Community Chat

[shoekitty]

I am seriously thinking of a dog again. We had a dog for 16 years, she passed 5 years ago. She was huge. We are 66 and thinking of a Parson Jack Russell. I know they are energetic, and need a job. But can anyone tell me any experiences they have had with them? Thanks

[doxie1]

You need one

doxie

the enabler

[doxie1]

I have some friends that have some and they are great dogs. They do like to have somethingto do and not sleep all day. One is a female and she is very calm. They have a routine of activity and are able to throw things to give her exercise in the house. Now she has been know to explore on top of the table after they had food there.

The people that have the male just take him out for walks and romps. I think they do better when someone is around more and not as well if left alone while you work all day. The female I told you about is left alone in the day time and does not get in trouble but she may be the exception.

As with all dogs early and a lot of socialization make a huge difference.

doxie

[shoekitty]

Hi Doxie!

Thanks for the info.I hope all is well your way. Have you been getting the cold weather? I am at home all day, and my husband is retiring this year sometime. I have heard they can be a handfull and very naughty unless the owner has clearly asserted themself as pack leader. I have sent for a couple books on them, and thought I would read them before even thinking of looking. A female seems like it might be a better option for us. I have heard they are funny dogs, and very independent. I like that. I have met a couple of them and really liked their temperment. But i wonder if they are too strong a guard dog. I am also wondering how they do with kids, as I have grand kids. The youngest is 8, but I do have 4 grandsons 10, 11, 12, and 17! The grandaughter is 8 and she might be just like a Parsons Jack Russell, LOL!

[CamilleP]

Shoekitty, as a long-time terrier mom, I love to hear of people adding a terrier to their family, but at the same time, I always warn those who have never owned one before that they are more than just a handful, they are an entire armful, plus! First, they were bred and born to hunt, and are single-minded killers of anything they consider vermin, which can easily include the neighbor's cats who enter their yard, or even your own cats, if they aren't raised with them. Pocket pets like gerbils, guinea pigs, etc. are toast, uniformly. All breeds in the fox terrier family are super-high energy, but actually train really well and are very smart and want to please their humans, within their idea of reasonable. Staying inside an unfenced yard is not reasonable, nor is coming when called unless food is involved, and even then, only if there isn't something more exciting to do. You'll have to have a securely, solidly fenced yard, preferably with buried footings to make it dig-proof. If there are gates, get padlocks for them so that they can't accidentally be left open, especially by excited grandchildren. As single-minded hunters, terriers won't notice heavy car traffic, they'll just dash out into a road and be killed quickly. They must be securely leashed when outside a fenced enclosure, so no off-leash dog parks, either. There are variations within all breeds, some dogs are more keen and some less so, but as a general rule, terriers are fierce, tough, stubborn, keen little hunters, too smart for their own good sometimes, and incredibly loyal and loving. If you have any specific questions, I'll do my best to answer them, hoping to be helpful!

[shoekitty]

Thanks Camille

I live in California, near the Bay Area, and have a totally fenced yard. But I do have cats. I love the Parson Jack russell terrior but I am wondering about the cats. We do have possums that visit, and a raccoon or two on full moons. I am wondering if this breed might be awrong fit. All these things are so good to know. I sent for a couple books and will read up. A dog is such a huge responsability and commitment.

Are you familiar with the Parson breed,? What kind of terrior do you have? There is a reason they call them terriors, LOL!.

[CamilleP]

Hi, Shoekitty, sorry I'm so late getting back to you. I have Scottish Terriers, so my experience with all the JRT type terriers is based on observations made at terrier trials and earthdog tests over the space of 20+ years. I've also owned and fostered multiple Smooth Fox terriers in that time frame.

You will want to speak to breeders in particular about cats and their line, but in Scotties, if you get a puppy and they grow up with your cats, they will be fine with your cats. Strange cats are, however, fair game. One of the three big prey species hunted by all British terriers is the European Wildcat (in addition to fox and badger) so it is not surprising that they target strange cats. My guess is that Russell breeders will tell you their experience is similar to mine, the dog's own personal cats are members of their pack and considered their own personal possessions, almost, as they will defend their cats against invaders and interlopers. They don't extend that affection to the whole species at all, though, and are perfectly willing to kill strange cats.

Re: the origin of the group name. Terrier is derived from the Latin word "terra", meaning "earth", as the terriers were bred to "go to earth" underground in search of their prey. That said, I have heard them called "terrierists" more than once. ;-)