred Jack Russell Terriers are known for the strength of their hindquarters, but many of them can be affected by a genetic condition known as achondroplasia. This condition causes the legs to be bent or slouched and can even stunt the terrier’s growth. The dog’s posture is essential in competitions as the legs must be observed in a straight position.

The construction

The physique of Jack Russell Terriers has changed little in the breed’s more than two-century history. This makes it easy to identify the purebred dogs based on a few criteria:

They must be 25-38 cm in the area between the shoulder blades, also known as the withers.

The preferred weight is between 6-8 kg and should always be proportional to the body length and head size.

The hindquarters should be strong and flexible to allow good propulsion when running.

The feet should be round and hard padded and turned neither in nor out.

The tail should be large and strong, about four inches long when proportional to body length.

The neck should be well muscled, proportionately long and broader at the shoulders.

The chest should not be too broad as this was originally a breed meant to hunt foxes in burrows and the ability to fit through tight spaces continues to inform the genes.

The body should be shaped like a rectangle and sturdy.

The shoulders should be thrown back.

Jack Russell Terriers’ bodies tend to be longer than they are tall.

How to Tell if a Jack Russell Terrier is a Purebred: Personality Traits You Should Know

Jack Russell Terriers are “working terriers” bred to hunt their prey, even when hiding in burrows. When they can’t hunt foxes, Jack Russell Terriers will feel compelled to work, whether it be helping you with an activity or devoting themselves to digging up the garden. Here are some of the identifying personality traits of purebred Jack Russells:

The hunting gene

You may not realize it at first, but Jack Russell Terriers are not low-maintenance dogs. They have almost infinite reserves of energy and are highly active. They require lots of exercise and outdoor activities. A quick walk won’t keep them entertained for long, so you have to keep in mind that you’ll have to actively devote a significant portion of your schedule to them.

Whether you use them for hunting or not, Jack Russell Terriers still carry this gene and it continues to shape their personality. They are brilliant dogs, but they also require more training, discipline, and attention. They become very aware of their demands for nature and attention when you have them.

You should also keep in mind that they can be very aggressive dogs. The hunting gene can make them see many things as either threats or prey, including other Jack Russells, dogs, other animals twice their size, and significantly smaller animals like cats or mice. Jack Russell Terrier owners must be prepared to handle aggressive situations.

The aggression coded in this breed is not a fault but an inherent trait of hunting dogs. Owners are advised not to leave Jack Russell Terriers unattended and to be aware of how to defuse a potentially dangerous situation, especially with other Jack Russell Terriers. You should also have specific training for your actions when something like this happens.

These dogs are also brave, but that can make them reckless. Supervision is also required when roaming the outdoors together to make sure they don’t attack an enemy or an action that’s too challenging. Their instincts can also take over, leading them to chase prey or chase them until they get lost or injured.

The family aspect

While purebred Jack Russell Terriers do very well for active owners with plenty of free time for outdoor pursuits, these dogs can also make great family pets if properly trained. They are extremely loyal and very affectionate. They are also kind and patient with children, but you should still keep an eye on things if you have children under the age of six.

Jack Russell Terriers will not tolerate even accidental or perceived abusive behavior so children must be taught to be very careful with them to avoid problems. In general, they are very attached to their families and can suffer from separation anxiety. Make sure you keep them indoors to ensure their well-being.

Conclusion

Jack Russell Terriers are a popular hunting breed that also lend themselves to family life as long as their energy is drained through exercise. Several purebred traits are found in them, from their coats to the shape of their heads and bodies.

Important points

The most expensive dog breed is the Tibetan Mastiff, with puppies costing around $3,000. These dogs require regular grooming, which owners can expect at around $70 per session. Additionally, they can suffer from serious health issues that require surgery, which can send insane vet bills skyrocketing.

With puppies costing around $2,000, Black Russian Terriers are the second most expensive dogs. They also require grooming and usually a lot of veterinary care.

Because they don’t require as much medical care, Portuguese Water Dogs come in third, despite costing around $2,500.

