FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

jack russell terrier

drozer | Posted in General Discussion on May 10, 2009 03:29am

anyone hear own one?  i’ve heard they can be a real PITA, but the dog on frasier was a jrt, so they must be trainable.

i’ve got a small house, so i need a small dog.  but i’ve got a big yard (for downtown), 20’X55′, all fenced in. 

i had a beagle, which was great, but he’s under that yard now, and i thought i’d try something new.  BTW, i was warned that though the beagle’s voice was melodius (said that in a book), it could be too much.  but that dog rarely barked, so what do books know.

i’ve also been looking at the pocket beagle.  cool.

googled best small dogs, and apartmenttherapy recommended the pug-  sleeps twenty hours a day and hates exercise.  sounds like my kind of dog.  but i’m not a fan of the chasing parked cars look.

any help?

(i posted this in general discussion instead of the tavern, for max exposure.)

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    Dam_inspector | May 10, 2009 03:36am | #1

    Jack Russels are smart and trainable, unlike Tasmanian Devils, The Jack Russel does have more energy than the Tasmanian Devil though.

    My sister has a pug, great little dog, and she's energetic, but still a pup.

    I have an English Bulldog, she's fairly low energy, but does go into overdrive fairly often. I have a Boston Terrier, who is either sleeping or full speed ahead, and two large related mutts that act totally different.

    1. seeyou | May 10, 2009 03:43am | #3

      I have a Boston Terrier, who is either sleeping or full speed ahead

      A previous neighbor had a Boston Terrier and it had two settings as well - On or Off.http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

      1. User avater
        Dam_inspector | May 10, 2009 03:50am | #4

        He's smart and likable, but obnoxious behaving. My kids dumped him on me.

  2. seeyou | May 10, 2009 03:41am | #2

    JRTs can be good dogs and they can be PITA's.

    I'd never owned a dog that weighed less than 100 lbs, but my wife and daughter got a schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle mix) to my dismay. Turned out to be the best dog I've ever had in my 50+ years of constant dog ownership. Good house dog - weighs about 20-25 lbs, doesn't shed much, incredibly loyal and loving, minds very well, and is a fierce hunter. When we go on vacation, the neighbors fight over who gets to keep her.

    She might just be a rarity, but I've talked to other owners that say about the same thing I do. I think the breed mixing helps work the stupid out.

    http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

  3. MisterT | May 10, 2009 03:50am | #5

    It is a common misconception that small dogs are the best for small spaces/ city living/apartments/busy people.

    the truth is just the opposite.

    small dogs are high strung and energetic and need space and exercise.

    if they don't get these they become problem pets

    Actually a better choice is a larger, less active breed

    Hopefully Colleen (splintergropie) will be along to further expand as this is just one of her areas of expertise.

    .
    .
    "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion"

    -Neil deGrasse Tyson
    .
    .
    .
    If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
    .
    .
    .
    according to statistical analysis, "for some time now, bears apparently have been going to the bathroom in the woods."

  4. Marson | May 10, 2009 03:58am | #6

    I don't know that much about Jack Russels in particular, but I do know Terriers in general are big dogs in small bodies. I have a cairn mix, and while a great dog, it is quite active. We walk ours daily (2 to 4 miles) and if you miss the walk, don't plan on a relaxing evening. I'm not sure this applies to the JRT, but the cairn was bred to keep the vermin down on farms. Which means that they are hunting dogs, obsessed with squirrels, chipmunks and any other game to the point that they can't be trusted off leash.

    So if you are looking for a quiet apartment dog, I woudn't recommend a terrier. They are more suited to a 200 acre farm with rockpiles full of rodents.

  5. MikeSmith | May 10, 2009 04:33am | #7

    drozer... there are  jrt that vary from soup to nuts

    great dogs

    the secret is the breeder and what they are breeding for

    when we were looking for a rhodesian ridgeback, we found a breeder who had champion companion dogs

    after 10 years with a beautiful , aggresive , untrustworthy ridgeback....we wound up with  a true companion dog that we could trust around kids and pets and other dogs

    within the same breed , there are  every kind of personality

     

    one who has champion companion dogs has demonstrated  a consistency that you are looking for

    Mike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
  6. peteshlagor | May 10, 2009 05:53am | #8

    Gaddang neighbor next to me has three of the untrained, nonstop barking, POS's.

    Summabitches bark all day long for no reason while these "fancy doctors" are away at the shop.  I mean, they simply pull up a nice spot to sit or lay and start barking.  At nothing.  And then should my dog (RIP, he just passed away a few hours ago) bark at an inopportune time (like 3 am), these neighbors call the poll leece on me about it!

    But this is more of a case of entitled owners ignoring the training needs of the beasties.  Any dog will end up as such...

    But as a result, I hate the little maggots.

     

     

    1. brownbagg | May 10, 2009 06:03am | #9

      only thing I notice about jack russells, there are a 12 lb dog that jump six feet every two seconds. 24 hr a day

    2. JAlden | May 10, 2009 03:05pm | #15

      <RIP, he just passed away>Sorry to hear that.

