...Some Helpful Information

When searching for your terrier, especially if it is your first, there are several things that you must keep in mind and a few things about yourself you need to consider.

FIRST: Jack Russells are a hunting breed. This means that they tend to bark, dig, seek out small furry animals to terrorize or destroy, and require a lot of exercise. As these traits are inherent, it would be cruel and a near impossibility to scold or punish in an attempt to prevent them from doing what comes naturally. You will have to maintain a mutual respect that will allow you a level of control.

SECOND: As they are what they are they tend not to make good apartment dwellers, they "generally" are not good with small children, they can be hard on cats and other small furry indoor pets, and don't do well if left loose and/or unattended for lengthy periods of time.

THIRD: You cannot treat them or train them as if they are anything other than a terrier. They tend to housebreak slowly and can easily become the dominant member of the entire household. You must work WITH them. Understanding that they require consistency, patience, and that firm clear discipline is a must.

We tend to talk a lot of people out of a Jack Russell as a pet. This does not mean that they don't make good companions. If you do your homework and take your time searching, we firmly believe that there is a Jack Russell for most any situation.

The Bottom Line...DON'T RUSH INTO IT! Take your time. Find a reputable breeder. Look at your overall situation - are you gone long hours, do you have small children, are there other pets in your household to consider, etc?

In most family situations you will want a very easy-going JR. Try not to fall in love with the first one that jumps in your lap. And stay away from the little guys cowering in the corner. Look at the pups romping around happy to do just whatever. Do an alpha roll, test for recall, watch how they interact with members of your family that may be with you. Try to get a health and temperament guarantee from the breeder. A contract is always best if it is an option. Please Please PLEASE avoid purchasing from puppy mills as this only encourages them to continue and avoid buying anything that is less than eight weeks old (puppies need to be with their littermates and mother as long as possible as they learn very important social skills, buying them that young to "bond" with you can lead to future problems).

Please feel free to contact us for further information on finding the right Jack Russell for you or with any questions about the breed. We spend a lot of time just answering questions and talking to people as this is a popular, and often misrepresented, breed.

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