When looking for a furry companion, it’s important to remember that dogs are an investment of energy, time, and money. Some breeds are more expensive than others when it comes to the upfront selling price, while other breeds require more grooming or health care throughout their lives than others. Purebred dogs have a strong market demand for specific dog owners or competing dog showers.

Another thing to think about is the food. When investing in a very expensive dog, especially one with many potential health issues, it only makes sense to feed that dog the highest quality food. Buying the best dog food to ensure the best nutrition will inevitably add up and lead to even higher costs, especially for large dogs that eat more food.

Here are the ten most expensive dog breeds based on a compilation of purchase price, cost of care, and lifetime medical costs.

2,830 people failed this quiz. Do you think you can? Take our brand new A-Z Animals Dogs Quiz

#10: Newfoundland – $1,500

“Newbies” are a fairly lazy breed who need encouragement to exercise but are always willing to cuddle. Pandas/Shutterstock.com

Newfoundlands are gentle giants, ideal for family life. These dogs cost about $1,500 and are expensive when it comes to health care, as a larger stature leads to more orthopedic and cardiac problems. Massive with long, thick fur, these dogs are high-maintenance and expensive to care for.

#9: Chow Chow – $1,250

Chow Chows are a protective breed that make good watchdogs. At around 12-15 years of age, medical costs can be higher than other breeds mentioned due to joint problems and autoimmune diseases. Grooming costs are also higher for these dogs with their thick, lush coats.

#8: Alaskan Malamute – $1,000

An Alaskan Malamute has an average lifespan of 12-13 years. iStock.com/Liliya Kulianionak

Very energetic and companionable, Alaskan Malamutes cost about $1,000 up front. They live to be around 13 to 16 years old. Aside from being one of the most expensive dog breeds, medical costs can be high due to health issues like diabetes mellitus. Their heavy coats also make for expensive trips to the groomer.

#7: St. Bernard – $1,500

Saint Bernards can endure extremely cold weather, making them great search and rescue dogs. iStock.com/swissipo

Saint Bernards behave the way they look: calm and aloof. Initial costs of around $1,500 are nothing compared to medical expenses of around $8,000 or more. For such a large dog, grooming can also be prohibitively expensive.

#6: Golden Retrievers – $1,500

Golden Retrievers are consistently in the top 3 most popular dogs in the US iStock.com/Tatyana Consaul

One of the most spirited breeds, Golden Retrievers cost about $1,500 from a breeder. Approximately 10-13 years old, these dogs make loyal companions but are prone to serious health problems, particularly orthopedic cancer, and skyrocketing vet visit costs over their lifetime. Golden Retrievers also need regular grooming.

#5: Old English Sheepdog $1,250

Fluffy but not fat – Old English Sheepdogs are muscular working dogs, ready to herd animals or children! Chendongshan/Shutterstock.com

Known from the movie The Shaggy Dog, Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and loyal herding dogs, ideal for families with children. These furry friends need grooming and can be sourced from breeders for around $1,250. Due to health issues like deafness, cataracts, torsion, otitis externa, etc., health care for this breed can cost upwards of $7,000, making it one of the most expensive dog breeds.

#4: Irish Wolfhound – $1,900

The Irish Wolfhound was originally bred to be a big game hunter. iStock.com/Bigandt_Fotography

Massive but friendly Irish Wolfhounds make wonderful family pets. However, puppies cost around $1,900, and the cost of grooming for such a large dog is high. As a larger breed, these dogs develop specific health issues, driving the cost of vet visits to over $5,000 each year. Other health problems such as von Willebrand disease (a problem with blood clotting), progressive retinal atrophy and megaesophagus can occur in this breed.

#3: Portuguese Water Dog – $2,500

Portuguese Water Dogs can dive up to 12 feet while chasing fish! They have an athletic body and webbed feet that act like flippers, propelling them through the water. Eve Photography/Shutterstock.com

While Portuguese Water Dogs are more expensive to own than Black Russian Terriers at around $2,500, they typically don’t require as much medical attention, making them slightly cheaper to own. These dogs also need grooming and live about 12-15 years.