      1. peteshlagor | May 10, 2009 04:27pm | #18

        I'm impressed with yours and Drozer's reading abilities. 

        I know I slipped the comment in carefully, but,...

         

        Shid.  He was the best dog.  I just can't talk about it now.

         

         

        Edited 5/10/2009 9:27 am by peteshlagor

    3. drozer | May 10, 2009 03:17pm | #17

      i made a comment about your neighbor's dogs in my post above, trying to be funny.

      when i posted it, i noticed JAlden's condolences.

      i missed that part in your original post.  sorry.

      last thing you need, or deserve, is some #### being clever.

      again, my apologies, and my own condolences.

    4. User avater
      SteveInCleveland | May 11, 2009 05:34pm | #29

      I will ship my neighbor''s pit bull to you today to eradicate your neighbor's dogs.  :)

      You then have my permission to keep the pit bull.

      I'm sorry that your dog died.  I had my first dog from the time I was 4 until I was 23 (19 years!).  We finally had the vet put him down when he started to suffer.  He even got shot with a 22 in the shoulder when he was 1-1/2 years old (we grew up in a rough area).  Still had the bullet lodged in his shoulder when he died.

      Everything dog I've ever had has been free, and most have been strays we have rescued.  All great dogs.

       

       

       

      "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words."  - St. Francis of Assisi

      No, I didn't vote for him; but he IS my president.  I pray for the his safety, and the safety of his family every day.  And I pray that he makes wise decisions.

      Edited 5/11/2009 10:41 am ET by SteveInCleveland

  7. Henley | May 10, 2009 06:08am | #10

    If your the type of guy that likes to throw the ball six
    hundred and ninety five times, then they are the dog for you.

    But they will definitely bring it back for the six hundred ninety
    sixth time...

    1. User avater
      Dam_inspector | May 10, 2009 06:19am | #11

      I had two different neighbors who owned the house next door. The first one had a Labrador Retriever. It ate up many parts of the house, but he liked to play ball. He threw his ball over the fence and hit me upside the head once.The next neighbor had a Jack Russel. The Jack Russel was just as bad. I think I permanently injured my shoulder and elbow throwing balls to those dogs.

  8. User avater
    intrepidcat | May 10, 2009 06:25am | #12

    I got introduced to the JRT through an acquaintance who was very involved in the timber industry and later the media in East Texas years ago. These dogs are great if you can spend hours with them also daily.

     

    Otherwise get something else.

     

     

     

     

    "If you have enough energy you can solve a lot of other problems." - Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway.

    We have an abundant supply of domestic natural gas. Let's get busy solving problems.

  9. oldbeachbum | May 10, 2009 09:17am | #13

    friend of mine had a JRT....a real escape artist that one was........if water could get through something that dog could follow.......................

     

    rescue a good candidate from the local pound.........all types, breeds, and personalities there......

     

    I'm not flippin' you off.........just counting cubits

  10. Pelipeth | May 10, 2009 01:34pm | #14

    Go with the Jack Russell, it's been my experience with them, great all around dog in a small package. Large dog mind, ie; swimmers, frisbee catching etc. Stay away from the beagles at all costs........

    1. drozer | May 10, 2009 03:09pm | #16

      thanks all.

      posted this to sg, hopefully she'll chime in.

      i know that small(er) dogs are energetic, but at least the wagging tail won't sweep everything off my coffee table.

      i have a friend who breeds nova scotia duck tolling retrievers, one of them fancy dogs, so she's kind of hooked up in the doggie scene, and she is looking for a breeder who breeds for tempermant/companionship, rather than show.

      i've heard good things about the 'oodles- and being without a dog or cat for 2 yrs i can tell you, i'm not missing everything, myself incuded, being covered in hair, so that's a plus. 

      pelipeth, when you say stay away from the beagles, did you mean the pocket ones?  'cuz i mentioned my last dog was a pure bred field beagle, and it was great.  (i can't brag about my own breeding, so i bragged about the dogs.) 

      when we first moved here 12 yrs ago,  the lady down the street had 2 rescued racing greyhounds- well they were from FLA, so i guess that would be grayhound.  she really liked my son, who was 7 at the time.  we were playing outside, and she came over and asked if we wanted a dog.  my son started levitating, as you can imagine, but i was skeptical, and asked if she meant one of her rescues.  and she said no, her sister out in the country breeds beagles, owed her a favour, and she wanted to gift my son with a dog.  when we went to pick it up, the BIL was pissed, telling me- i'm not in the business of giving these things away.  but we ended up with a $600 dog, and the only condition was that we had to get her fixed, so as not to breed her ourselves.

      to the poster with the three yappers next door.  WTF?  there is no way i would let a dog's puruit of happiness get in the way of my own, and i'm canadian.

      anywho... thanks for all the replies.

      i wish there was a dog library, where i could borrow one a week, or a dog lot, where i could test drive 'em. 

      ps- what was that movie where the captain of a submarine had a jack russell terrier?  i mean, if one can live on a sub... 

