Looking for a small, sturdy dog…
The jack russell terrier may be the dog for you if small and sturdy is your goal. They are highly intelligent and trainable to do a wide array of tricks. For this reason, they are often seen on tv shows and movies. The breed is cheerful, loving, and absolutely fearless. They need a very firm owner or they may walk all over you. They do require lots of exercise and may become aggressive or destructive if enough energy is not expelled daily. They can be suitable for apartment life if properly exercised, but do best in a home with a large yard where they can run around. They do not have many health problems, but common ones include eye disease, deafness, and dislocation of knee caps. The breed requires little grooming, only combing and brushing; bathing when necessary. Jack russell terriers have been used to hunt small game, especially fox and they are considered a working breed. They are also great at agility. They are definitely for an active owner and are not couch potatoes. They have a life expectancy of 15 or more years. We have several clients with jack russells at Gwinnett Pet Watchers. My personal opinion is that they are very fun and active dogs and I really enjoy spending time with them.