#2: Black Russian Terrier – $2,000

Black Russian Terriers were introduced to the USSR in the 1950s. Utechina Anna/Shutterstock.com

After the large Tibetan mastiff, black Russian terriers follow. Puppies cost up to $2,000, and adult dogs require regular grooming and wellness visits. These dogs develop ocular and orthopedic health problems, such as: B. Elbow dysplasia, typically later in life, requiring higher costs for vet visits.

#1 Most Expensive Dog Breed: Tibetan Mastiff – $3,000

While Tibetan Mastiffs grow to over 100 pounds, they are quite agile and quick-faced when presenting a potential threat. Tatyana Kuznetsova/Shutterstock.com

This extra-large breed is not only an incredibly beautiful dog, but it is also the most expensive breed to own in terms of purchase price, care, feeding, and health care. Breed puppies cost about $3,000 and have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years. These majestic, fluffy dogs require regular grooming, about $70 per visit. While their size offers good protection, they are also associated with various health problems such as hip dysplasia, seizure disorders, autoimmune diseases and hereditary demyelinative neuropathy. Vet visits for problems like these can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars with possible surgeries.

While purebred dogs are popular for specific reasons, adoption services are a better option for breeders since these dogs have either been abandoned or abandoned due to unforeseen circumstances. Adopted dogs are cheaper and have already covered medical costs for initial examinations and the like. If you use a breeder, make sure they are reputable and will health screen young puppies early and be aware of any health issues that may arise in the litter.

Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds Summary

Rank Dog Breed Cost #1 Tibetan Mastiff $3,000 + veterinary care and grooming #2 Black Russian Terrier $2,000 + veterinary care and grooming #3 Portuguese Water Dog $2,500 + veterinary grooming #4 Irish Wolfhound $1,900 + veterinary grooming and grooming #5 Old English Sheepdog $1,250 + vet care and grooming #6 Golden Retriever $1,500 + vet care #7 St. Bernard $1,500 + vet care and grooming #8 Alaskan Malamute $1,000 + vet care #9 Chow-chow $1,250 + veterinary care and grooming #10 Newfoundland dog $1,500 + veterinary care

Next…

Expenses are one thing to think about before deciding to get a dog. But there is also size, lifespan and temperament to consider – find out more here!

Top 16 Largest Dogs In The World – Large dogs can be expensive because of all the health issues, coat and food. But they are so adorable, they are worth it.

Top 10 Oldest Dogs Of All Time – Has A Dog Really Almost Lived 30?

10 Best Family Dog Breeds That Are Good With Kids – Labrador Retrievers take the top spot with their big, sweet hearts.

The Jack Russell Terrier has all of the wonderful qualities that come with terrier types. They are lively but happy and energetic, but also fearless and courageous. But as an owner, you might be wondering just how intelligent these eccentric dogs are.

When it comes to “Obedience & Working IQ” the Jack Russell Terrier is of average intelligence. In fact, according to canine psychologist Stanley Coren, the JRT is the 84th smartest dog breed. But what really makes the Jack Russell intelligent is its ability to hunt vermin with ease. This ability to stalk, chase, and corner prey requires a special breed of canine intelligence.

There’s more to the Jack Russell Terrier than meets the eye. Just because they like to have fun doesn’t mean they aren’t highly intelligent dogs. Read on to learn why these terriers are smarter than you think.

RECOMMENDED: Ranking of the 100 Smartest Dog Breeds

Measure Jack Russell’s IQ

There are many ways to measure a dog’s intelligence. However, there is really only one way to measure IQ objectively. Because we can’t communicate accurately with dogs, our canine IQ tests essentially take the form of an obedience test.

The term “obedience and working intelligence” was first coined by Stanley Coren, a pHD and canine psychologist. According to the renowned researcher, this IQ type is one of the 3 main aspects of dog intelligence. More importantly, it is the easiest to measure.