      1. brownbagg | May 10, 2009 04:33pm | #19

        my secetray has a male weiny dog, about once a month, for a weekend, she send him to my house to babysit.so she can have some quiet time.

      2. splintergroupie | May 11, 2009 05:00am | #23

        I'm not a fan of purebreds, so my opinion may be useless. The purebreds i know, or know about, have far more skeletal deformities, predisposition to disease, and less mental acuity on average than the mutts i deal with. AKC registration is absolutely no guarantee of beneficial breeding; the AKC only cares about registering the blood lines, for a price. A puppy mill near me was pumping out AKC-registered dogs in fetid conditions, selling all they could produce through pet stores. I'm presently fostering a middle-aged Labrador who can barely climb the six stairs to the deck bec of hip dysplasia.http://www.canismajor.com/dog/akc.htmlBreed traits aren't ironclad indicators of individual animals, but the various breeds exist, of course, bec certain traits were desired. This makes sense in a working dog, but may work against a companion animal. Also, smallness is no guarantee of docility, lethal tail aside; a Pomeranian killed its family's new baby a few years ago...probably thought it was doing the owners a favor, sadly. My SiL had a JRT who tore up and down his flat, barking its head off, whenever anyone would open/close a door anywhere in the building. That territorial protection in an apt. building was maddening. He fitted her with a bark collar, which she learned to swivel around her neck so that the prongs couldn't feel her vocal cords vibrate and she could still bark non-stop. Ask yourself if you want a dog smarter than you are! As for trying a dog out, i have great news for you: all the shelters i work with will do this bec they want good matches, not just to place dogs. There are two ways to go: you can sign up to foster animals to socialize them, which often ends up with people falling in love with a foster dog, but no strings if the match doesn't work. The other way is to go to the shelter, spend time in their playpen until you find a likely candidate, then adopt. The shelters i work with actually have you sign a statement promising to bring the animal back if it doesn't work out. Depending on circumstances, they may let you take another dog in its stead. I strongly urge you to check out PETFINDER.COM (I would have done a search for you, but i don't know your province.) Please, please look at shelters first, instead of breeders. The AR person in me hates the idea of animal slavery, but the Scrooge in me can't fathom paying $600 to a breeder when millions of great companions are on Death Row through no fault of their own. I tried out my present dog through fostering her to begin with. She's a border collie x Labrador who both herds and fetches, with the Lab's soft mouth and BC's intelligence. Rough-housing with her is interesting without ending in tears. I agree with others here that cross-breeding helps take the stupid out.Good luck and don't forget to post pictures...

        1. User avater
          Dam_inspector | May 11, 2009 05:12am | #24

          My neighbor captured a starving big brown dog that had been running around the neighborhood for a couple weeks. Looked like it might be a couple years old.Dumped I'm sure, no collar. She said it was so happy to get a leash and collar on and some good food, but it had to go to the shelter because she could not keep it. The animal control officer took him away with his tail wagging like crazy. Robin said she will keep checking up on him, but I don't hold much hope for him getting adopted. So many people here can't afford their pets anymore, the unemployment here is astonomical. The humane society is providing dog food for some people to assist them in holding onto their pets.Right now I can't imagine buying a breeder puppy.

          1. splintergroupie | May 11, 2009 05:35am | #25

            I talked to my vet yesterday bec i asked him for help taking the matted shell off a very unhappy cat. We had to put her out to get it off...anyway, the extremely happy news he relayed was that the spay/neuter program is suddenly resulting in almost no puppies available at the local shelter for adoption! The shelter has been taking the overflow from other shelters in northwest MT and down in Salmon, ID, that don't have such a robust program as we have.Last stats i'd seen, since the S/N program began, the numbers of adoptable dogs and cats stayed steady while our population increased tremendously - we were the fastest growing county in the nation at one point in the mid-90s - but this was the first indication that we're really impacting not only the mentality about breeding, but even the feral population. It's pretty thrilling! Only took five l-o-n-g years and many thousands of volunteer hours, plus one extremely dedicated vet and his wife. Wanna see the cat we clipped? I wish i had a picture of the solid shell we removed...looked like a toupee designed by Donald Trump. She's stopped drawing blood and started purring today...tough customer, this one.

          2. User avater
            Dam_inspector | May 11, 2009 05:46am | #26

            I would be embarassed if I was a cat and had that haircut. Hope it grows in soon. My ex has several feral cats that she has been feeding. She's going to have them trapped for their own good. One is a beautiful blue eyed tiger striped and spotted tomcat, he runs from everyone but her, but he will let her pet him. She hopes to tame him.

