The Fascinating Tics of the
Jack Russell Temperament
Maintenance & Special Needs
To understand the Jack Russell temperament, it must be
remembered that they are first and foremost a "working dog".
In other words, they were designed to aggressively run,
chase, and flush out fox and badgers in the great hunts of England.
These traits, so passionately guarded by Jack Russell
breeders since the 19th century, have delivered to us a dog that is
fearless, happy, alert, confident, intelligent and lively.
A dog that is ready to meet the world on a moment's
notice...this is the Jack Russell temperament in a nutshell.
By the same token, however, this bloodline can be very bold and brash.
And the term confident translates, rather...to arrogance.
But high intelligence, whether it be animal or human,
does, quite often, carry with it eccentricities, independence, even
rebellion, 'marching to the beat of another drum' you might say.
I have many times watched my Russell in hot pursuit of a
rabbit and thought even I could hear the sound of the fox hunt bugle
just over the hill. This is the beating drum, and the beating heart
that drives and accounts for the Jack Russell temperament.
With these things in mind, it's easy to see why the proper environment
is important to maintain the famous traits of the Jack Russell
temperament.
They need to run. They need to hunt. They need to play.
And in down times, they need to be shown intimate affection.
One of the characteristics of my dog Jimbo, and that I
cherish so much, is how, in those down times, up in the chair with me,
he will always bury his nose into my side. And if I stop caressing him,
he will nudge his head back under my hand, quite forcefully, until I
begin again.
Their
compact size, friendly and inquisitive nature, makes them popular pets.
But many first time owners find this little dynamo more demanding than
they either have time or environment to meet those demands.
Jack Russells require consistent training in the early
years, and a good deal of attention...not to mention some pretty
vigorous exercise to maintain the desired Jack Russell temperament.
Without consistent training and regular exercise, they
can occasionally be aggressive and exhibit unmanageable behavior...like
excessive barking, disobeying commands, chasing UPS men...or growling
at one of your relatives.
For training, Dove Cresswell's Puppy and Dog Training
Ebook is the best I've found on the web. The best thing about it is
that it's a video tutorial, which means...NO READING!
Just Download--Punch Play--and Sit Back and Watch.
Just check out her free
lesson and you'll see what I mean.
I taught my Annie how to fetch in just a half hour one
afternoon after watching Dove.
(Do you see the kind of dog sitting in her lap?)
Yep, another dang old Jack Russell.
But Jack Russells are extremely intelligent and when they have come to
learn their master's bidding, they do love to comply...most times
anyway.
So I hope this offers some insight into the nature of this fascinating
dog.
Is he egotistical? Yes.
But is he full of life? Oh yes.
Can you provide the time and attention that is required
for the special needs of this unique breed?
Maybe after having read this page, you already know.
But if you're still unsure, then the pages that
elaborate further on the Jack Russell profile will help.
In any case, but for the exception of human beings, and
then perhaps only a small number, one must admit the Jack Russell
temperament is made of its own style.
And who runs ahead of the hounds, listens for the bugle
call, stands alone and apart from all other dog breeds?
It is the Jack Russell Terrier temperament and the big
dog personality in the little dog body that we as proud
owners
know, love, and admire.
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