Coren’s Dog Intelligence Criteria

With the help of 199 obedience trial judges from North America, Coren was able to assess the obedience and working intelligence of hundreds of dogs. However, he had a canine intelligence criterion for his trials. Here is what his criteria was based on:

The number of iterations it takes to learn a new command. Dog breeds that needed fewer repetitions were considered smarter. The success rate of a dog obeying a known command on the first try. Breeds with a higher success rate were judged to be not only more obedient but also more intelligent.

Although many hundreds of dogs took part in the trials, not all made it into the final Intelligence rankings. In fact, only 138 dog breeds did. More data was needed for each breed for better accuracy.

As a result, only dog ​​breeds with at least 100 ratings qualified for the final ranking, eliminating breeds with low popularity. The good news is that Jack Russell Terriers are among the most popular terrier breeds.

How the Jack Russell performed

The Jack Russell Terrier scored average. Of the 138 qualifying dog breeds, they are the 84th best performing. And while that doesn’t put them at the top of the canine kingdom, there’s nothing wrong with being average.

The Jack Russell Terrier could learn a new command with only 25 to 40 repetitions. Depending on the complexity of the command, they can learn something new in under an hour. Not that bad!

The obedience of the Jack Russell Terrier is not to be scoffed at either. These dogs are willing to obey a known command (on the first try) with a 50% higher success rate. When the JRT is focused, it will likely respond well to obedience.

And for reference, some of the most popular dog breeds in the world fall into this average intelligence category. For example, the Australian Shepherd, Husky, Shiba Inu, Greyhound, Boxer, and Bichon Frize are all average too.

Jack Russell vs the smartest dogs

The 10 best dog breeds are in a class of their own. These dogs are the smartest in the world. In fact, they are three classes above the average dog that the Jack Russell sits at. How do the JRTs compare to the best?

The smartest dogs are able to learn a new command in less than 5 repetitions. It’s amazing. That means they can learn a new command at least five times faster than the Jack Russell Terrier (and other average dogs).

When it comes to obedience, the smartest dogs are just as impressive. Given a known command, they can obey with a success rate of 95% or more. In some cases they are nearly twice as obedient as the Jack Russell.

And it’s no coincidence that the smartest dogs are also the most popular dogs. For example, the top 10 includes basic breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Doberman, Rottweiler, and German Shepherd.

Reasons Jack Russell Terriers are smart

If not obedience and working intelligence, what actually makes the Jack Russell Terrier an intelligent dog breed? As previously mentioned, there are three components to true canine IQ. So far we’ve only covered one.

According to Stanley Coren, the other two aspects of canine IQ include: instinctive intelligence and adaptive intelligence. Both are just as important – if not more so. The problem, however, is that these dimensions cannot be measured objectively.

Rather, we must rely primarily on anecdotes and observations to truly appreciate the Jack Russells’ instinctive and adaptive IQs. The good news is that the consensus is that the JRT excels on both dimensions of IQ.

The “Vermin Hunter’s Intelligence” in the JRT

Instinctive intelligence relates to the original purpose for which a dog was bred. Before we had dogs as mainstream companions, they were mostly workers in society. In other words, they had their own jobs that they were purposely bred to do.

For example, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding and Beagles were bred for tracking. That’s why we have so many categories of dogs today: herding dogs, retrievers, companion dogs, pointers, and the list goes on.

But is this really a kind of dog intelligence? When Australian Shepherds are born, most are capable of instinctively chasing livestock and herding them into formation. You can do this with little to no human intervention. This requires intelligence, i.e. an instinctive IQ.

On the other hand, Jack Russell Terriers were developed in the 19th century for hunting foxes and rabbits, among other small vermin. The Jack Russell is capable of hunting both above and below ground with quick agility and a persistent bite.

Above ground, JRTs are fast enough to hunt wild animals. Plus, they have the stamina to keep up over long distances. However, when the game goes underground, JRTs are small enough to follow the quarry into a burrow.

Their hunting instinct makes the Jack Russell Terrier highly intelligent. Their ability to corner, trap, and predict subterranean moves requires that special kind of intelligence. Don’t you think so? Check out this amazing video of the JRT in action:

Jack Russell’s Adaptive Intelligence

The final dimension of canine intelligence is adaptive intelligence. This refers to the dog breed’s ability to learn for itself. Are they able to learn from their own mistakes and all the past experiences? If so, they are adaptively intelligent.

