Jack russel is the closest to a wolf you will ever get (Jack Russell)

Member Name: jimmydog

Product:	Jack Russell
Date:	03/10/09 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Small enough to carry out of trouble

Disadvantages: Thinks he is big enough to get into trouble

AHH the jack russell... another marmite moment, you either love them or hate them. The closest to having a wolf in your home...well in their mind anyway.

After sharing the past 5 years with a rescue jack then I am in the love them camp. I went out looking for a beagle sized dog and came home with a small scruffy bendy legged jack Russel instead. Saying this, he thinks he is the size of a newfoundland and will not come through a door unless it is fully open to allow his 'bulk' through. I have since found out this is a common trait.

JRT are one of the rare breeds that one dog can look so different from another that lives down the road. Traditionally they are longer legged with short tails and flopped ears after generations of breeding around horses. A very intelligent bright dog. The jack's body should be the length of its front legs in order to turn round in rabbit burrows etc. However the more fun jack is the short dumpy barrel chested fellas with bent "queen anne" front legs and a cheeky face. These fellas have the strongest ratting instinct which we see everyday (especially when the postman comes) but with soft toys and not real furry animals.

There is documented history of the breeding of the Jack Russel but after doing a comprehensive study of the wolf in my front room worthy of a PhD I have my own theory... Jack Russels originally come from Africa and are from the canine group jackal Russel. The hunting instinct we see everyday out on walks is not from looking for mice but indeed from the days of hunting elephants in the long grasses of the Serengeti. They would work in packs and their 6 inch high legs allowed them the element of surprise. When you see the long grasses swaying it is not the gentle African breeze but a pack of Jackal russels hunting. The can get up close and surround the expectingly bull elephant before they go for the kill by leaping up and grabbing the large ears and hanging on until they can wrestle the elephant down. Not pretty.. So if you ever see an elephant with raggy ears be sure he has escaped with his life..

Our jack is such a part of the family that my baby would copy the dog and crawl after him with toys in his mouth. Some think they are not lap dogs but our fella loves his cuddles and blankets and will sleep anywhere as long as he is touching you. Very gentle and loving. However it is important they know their place and I found ignoring him is the best form of disciple, he hates it and calms down immediately.

If you want to fit in your life get a lab. if you want to live your life get a Jack.

Summary: Not a dog to join the family you join the pack