          3. splintergroupie | May 11, 2009 07:53am | #27

            This one is very old - wondering if it might have been kinder to put her to sleep. It took about 36 hours for her to come out of the anesthesia, but she's eating really well, so life goes on. I've resolved to ask her human if i can have her; i'm sure he'll agree. Her days aren't long and i'd like her to die happy.

        2. drozer | May 12, 2009 11:25pm | #31

          thanks for taking the time to reply.

          will check out petfinder.

          kinda lost me when you used "animal slavery" and "companions" in the same sentence.  (by the by, have you heard about the people who don't keep houseplants, and abhor those who do, as it's a form of slavery?)

          and since i had my own kid, rather than adopting, i'm not gonna sweat buying a dog rather than adopting. 

          "the cut worm forgives the plough"- wm. blake

          1. splintergroupie | May 12, 2009 11:41pm | #33

            I had a kid, but it didn't work out. Luckily i still had the receipt so i returned it and they credited my card.What's that about houseplants in bondage? Are you talking about hosta-ges?

          2. oldbeachbum | May 13, 2009 12:55am | #35

             

            shhhhhh................................don't say salad too loud       they might start wigglin' n screamin' 

            I'm not flippin' you off.........just counting cubits

        3. DaveRicheson | May 13, 2009 07:16pm | #40

          The purebreds i know, or know about, have far more skeletal deformities, predisposition to disease, and less mental acuity on average than the mutts i deal with. AKC registration is absolutely no guarantee of beneficial breeding; the AKC only cares about registering the blood lines, for a price

          I don't really know how to reply to that statement.

          I mean on offense and respect your opinion and experience tremendously, but that is way to broad a brush to paint purbred breeders with.

          DW and I have owned, trained, showed, and bred pure bred dogs for over twenty years. We are not a puppy mill (4 liters in 20 yrs), and I would go so far as to say that our facility is nicer than many of the homes and shelters that some dogs end up in.

          I somewhat agree with your accessment of the AKC but not totally. It is a far from perfect organization and gives the appearance of being a money driven orge. However given the chance and proof, the AKC will make every effort to shut down operation like you described.

          Local kennel clubs and breed specific clubs support rescue efforts too. I think if you talk to any of the people involved in breed rescue, you will find them as caring and compassionate about the animals as anyone, anywhere.

          Yes many breeds have developed physical issue, but they are far from the norm. OFA and PennHip certications are no guarantee that the parents won't throw a displaxstic liter, but they are certainly better not even trying to control a breeding program.

          Conscientious breeders do exist in every breed. I have met hundreds of them over the past twenty years. We make a sport of the show completion. Everything from conformation ,to agility, obedience, herding, tracking and even good citizenship becomes platues of achievement for both the dogs and owners that choose to participate. That does not make us any less passionate or compassionate  about our dogs either. Sometimes the competitiveness in the people will compromise their ethics but that is not the norm. Most want to improve and advance their breed through selective breeding programs.

          There is no fortune being made in breeding purebred dogs. Breeders seldom recover their investment even if they could sell every pup they bred as show quality animals, which they do not do. Virtually any breeder will tell you that there are two different price levels for purebreds. Show and pet quality animals are all assessed and sold as such. 

          If you get the chance pick up a copy of "Angel Animals With A Job". If you can't find the small book, e-mail me at

          [email protected]

          I'll send you a copy. The story of my wife and her therapy dog are in that little book of short stories.

          I am proud of her and all that she has accomplished with our animals over the last 22 years.

          Please don't paint all of us "purebred  dog" people with a soiled brush.

          1. McPlumb | May 14, 2009 02:49am | #43

            Well said.

            We have Shetland Sheepdogs, she's been involved with them just over 40 years.

            We are active members of our kennel club

            Any dog born here can always come back no questions asked.

            It's gratifing when people call and tell you how much they enjoyed their dog who recently passed at age 13,14,or15 and want to know when they can come look at a puppy.

            It's good to know there are still many people with a good sound practical veiw of the dog world.

          2. JAlden | May 14, 2009 09:24pm | #50

            We have two Shelties. Both from the same breeder, Barbara Thompson.My older one is 13 and in great shape and I know it's from good breeding and good genetics.I wanted to suggest them to the OP but he didn't really ask. I guess I just did though.