Adaptive intelligence can also refer to a dog’s ability to read and understand emotions. It’s not like we can tell our dogs how we feel. Rather, they must learn from experience. Those that excel at this tend to make fantastic companions and pets.

Most individual dogs of the same breed have roughly the same instinctive intelligence, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to adaptive IQ. In fact, adaptive intelligence can vary quite a bit among dogs. Despite this, JRTs are known to excel in this area.

For example, check out this owner story about his Jack Russell Terrier:

My JRT is an excessive excavator. There are many holes in my backyard. I’m not overly pleased, but when I’m feeling particularly down, he kind of knows and doesn’t dig. – Tenabylek (dog forums)

This owner JRT demonstrates high adaptive intelligence through his remarkable understanding of his human’s emotions. The dog probably knows that the owner does not like the holes. But even more impressive is that he understands when his owner is feeling down.

Another owner tells us about his Jack Russell and says:

Somehow my Jack Russell knows when we leave the house. It could be the slightest hint and he’ll start running around and doing somersaults. – Desevortan (Chrono of the Horse)

When a dog is able to pick up even the tiniest hints of your intentions, that’s a highly adaptable intelligent dog. This can be something as big as changing clothes to something as small as putting on sunscreen. Smart things will figure it out.

Of course, these are just a few stories of how Jack Russells are adaptively intelligent. There are many more stories like this one. Ask any JRT owner and I’m sure they have so much to say about their dogs!

Is Your Jack Russell Smart?

As previously mentioned, Jack Russell Terrier intelligence can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs are simply more responsive and therefore considered more intelligent. However, to really gauge how smart they are, we decided to interview real JRT owners.

We’ve collected answers to this question from the popular Jack Russell subreddit and other top dog forums. Here’s what the owners had to say:

Answers from real owners:

1. Gentlearts Says Yes: “Jack Russells are very smart and funny. I think they make great family pets…and they’re the perfect size too. The two I know personally are couch potatoes most of the time and the rest of the time they are busy with their owners.”

2. KevinT Says Yes: “Of course, every dog ​​has their own personality, but in my experience, JRTs are some of the most family-friendly dogs out there. They are very smart and sensitive to the feelings and moods of their people.”

3. Paigevz Says Yes: “Fabulous dogs, very smart. Because they are smart, it is lucky in training. They CAN learn easily, but they are smart enough to know they don’t HAVE to.”

4. Theycallmered says yes: “He was very smart and was great at listening to directions and orders. As far as I can remember, Baxter was pretty easily housebroken and rarely had an accident until much later in his life.”

5. Spookhorse Says Yes: “He’s smart and has a lot of energy, but it can be channeled to do fun or work. He’s a damn good hunter when he goes to the farm and he patrols the backyard before he can do his business.”

6. Savinggracen Says Yes: “Jack Russells may seem like little fools who don’t understand what’s going on. But don’t be fooled…super intelligent canines.”

7. Kellyb Says Yes: “Our Jack Russel is so smart, you can teach him almost anything. He’s a great buddy whether you just want to curl up on the couch and watch a movie or go for a long walk outside.”

8. Wickedfelina Says Yes: “They are extremely intelligent and will spend their last breath tricking you. They usually win and only occasionally allow you some kind of victory so that you lull yourself into complacency. devilish!”

9. sixarmybrats says yes, “Jack Russell Terriers are extremely energetic and I would say the top terrier breeds are super intelligent dogs; but they’re ‘nervous on duty,’ as I like to call it.”

10. Dkpw Says Yes: “He was the smartest dog we’ve ever owned, was great fun and loved adults. Food was the only thing that could break that spell and once the food was eaten you could see it switch back.”

Is the Jack Russell for me?

Don’t be put off by the fact that Jack Russell Terriers are the 84th “smartest” dog breed. It’s really not a big deal. Also, there is a lot of evidence that they are highly intelligent beyond tricks and commands.

