Buyer question
Is a Jack Russell Terrier good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Jack Russell Terrier 2 out of 5 for beginners (more dog than it looks).
Source: the Jack Russell Terrier page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Jack Russell Terrier in the Animal Library
The detail
Named for the Rev. John Russell, who bred small white terriers to run with foxhounds and bolt foxes, the Jack Russell is fearless, clever and tireless. It suits owners who enjoy a busy, vocal dog and can give it daily work and firm, fun training.
- Temperament
- Fearless, energetic, clever
- Best fit
- Active, experienced owners
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Smart, very independent)
- Energy
- 5 out of 5 (Hard exercise daily)
- Grooming load
- 2 out of 5 (Weekly brush, sheds)
What to weigh
Jack Russells dig, bark, climb and escape, and they can be scrappy with other dogs. A bored JRT becomes destructive, and they are not a match for small pets.