          3. splintergroupie | May 14, 2009 08:15am | #44

            Dave, i mentioned the dogs i've known, and it's true that i don't associate with the competitive show people like yourself. My experience is with puppy mills, low-income spay-neuter non-profits, and humane shelters. I've seen AKC registration go to hell holes like the puppy mill we got shut down near my house. The post following yours bears an interesting note about a breeder who affirmed a JRT was "purebred", when it appears the dog's conformation, at least, is all wrong. At the S/N clinic, we operated on litter after litter of pups from backyard breeders, including scads of pits and rotties. A-holes would bring in the ones they were going to sell after getting us to alter the pups for free (our deal: pay for spaying the Mum and we'd do the litter gratis), then hold back a female puppy to continue breeding the first time she came in heat.Check out petfinder...there are all kinds of "purebred" dogs online who have a slim chance of being adopted and a near-certainty of being shell-shocked by shelter conditions. They'll likely be euthanized bec someone misjudged exactly how much money there is in breeding. You say breeders help with breed rescue, but i just wanna smack ya and ask, "YEAH, DUH! HOW'D THAT HAPPEN????" I'm really sick of seeing healthy, loving dogs get the needle bec there aren't enough homes bec someone had to have a status symbol of a "purebred" dog, then ditched them when problems arose. I'm not saying your dogs have it bad. I'm saying that you still contribute to pet overpopulation and that it's really hard for a layperson to tell the difference between the breeders like yourself who have the animal's welfare in mind along with the dollar signs in their eyes, and those who have ONLY dollar signs in their eyes.I'm fostering one of those "purebred" Labs right now, an enormous dog who can barely get his hind end off the floor, or pull himself up the six steps to come in the house, bec of hip dysplasia and an elbow turned out strangely, too. He's a lovely animal, not fat, not that old, a great spirit, but in the likely event his owner doesn't get over his kidney failure, that dog's going to get the needle because of his purebred-ness. It looks a little different down here at the low end of humanity compared to the show-dog end of things. In my observation, breed-specific issues ARE the norm. My neighbors shot their Westie bed of his HERDITARY skin problems, which is the largest reason for the abandonment of dogs of that breed. Then they bought another one. I suppose they'll eventually shoot that one, too, if genetics is any guide. I assume the booklet you mentioned has to do with animals helping people with health/emotional issues, as in Angel Animals Network. I've no doubt your wife would have done a similarly excellent job with a shelter mutt and saved a life in the process.Understand that i'm not accusing you and your wife of abuse, but you might reconsider those four litters a little differently if you spent a weekend at a mass spay/neuter clinic when i'm anesthetizing dogs as fast as i can get a needle in them and a tube down their throats. It's small consolation to those shelter workers charged with euthanizing unwanted pets that someone, once upon a time, had good intentions when they bred its mother.

            Edited 5/14/2009 1:20 am by splintergroupie

          4. DaveRicheson | May 14, 2009 01:35pm | #45

            Back yard breeders and puppy mills are the scourge of all dog lovers. So to is the unethical conduct of some, but far from all, owner/breeders in the dog show world.

            Whether motivated by money or an unreasonable drive to win at any cost, or an ego extension problem, the behavior is deviant IMO. But, then that type of behavior is not confined to just dogs is it? Sports, business, politics and even religion all have their share of individuals the tarnish the image of all that participate in a particular endeavor.

            If we ever have a cure for deviant human behavior the world would be a better place wouldn't it.

            Try looking up a specific breed club in you area and contact the rescue person for the club nearest you. I think you will be surprised at just how hard they will work and how far they will go to help you save one of their dogs. There is literally a loosely operated network of volunteers that can move a dog all the way across the country to get it to an adoptive home. Their passion for animals is equal to your own and the people you work with, but because you only see the dirty under belly of the the show world, you are maligning all of us that do care.

          5. splintergroupie | May 14, 2009 08:08pm | #47

            <<Try looking up a specific breed club in you area and contact the rescue person for the club nearest you.>>Done, repeatedly. I've personally spent hours on the phone trying to place a Staffordshire terrier too loving to be killed and too much a Staffy to remain here and kill again. Everybody was completely full up, burnt out, and can't/won't help anymore. They have to work hard at the job because dogs are a dime a dozen, if you don't count the bullet or the pento. There are dozens of sad endings for every one who gets adopted after a heroic life-saving effort, i still maintain that breeding for pleasure is an inherently corrupt activity. It can be done better and worse, but the comparison is like creative accounting compared to shaking old ladies down for quarters.As far as breed clubs going the extra mile...there are similar heroic efforts involved in placing mutts, too, but it's not part of the ego extension service that selective breeding, by its nature, is. A person doesn't need to mistreat a particular dog; a very loving pet breeder can nevertheless be responsible for a lot of misery in Canine Land.Greyhounds...there was a case in Florida in 2002, where Robert Rhodes' property was covered in approx. 3000 greyhound carcasses of dogs who ran for their lives and were a little too slow. Now there's a breeding program that's simple and direct.Great Pyrs are another breed that makes cuddly-looking puppies that sell well, but can be haughty as a house dog; now we see lots of them chained to trees. After "101 Dalmatians" came out, the shelters were chockablock with spotted dogs that the pet stores neglected to tell buyers become easily bored and destructive, or they've have to spend a fortune on genetically flawed skin, or that the short-haired breeds suffer in our climate. I could go on and on...already have, haven't i? :^(I wish to affirm that i don't think you mistreat particular dogs, but that there's no way to add 8 or 8000 dogs to the load we're already facing of unwanted animals and not be part of the problem.

          6. DaveRicheson | May 14, 2009 10:27pm | #51

            but that there's no way to add 8 or 8000 dogs to the load we're already facing of unwanted animals and not be part of the problem.

