Categories: Pets

Adopting a Jack Russell Terrier

Choosing a family dog is an exciting time for many parents and children. For families who reside in rural areas, with active children, owning a Jack Russell Terrier is an optimal canine selection. Bred as a hunting dog, the Jack Russell Terrier is agile and flexible to such an extent so as to allow the dog to enter into places on foxes can normally enter. For this reason, children are extremely intrigued by the Jack Russell Terrier and their ability to entertain and play. For hunters and ranchers, the Jack Russell Terrier makes a great household pet as well as a great addition to the ranch and hunting grounds.

Jack Russell Terriers, considered a non-pure breed, hunting dog is a small to medium sized dog with lean body make up. As a dog with a very lively and happy disposition, Jack Russell Terriers are great family pets in homes with children who are also active in the outdoors. Rarely does the Jack Russell Terrier exhibit aggressive tendencies. For this reason, the Jack Russell Terrier is perfect in hunting expeditions as he is able to manipulate and move about ranch land and assist in successful hunting adventures.

Adopting a Jack Russell Terrier is simply based on the demeanor and disposition of the dog, which should be happy and assertive, color marking primarily exhibited as white with some mix of other coloring including black, brown and tan. As a dog commonly born with an overbite and pointed ears, the Jack Russell Terrier will exhibit traits unique to terrier breeds alone. For this reason, many families adopting Jack Russell Terriers believe the dog is a pure breed terrier. Unfortunately, this is not the case. However, because the Jack Rusell Terrier is within the lineage of terriers, the quality and sportsmanship is a great addition to an active family unit.

Disadvantages to owning a Jack Russell Terrier may involve the tendency of this terrier breed dog to bleed out easily. Although this bleeding disorder, known as Von Willebrand’s disease is common among pure breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier may show signs of this trait as well. If your dog sustains a cut, and bleeds easily without clotting, it is important to notify your veterinarian of the condition and undergo testing to determine if the Jack Russell Terrier has suffered from this common disorder of the terrier family. If confirmed, your veterinarian will provide an appropriate canine treatment plan. Additionally, because the Jack Russell Terrier is generally not threatening, utilizing the terrier as a guard dog is not recommended. As a general rule, the Jack Russell Terrier will respond favorably to anyone, including total strangers. Always eager to play, the Jack Russell Terrier may, in fact, encourage strangers to enter your property and not provide standard canine guard dog protection.

As with any pet adoption, researching the personality and characteristics will ensure a more educated and successful adoption process. In a family with a large outdoor space and active children, the Jack Russell Terrier is a prime choice in dog adoption allowing for daily fun and excitement. Considered a dog with a pleasant disposition, the Jack Russell Terrier will rarely appear aggressive and will provide many years of enjoyment to your family.