If you’re looking at getting a Jack Russell, then there are a few things that you should know about. I have 3 Jack Russells in my house, and despite being an experienced dog owner, I often find myself being busy taking care of them.
Don’t get me wrong, they are amazing pets. But the following question begs to be asked: Are Jack Russells high maintenance?
Join me as I take a look.
Are Jack Russells High Maintenance?
Yes, Jack Russells are high maintenance because they require frequent attention. They require daily exercise to be healthy and happy, and you also can’t leave them alone for too long. While they don’t have specific grooming needs, they do shed a lot which means you will be cleaning up after them. They are not aggressive by nature, but they can be aggressive towards other dogs if not socialized properly and they are also known to chase small animals.
Why Are Jack Russells High Maintenance?
Let’s have a look at exactly why Jack Russells are considered to be high maintenance.
1.) They require daily exercise
If you don’t give a Jack Russell regular exercise to be happy and healthy. If they don’t get regular exercise they tend to get bored, and this can lead to them displaying destructive behavior.
2.) You can’t leave them alone for long
It is not recommended to leave them alone for long periods of time. This can cause them to develop issues such as anxiety that can lead to aggression. However, this depends on the age of your Jack Russell. Puppies under a year should not be left alone for more than 2 hours at a time, and adult Jack Russells can safely be left alone for up to 6 hours.
3.) They shed a lot
Unfortunately, Jack Russells shed a lot and you will often find yourself cleaning the furniture or changing the bed covers if you allow your Jack Russell to jump onto it.
4.) They like to chase small animals
Before they are trained, many Jack Russell terriers will want to chase other animals, such as squirrels. It is important for owners to train their dogs from a young age so that they can get the attention they need without causing a lot of havoc for other animals.
5.) They have a very sensitive nature
My Jack Russell, Nestle, can be very sensitive to things such as loud noises. If she hears someone scream, she gets anxious and she will immediately start to pant. Many Jack Russells can display this type of behavior so you need to be close to comfort them when they get anxious or stressed.
6.) They can be aggressive towards other dogs
Jack Russells are not aggressive by nature, but they can be aggressive towards other dogs if they are not properly introduced at a young age. If properly socialized, they can be great companions to quite a variety of dogs.
7.) They are susceptible to arthritis and dental issues
As Jack Russells get older, they are susceptible to both arthritis and dental issues. It is therefore important for owners to brush their dog’s teeth regularly and keep track of any health concerns in order to treat them before they become worse.
8.) They can dig up your yard
Jack Russell Terriers have a tendency to dig or are prone to digging. When they’re young, they’ll often dig as a form of exercise because they were never taught there are better ways to burn energy than to dig.
9.) They can bark a lot
Jack Russells can bark a lot and this is because they have a very protective nature. If they sense any danger or a threat to their owners, then they will bark in an attempt to protect their owners.
Do Jack Russells Make Good Pets?
Yes, absolutely. Jack Russells make great pets because they form a very strong bond with their owners and will always be loyal to them. They can get along with kids and other pets in your home if they are socialized and properly introduced at a young age. Jack Russells are also very intelligent which means they are easy to train.
Conclusion
As you can see, Jack Russells are quite high maintenance. This is not to say that they don’t make good pets. In fact, I would argue the opposite. They are loveable creatures with so much personality and they make amazing pets.
If you’re a first-time dog owner then I suggest that you do your homework before adopting a Jack Russell. Make sure that you can spend the amount of time with them that they require, and make sure that you can provide them with the living environment that they require as well.