             So you suggesting that all purebred breeders just stop it?

            Irresponsibile breeding is a problem. I admit that.

            Irresponsibile pet owners, however, are a bigger problem.

             

          7. sisyphus | May 14, 2009 11:42pm | #52

            It is sad to see what popularity has led to in some breeds. I think that recently in the UK the kennel society (?) said it was going to take functionality into consideration when awarding prizes etc. Basically the dog would have to be able to perform what the breed was originally meant to do. I would hope that all AHJs take a similar attitude as well as all breeders. Good health and temperment should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of an aesthetic.

             Intelligent design optimizes function and form.

             

            Edited 5/14/2009 4:43 pm ET by sisyphus

          8. DaveRicheson | May 15, 2009 01:34pm | #57

            I couldn't agree more.

            Most pure bred breeds, but not all, were developed over years because they served  a purpose for their human owners. Herding,Working, Hounds, and Tarrier Group dogs all had jobs. Each particular breed within a group came from different specific needs, the country of origin and the original wild stock that did the job because they had a high natural instnct or trait to do it well. The old breed standards were written to decribe the best characteristics of what the breed did and looked like (conformation).

            I most cases for did indeed follow function and early judgeing was done on how well the dog did the job it was bred for as well as close it came to meeting the conformation standards.

            Some place along the way "typyness" got a higher place in the order of things than function. Being pretty ment more than being able to to do the jobs they were bred for. Money, breed club politics, and egos all had a negative  effect on many breeds IMO. Health and behavior problems develope in many breeds because in the efort to achieve the "type" currenty winning championships breeder began line breeding to tightly. The results were things like Irish Setters that were so stupid they could began to do their jobs, or German Shepherds that can't climb a hill because their hips won't hold up. The list touches almost every breed in some way.

            But in spite of all that there are still breeders out there that are trying to rid their breeds of those problems with long term selective breeding programs that will produce animals that are healthy, and have breed characteristic that allow them to do what they are suppose to do.

          9. splintergroupie | May 15, 2009 12:13am | #53

            In a perfect world, i'd like to see animals valued for their company and, if a working dog, its abilities, not some goofy human need for glamour and/or money. I know someone breeding bull dogs to Shih-Tzus just so she can market them as "bullshihts" to other trailer trash like herself. No, it isn't an AKC-registered "brand" - yet - but her mentality is no different from someone breeding, say, Shar-Peis or French Bulldogs. Shar-Peis got AKC registration in 1991; however, a spotted tongue is a major fault, while a pink tongue is a full disqualification. Tell me what that has to do with "improving the breed"? What happens to non-conforming puppies?For anyone following along, here's a concise article on the kinds of problems that get bred INTO a breed while in pursuit of human ideas of perfection. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/selective-breeding-problems/1281/Irresponsible breeders are not as big a problem as irresponsible pet owners, you say? If you consider cause and effect, without all those litters to make all that easy money, or to teach the kids about the "miracle of birth" before they dump the litter on the shelter, the pet owners would be a lot better vetted bec the supply of potential pets would be lower. Once you think of a living, breathing animal as so much ore to be high-graded, or a fashion accessory, the door is wide open to abuse. We're talking differences of degree, not kind. I met a wolf in Redondo Beach who lived in a chicken-wire cage so his wacko artist owner could talk about owning one. There's a woman breeding bobcats for sale in the next town up the river from me. We had to put up signs around the valley and call people with ads in the classifieds to plead with folks not to allow their "free to good home" litters to be "adopted" wholesale, bec some other competitive types of breeders, who aren't in your social circles, were collecting the kittens and puppies in an effort to "improve" their fighting dogs.

        4. seeyou | May 14, 2009 08:36pm | #48

           I agree with others here that cross-breeding helps take the stupid out.

          So if a Republican and a Democrat.................No, never mind. It'll never work.http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

          1. splintergroupie | May 14, 2009 09:03pm | #49

            I like it! We might get a new breed of Independents willing to work hard and still think for themselves!

          2. PedroTheMule | May 15, 2009 03:32am | #54

            Hi seeyou,

             

             I agree with others here that cross-breeding helps take the stupid out.

            So if a Republican and a Democrat.................No, never mind. It'll never work.

            You're correct....you learned well from your mama.....two wrongs don't make a right!

            Pedro the Mule - I'm with the Liberindeconsti Party - It means I am at liberty to independently have a constituional without having it approved by either Republicould nor Democrap voting on it.

          3. MisterT | May 15, 2009 03:45am | #55

            why would a democrat want to sex with someone who thinks foreplay is going to an ATM???.
            .
            "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
            .
            .
            .
            If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
            .
            .
            .
            according to statistical analysis, "for some time now, bears apparently have been going to the bathroom in the woods."

      3. DaveRicheson | May 13, 2009 04:08pm | #38

         wish there was a dog library, where i could borrow one a week, or a dog lot, where i could test drive 'em. 