One reason Jack Russells have been ranked so low is their stubborn and opinionated nature. This is a common trait of all terrier dog breeds, although it’s particularly common in the JRT.

In fact, I Heart Dogs ranked the Jack Russell as the fourth strongest dog! That just means they need a firm and steady hand, along with plenty of patience. But because of their stubbornness, we can see why they didn’t do well on an obedience test.

The truth is, dogs don’t really have to be that intelligent. All dogs are smart enough to give us the things we need. Potty training can vary, but no dog fails to be housebroken, no matter how stubborn or strong-willed.

Never choose a dog based on its intelligence ranking. Rather, you want to select a dog that fits your personality. Jack Russell Terriers are lively, active and charming. They love to have fun but also enjoy hanging out with their owners.

If that sounds like the dog breed to you, we highly recommend bringing one home! Remember that owning a Jack Russell Terrier requires a significant investment of time. Otherwise, they are some of the best family companions you can find.

Do you own a Jack Russell Terrier? How smart is your dog and what makes you think that? Let us know in the comments section below! We are happy to hear from them.

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Jack Russell Terrier: cuteness, tenacity and energy

Last updated on 6/20/22

Jack Russell Terriers are incredibly sweet, curious and always up for a new adventure. But don’t let their clever antics and friendly demeanor fool you. They are independent and have a lot of energy, and these traits coupled with high intelligence make these dogs a challenge.

They love to have fun, and if their activity is restricted or they don’t get enough exercise, your fun-loving Jack will become destructive, aggressive, or vocal.

Here are more Quick Jack Russell Terrier facts

Jack Russell Terriers are terriers through and through. Their coat colors and textures can vary, but generally they have strong front legs, a tail that is set high and carried slightly over the body, and small triangular ears that fall forward.

Unlike two very similar breeds, the Parson Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier, Jacks are a bit more diverse in appearance. They are bred more for their hunting ability than their looks and are therefore not registered with the American Kennel Club.

Fast Facts

Height (inches and cm) 10-15 inches Weight (lbs and kg) 13-17 pounds Coat Type: Smooth, rough or broken Colors: White with tan, black or tan markings Country of Origin: England Activity Level: Very energetic Life Expectancy: 11-15 years Good With Children: Yes Good With Other Pets: Variable: They cannot be trusted around small pets such as guinea pigs and male dogs can be somewhat aggressive towards other male dogs. Otherwise they get along well with other dogs.

History of the Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russel Terrier and the other two breeds, the Parson Russell and the Russell, all trace back to one individual, the Reverend or Parson Jack Russell, born in 1795.

Originally called the Fox Terrier, the name was changed in the late 19th century to honor the person most responsible for creating the new breed, the Reverend John Russell of Dartmouth, England. As a young man, Russell had a great love for fox hunting and developed an interest in dog breeding.

Jack Russell Terriers love to play. Make sure you have enough balls and other toys on hand. Play is one way to train these high-energy dogs.

In the early days, the Fox Terrier breed did not resemble today’s Jack Russell Terriers. It was taller, lean, and lanky, and coloring was predominantly black, tan, and auburn. Using such a dog in a fox hunt was risky because it resembled the foxes it hunted.

Wanting a great hunting dog with colors that would not confuse the hound with the prey, he began his new breed with a young white terrier bitch with dark patches over her eyes, ears and tail.

With that first dog, “Trump”, he carefully bred generations of dogs along with other (now extinct) British White Terriers. The British White Terrier was considered a lap dog because it stood between 10 and 20 pounds and was rarely used for much other than companionship.

The breed was also prone to deafness. After 12 years, Russell managed to create a new line of dogs that was popular with hunting enthusiasts and British aristocrats.

Russell was then known as “the athletic pastor” and many of his close friends called him Jack.

After Russell’s death, the dogs remained popular and at times may have been crossed with dachshunds, corgis and other small terriers, resulting in wide variations in size, shape and type.

