Overview
The Jack Russell was bred in Devon to bolt foxes, and nobody has told it that it now lives in a semi. It is fearless, fast, clever and convinced of its own importance, with a prey drive that will take it under a fence after a rabbit before you have finished saying its name.
For a walker, Jack Russells are enormous fun and need honest handling. They are not lap dogs; a bored Jack Russell is a loud, destructive one. Give it a proper walk with something to chase safely and it is a cheerful, loyal companion.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day across two walks, and lively ones. Jack Russells will outwalk most dogs their size and many twice it, and they enjoy games that let them run and grab: a flirt pole, a tug toy, a ball in an enclosed space.
They are long-lived and often still full of beans at twelve, so do not assume an older dog wants a gentle potter. Do watch the joints on dogs that have spent years jumping, and keep young dogs off hard repetitive jumping.
On the walk
- Recall: Variable at best. A scent or a squirrel will override most training. Keep the dog on a lead or long line unless the owner has shown you reliable recall.
- Pulling: Strong for the size, in bursts. A harness and a fixed lead; retractables and terriers are a bad mix.
- Other dogs: Some are sociable, some pick fights with dogs five times their size. Ask, and watch the body language in the first minute of any meeting.
- Digging and holes: A Jack Russell that finds a hole will go down it. Keep an eye on banks, hedge bottoms and rabbit warrens.
- Small animals: Cats, squirrels, rabbits and rats are the breed's purpose. Lead on near roads, livestock and anyone's chickens.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry a tug or a flirt pole and give the dog a legal outlet for grabbing and chasing.
- Keep the dog on a lead near roads however good its recall seems; the chase instinct is faster than you are.
- Match it carefully in groups and keep an eye on it with bigger, pushier dogs.
- Check the dog for ticks and cuts after a walk through cover; it will have been in the thick of it.
- Do not let the small size fool you into a short walk. This is a working dog.
What to ask the owner
- How is the dog with other dogs, and has it ever picked a fight?
- Is recall reliable anywhere, or should it stay on a line?
- Does the dog chase cats, livestock or wildlife, and is there anywhere to avoid?
- Any history of knee or back problems from jumping?