        I just found this thread, read this far and had to comment on the above statement. Take a look at this site:

        http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm

        You can't borrow a dog for a week, but you can read about any purebred  breed that might catch your interest.

         All of the breeds were developed for specific purposes over many years. The characteristic of each breed, conformation, temperament, and instinct are for the most part a reflection of the breeds development. Read the literature on as many different breeds as you like, and then decide what type not only fits you environment but also your lifestyle and personality.

        As long time show people and breeders of Cardigan Welsh Corgis, I will tell you that we interview potential owners of our puppies. We access the pups for character traits as well as conformation and then we make a best effort to find an owner that will be a perfect fit for our animals. If we don't feel the fit is right or the pup is ever going to be a problem dog or become a burden on some family, they stay with us. We give honest  assement and honest help  to anyone interested in our breed. We also ask that we retain the right of "first return" for any dog we place.

        As you know, dogs become a huge emotional investment and that it soon becomes a two way street. Both you and the pet you choose deserve the time and effort it takes to make the best possible choice.

  11. andybuildz | May 10, 2009 05:31pm | #20

    I had a Jack Russell...I wouldn't recommend one if you have small kids.

    We had her a cpl of years b/4 my youngest daughter was born and had to get rid of the dog b/c she was too unpredictable when it came to nipping.

    She never nipped at us but.....I wouldn't ever put it past her to do it out of the clear blue.

    She was as nice as pie..until she decided to nip and you never knew when that was coming. She was as laid back a dog as you could find..until she wasn't. I find them...at least the one I had a bit unpredictable.

    That jumping up and down constantly might be a sign of their fidgetiness

     

     

     

    http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

    http://www.ramdass.org

     

  12. dug | May 10, 2009 06:18pm | #21

      Drozer,

         We have always had cattle dogs.  Blue Heelers, Austrailian Sheperds, Border Collies, over the years we had them all and most all of them have been great dogs.We still have some.

      BUT.. last year my wife and kids decided they wanted a small house dog. By chance someone gave us a Jack- Chi puppy. This is a Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix.

      This turned out to be a great dog. I think mixing the breeds gets you the best of both worlds. This dog will sleep or play, it really does'nt seem to matter to him. If there is something going on he is right in the middle of it, if not, he will take a nap.

      He is about 5 or 6 lbs of pure muscle but he thinks he is abour 50 lbs. Scared of nothing.

       dug

    1. Henley | May 10, 2009 10:47pm | #22

      << He is about 5 or 6 lbs of pure muscle but he thinks he is about 50 lbs. Scared of nothing.>> My old dog only got licked once. She was Alfa female from hell. Malamute/wolf queen of the roost! Till Slim, that teacup miniature Doberman/Chihuahua walked into the bar. That hairy monster hid under my chair tail tucked, all night.

      1. dug | May 11, 2009 05:47pm | #30

        Thats funny

  13. PedroTheMule | May 11, 2009 05:22pm | #28

    Hi drozer,

    anyone hear own one?  i've heard they can be a real PITA, but the dog on frasier was a jrt, so they must be trainable.

    Yes they're trainable.....they can jump to 64' in 128 days.....simply add 6" to your fence per day......a friend had a 10' privacy fence....his jrt was out of it daily....had no idea how until he set up the camera one day.....crazy dog ran wide open at the fence, jumped to the mid section cross support at about 5', sprung up from there to the top cross support and over the fence he was.....never could get back in since it was all smooth vertical fence from there....once out he would run laps around the house barking the whole time trying to figure out how to get back in......finally Bill left the fence gate open......the dog would run in the gate, jump/climb the fence, run back in the gate, jump/climb well you get the idea....for hours.......every jrt I've ever seen was spastic like that.....strange breed.....same goes for the owners......those that love jrt's are a match made in heaven.....not putting down the dogs or their owners.....too each his own.....I'm a hound dog lover.....layed back until it's time to go then I'm wide open......

    Always had big ol' coon dogs and one blood hound/doberman mix that thought he was a happy go lucky human......used to take him out to one of our farms and let him run all day chasing imaginary deer.....as we left on the two mile dirt road, he'd run beside the truck at 28 mph never letting up......we'd stop as we came to the main road and let him in....he'd sleep for two days....

    Ended up adopting something different the vet had...one of their customers had seen someone pull over and dump this one on the side of the road....picture attached.....been the best dog I've ever owned.....it's a "Feist"....bread for squirrels. They come in an amazing combination of colors and have a wide variety of facial features but in general they're all around 20-25 pounds. I know three other folks with the same breed and their experience is precisely what we've enjoyed.....