At the time, the Kennel Club in England did not accept the breed because of this variability. Enthusiasts formed their own Jack Russell Terrier Club in 1974.

This group split into two camps in 1980, one wanting to enforce a breed standard that would allow them to be accepted into the Kennel Club and the other camp which favored qualities of temperament and working ability over looks.

The first group formed the Parson Jack Russell Terrier Club and were recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1989. The American Kennel Club later accepted the breed in 1997 and placed them in their Terrier group.

The other group continued as the Jack Russell Terrier Club in both England and the United States.

Personality of Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers can be amazing high jumpers.

When considering a Jack Russell Terrier, the first thing to consider is its history and why it was developed in the first place.

Farmers and athletes needed a small hunting dog that could follow a scent, bark to alert the person of their find, and dig underground to track foxes or other small animals.

To accomplish these tasks, the dog had to be fearless, assertive, and tireless. Their skills included running and hunting, digging, barking, and showing aggression.

Most of these traits that come naturally to them are not behaviors that the average pet owner wants to contend with.

They see themselves as a big dog in a small body and let everyone know who’s boss when they’re allowed to. For these reasons, this small dog may not be the best choice for a first-time dog owner.

Don’t think that the cute little Jack Russell you’ve seen in photos, film, or any other type of media is the kind of pup you’re going to get.

(Remember Wishbone from the PBS Children’s Show or Eddie from the TV series Frasier?)

These dogs have been trained for specific tasks and can perform them on command for short periods of time. Off the set they are a typical terrier: energetic, independent and assertive.

Jack Russell Terriers are very loyal and affectionate. They want to be with people all the time. They are also very alert and will alert you to any new person, animal or thing trespassing on their property.

As hunters, they are also barkers, but some of the annoying barking can be trained away. For all the love they have for their family, they are also endowed with some behaviors that may not be as positive.

They are extremely intelligent and smart and will continue to push their limits. Training is important, not just in puppyhood but throughout life.

They have been known to train their owners through assertive and even aggressive behavior. Socialization is very important with both humans and other animals, especially other dogs.

They can become attached to one person in the household and show signs of possessiveness when given the opportunity.

They can show their dislike of having to share their favorite person through aggression. Control of this behavior must begin in puppyhood and be maintained throughout life. To avoid problems.

Learn more about Jack Russell behavior issues.

to save energy

These dogs are very energetic and require a lot of exercise.

Think of them as a working dog with a job to do rather than suitable play for a couch potato. They’re not going to cuddle on your lap and watch TV all day.

Jack Russell Terriers were bred to work, whether it was keeping a barn rat-free, digging for a quarry, or hunting small prey. If they are to be a companion dog, they must walk or jog, play fetch, or participate in a dog sport daily.

apartment life?

This is a small breed that may not be appropriate in an apartment. The ideal home would be in a rural or suburban setting with a large, securely fenced yard.

A fence is a must and remember that Jack Russell Terriers love to dig, jump or even climb so the fence must prevent all of these forms of escape.

Live in an apartment or condo and have your heart set on a Jack Russell? There’s no doubt this breed thrives in places where they can run, hunt, and just plain have fun. But there are many examples where they have lived well even in small apartments.

The trick is to give these dogs the exercise they need. Expect to exercise your Jack Russell Terrier at least an hour a day.

Jack Russell Terriers and other pets?

These dogs cannot be trusted around other small pets such as cats, birds, hamsters or simple pocket animals due to their strong prey drive.

Some breeds can live with cats if raised together, but not necessarily the Jack Russell Terrier.

If you have a small pet, protect it and don’t even allow your Jack Russell Terrier to enter the room where your small pet lives.

Jacks get along relatively well with other dogs.

Children and Jack Russell Terriers?

Jack Russell Terriers do best with older, respectful children who have been taught how to handle a dog without bullying or mistreating them. They are probably too much for children under 6 years old.

Grooming Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers come in one of three different coat types: smooth, broken, and rough. The type of coat will determine the amount of grooming required.

