As a dog owner, you will know very well that if you get one dog, you will more than likely want one more. I don’t blame you. In fact, I have 4 dogs, and 3 of them are Jack Russells.
Jack Russells are truly unique creatures with so many personalities and quirks.
But do they get along with other dogs, and if so, which breed of dog will be a good companion for them?
Join me as I take a look.
Are Jack Russells good with other dogs?
Yes, Jack Russells can be good with other dogs when they are introduced and socialized around them at a young age. They make excellent house pets and can be great companions to other dogs that you already have in your household, or with dogs that you are planning on introducing into your home.
Dog Breeds That Get Along With Jack Russells
Let’s have a look at 10 dog breeds that will be excellent companions to your Jack Russell.
Maltese
Cute, alert, intelligent, and easy to train; the Maltese makes a wonderful house pet. Maltese will enjoy the company of other dogs although they tend to be slightly timid around large dogs.
They are great with most children not minding their rough play but do need to be socialized well with them as puppies.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is fiercely loyal and devoted to its family and won’t tolerate being left alone for long. It needs to establish a relationship of mutual respect with its owner early on as an adult.
Since the Siberian Husky adores people, it generally does very well around strangers and other dogs, including Jack Russells, if properly socialized while young.
Poodle
Poodles are smart, affectionate, and friendly dogs. They are easy to get along with and enjoy spending time with their family.
They make good companions for other dogs because of their friendliness and obedience. This breed is lively, curious, and good nature, but they don’t like to be left alone. They need an active family, training, and exercise to be happy.
Shih-Tzu
Shih-Tzu is a wonderful family-oriented, friendly, and easy-to-socialize dog. These dogs are very lively and highly energetic, and it is important to remember that this breed needs regular exercise to keep fit and healthy.
This can be anything from long walks to a game of fetch in the yard. If they don’t get enough exercise, these dogs will become overactive and hyperactive.
Beagle
The Beagle is an active, playful dog that holds its own in a multi-dog household.
It gets along with other dogs of any size or type, including Jack Russells. Beagles have been bred to track wounded game, so they are very scent driven, and they can be prone to obsessive food hounding–behavior familiar to anyone with a Jack Russells.
They tend to love everybody and are excellent family dogs, making them good companions for the more independent Jack Russell.
Golden Retriever
A sweet, mellow dog, the Golden Retriever is exceptionally loving and devoted to its family. It also makes a great therapy dog, as it is gentle with both people and other dogs.
Its cheerful disposition makes it a favorite of many, and the Golden’s retriever abilities make it an excellent swimmer and sporting dog. A perfect companion for your Jack Russell.
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are friendly dogs, and it’s no surprise that these dogs can get along well with children. They are also very sociable towards other dogs, so they can be a good choice for a family with several pets.
Miniature Poodles have an easy character and their trainability makes them the top choice for pet owners.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembrokes are clever, easily trained dogs who have been used both as herding dogs and family pets. They may be insecure with strangers but are loyal and friendly with people they know.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis will form a strong bond with its family. As a result, this breed is happiest when living in a house with people.
Labrador
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, active dog that was originally bred to be both a working retriever and a family pet.
The Labrador is happiest when it has plenty of human interaction. This sociable dog gets along well with people and other pets when it shares the same space with them. As such, the Labrador can be a great companion for your Jack Russell.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is an intelligent, energetic dog that needs constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. These dogs are easy to train and highly obedient but quickly become bored without proper exercise and mental stimulation.
Are Jack Russells Aggressive with Other Dogs?
Yes, Jack Russell can be aggressive with other dogs. They are not aggressive by nature, but they can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs if they are not socialized at a young age.
Introducing your Jack Russell to another dog
Introducing a new dog to your Jack Russell can be fun. Your Jack Russell will love making new friends.
1.) Introduce Slowly
Introduce your Jack Russell to other dogs very slowly and gradually. It is important that they get along well before you leave them alone.
2.) Introduce On Neutral Territory
It is best to introduce your Jack Russell on neutral territory like another part of the yard. Your pets should have a place where they feel comfortable and secure.
3.) Mealtime From Different Bowls
When it’s time to feed your pets, give them their meals from separate food bowls. This helps prevent the dogs from trying to fight over the food. Once the dogs get used to each other, they can share a bowl.
4.) Monitor Frequently
It is important that you monitor your pets closely while they are getting used to each other. It is easy for a new dog and Jack Russell to accidentally hurt each other. Monitor their behavior and keep them apart until they get along well together. Once you’re sure that they got along with each other, you can allow them both free access to play together as much as possible.
5.) Give them time
When you first introduce your Jack Russell to a new dog, they may bark or growl. This is normal and a way to express that they do not know the dog. Give them both time to adjust to each other. Eventually, they will stop barking once they figure each other out.
6.) Distracting Behavior
If your dogs start showing signs of aggression towards each other, be sure to stop them. When you notice that your dogs are getting rough with one another, distract them with something like a toy or a treat so you can then keep them apart for a while.
7.) Make sure they have access to their own toys
Be sure to keep your Jack Russell’s toys in separate places and in different rooms. This way, they will not feel like they are being challenged by the new dog when it is trying to play with their toys.
Conclusion
As you can see, the process of introducing a new dog to your new Jack Russell can be stressful and fun at the same time. However, with patience and some time, both your new dog and your Jack Russell will get used to each other.
It is important that the dogs get along before you let them play with each other. This way, they are less likely to hurt one another in any way.
Start by introducing them on neutral territory like another part of the yard and slowly progress to encouraging them to play together once they are used to one another.
And most important, it is always best to introduce a new dog to your Jack Russell when your furry friend is still a pup.