    1. Very quiet   2. Loving   3. At 20-25 lbs they're a little big to be a lap dog but they don't mind nor do they let it stop them 4. Sleep 20 hrs a day unless you're going somewhere, then they'll keep up with you as long as you can hold out  5. Although normally very quiet, sound like a 250 lb bruiser when they do bark  6. Tolerant and make people friends easily but will protect family if absolutely necessary  7. smart  8. smart  9. smart  10. Not simply a one owner dog....very family oriented and their personality blends with each member.....ours will play tug of war with our daughter all day but instantly drops it if I try to get involved.....but she'll sleep for hours in my lap and no one else.....she follows the wife all over the house and returns to sleep in her bed once she knows my wife is safe 11. Only time she looses her brain is when she see's a squirrel....she follows every command every time without fail except when she see's a squirrel, not a problem for us as far out in the country as we are but do leash them if you have squirrels located across a busy street, matter of fact she's so smart she won't even tug at the leash when she see's a squirrel but won't stop for anything if not leashed and a squirrel is spotted.

    Attached is a pic of Whisper this past fall....almost 10 yrs old

    Pedro the Mule - Love my hiking dog

    1. drozer | May 12, 2009 11:28pm | #32

      wow.  my own reply from pedro.  always appreciate your posts.

      that's a fine looking dog.

      1. PedroTheMule | May 13, 2009 07:11am | #36

        Hi drozer,

        wow.  my own reply from pedro.  always appreciate your posts.

        Heheheh ya got my mule head swellin'.....now it'll never fit through the harness

        that's a fine looking dog.

        Luv her ta death.....some of the prettiest markings I've ever seen and she knows how to use those baby brown eyes to plead her case.....sometimes she wins but not often enough to expect it.

        Pedro the Mule - well if my eyes were brown like that you'd say I was full of it so what do my oceanic eyes say?

        1. brownbagg | May 13, 2009 01:44pm | #37

          I was full of it so what do my oceanic eyes say?that you got water on the brain

          1. PedroTheMule | May 13, 2009 11:05pm | #42

            Hi brownbagg,

            that you got water on the brain

            That explains almost everything!

            Pedro the Mule - Now if I can only explain the rest - I tend to pull the conservative plow hard hard right

  14. webted | May 13, 2009 12:26am | #34

    It may seem crazy, but you might want to consider a greyhound - especially a retired racer. There are lots of "retired racer" placement orgs out there.

    They're sometimes known as the 60MPH couch potato. You should look into it - a small house or apartment with an enclosed yard goes 90+% towards meeting their needs. Gentle, quiet affection is what they bring to the table.

    -t

  15. User avater
    aimless | May 13, 2009 06:54pm | #39

    My uncle had a JRT. It was a very energetic dog that needed LOTS of exercise. Taking him for a run or a hike he'd go 3 miles for every mile of mine, plus the bouncing (hence his name, Tigger). After my uncle passed away and Tigger didn't get his 7 (21 dog) miles a day in that energy changed into a negative. He became snarly, unstable and bit some people. Terriers have strong jaws. 

      Obviously you can't judge an entire breed by one dog, but because of Tigger I think of JRT as very high energy, one owner dogs. Even when my uncle was a live the dog was not great with guests.

       

  16. RussW | May 13, 2009 08:15pm | #41

    My wife and I got a JRT about 6 years ago.  He was 5 at the time.  Most people are shocked at how calm he is.  This is not normal for a JRT, as the other responses have said.  I was told by the breeder that he was pure bred, but he does seem a lot like an Irishjack (check Wiki) both in temperment and looks - he has short legs, and his front legs are even a bit shorter because they are splayed.

    He will not bite people or children, even when provoked.  He will chase, kill and eat rabbits and mice.  He is aggressive with other dogs, but is fine if introduced properly.

    He can run for hours (even at 11 years old - you can see through the fur, he is very muscular) or he can lay around all day.  Very laid back.  Kinda dumb, but wants to obey, as soon as he can figure out what you want.

    Best dog I've ever had, by a long shot.  Everyone who meets him loves him.

    That said, I second the notion of adopting a dog, hopefully a laid back one, if you live in an apartment.  Maybe an older dog?  One that you can get a better idea of what they are like, as opposed to a puppy?  Since our dog belonged to some friends of ours before we got him, we knew what we were getting....

     

    russ

  17. user-201496 | May 14, 2009 06:05pm | #46

    We got a Yorkshire puppy about 2 years ago. What a great dog. She weighs about 5 pounds and rarely barks except if you tease her with her ball! They don't shed either. I would have another one in a minute. She is a very loyal pet.

  18. Southbay | May 15, 2009 04:24am | #56

    We have Red. Doubles as a pillow or hassock for TV. Does pull a bit on walks, and isn't too friendly with other dogs that bark at him. Very nice with people and kids. Likes roast beef au jus.



    Edited 5/14/2009 10:11 pm ET by Southbay

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Two Ways to Test Windows

New devices showcased at the Builders' Show make it easy to measure glass performance, u-factor, SHGC, window thickness, and more.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial
  • Modern and Minimal in the Woods
  • Bryce Hollingsworth, Dry-Stone Waller

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data