All fur types will fall off! Smooth coats shed the most throughout the year. The rough coat sheds, but the dead hairs remain in the coat and need to be stripped, brushed, or clipped several times a year. The broken coat is considered to be somewhere in the middle between the rough coat and the smooth coat.

The broken coat is very similar to a straight coat, but with whiskers around the face and extra hair on the legs or body. It’s not soft or smooth, but rather rough to ward off rain, snow and other weather conditions.

The rough coat has the most hair all over the body and can be straight or wavy. This coat requires the most grooming.

The smooth coat and broken coats are the easiest to care for. Brush these coats about once a week to reduce the amount of hair shedding around the house. With regular brushing, frequent bathing is not usually necessary. Dried dirt or mud can often be removed by brushing, but you can also bathe them if they get dirty (and they will).

The rough coat also needs to be brushed and stripped several times a year to remove dead hair.

Stripping can be done professionally or you can learn it yourself at home. Some owners choose to crop the coat. For those Jack Russell Terriers not involved in show, clipping can be a more cost-effective option.

The hair that emerges after cutting is softer and may even appear lighter. This method does not remove the dead hair, it just shortens it and makes the dog look more attractive.

Your nails will need to be trimmed or filed with a nail grinder about every two weeks.

It is also recommended to brush your teeth several times a week to prevent tartar build-up.

Health Concerns of Jack Russell Terriers

The breed is considered healthy with a lifespan of between 11 and 15 years. Many live longer when given the right diet and care.

There are some conditions where a genetic component has been identified, some of which may show genetic testing that can be done on the parents prior to breeding.

The list of hereditary diseases of this breed is extensive on the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America website, but despair. Some breed clubs are more conscientious about identifying problems with the goal of eradicating them.

Cataract

Cataracts can be hereditary or caused by diabetes, age, or injury. The lens of the eye hardens and appears cloudy. Vision is blurred and eventually can be lost completely. Cataracts can be removed and vision restored.

lens luxation

Ectopia lentis or lens luxation occurs when the lens becomes dislocated. There are two types. There are two types, posterior dislocation (where the lens slides toward the back of the eye) and anterior dislocation (where the lens slides forward). An anterior dislocation also has a high chance of causing glaucoma, which can lead to partial or total blindness.

patellar dislocation

Patellar dislocation, or luxating patella, is an inherited problem that affects the knees. The kneecap slips in and out of the groove where it would normally sit. If it slips out, the dog can hold the leg up until the kneecap is back in place. It can eventually lead to lameness and arthritis.

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Cerebellar ataxia

This is a neurological disorder resulting from degeneration of the cerebellar cortex. The degeneration can progress steadily and cause a staggering in the dog’s gait. If your terrier seems shaky or disoriented from time to time, this disorder could be the culprit.

Myasthenia gravis

This disease affects the motor nerves and causes weakness in the hindquarters.

A dog with this condition may have difficulty getting up from a sitting position and will sway and stagger when walking. So this covers some of the Jack Russell Terrier hereditary health issues.

It must be noted that dogs affected by these conditions should not be bred.

von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by insufficient von Willebrand factor, the blood protein that binds platelets to blood vessels.

This problem is often seen when the dog bleeds more than normal during heat or after surgery.

Bleeding can also be observed from the gums, nose or in the urine. A slight cutting into the blood vessel of the nails can cause heavy bleeding that takes a long time to clot.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome

The disease is caused by degeneration of the ball and socket joint in the hip, resulting in pain, stiffness and restricted movement.

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skunk problems

As a hunting dog, the Jack Russell will typically pursue most creatures it encounters. These include the and the breed is prone to Skunk Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Pros and cons of the Jack Russell Terrier

Pros Friendly, loving, playful

Smooth coat requires little maintenance

Good around older kids

healthy breed

Great endurance

Disadvantages High energy requirement

Training is ongoing and can present a challenge

Not good for people in apartments or condominiums

Bad habits like digging, chewing, chasing, barking

Books worth reading

Before you get your first Jack Russell Terrier, it’s worth spending some more time researching the breed. Here are a few good books that Small Dog Place recommends.

Just for the Jack Russell Terrier lover

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