Do Jack Russells have a favorite person

Jack Russell Terriers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Jack Russell Terrier temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

If any dog can top the high energy level of a Fox Terrier, that would be a Jack Russell.

If any dog can top the hard-as-nails hunting skills of a Border Terrier, that would be a Jack Russell.

And if any dog can top the strong prey drive, determination, and intensity of a Jack Russell Terrier well, that could only be another Jack Russell.

This bright, clever, athletic breed is on top of everything that's going on in his environment. Nothing gets by him.

A solitary or sedate lifestyle is not suited to a Jack Russell Terrier. He requires full participation in the family and vigorous daily play sessions, especially ball chasing, which he tends to be passionate about even obsessive. Too little exercise, too little companionship, and too little mental stimulation will quickly lead to boredom, which will in turn lead to destructive behaviors. JRTs are not apartment dogs, nor are they suited to people who work a lot.

Most Jack Russell Terriers are happy-go-lucky and friendly with strangers. But in the presence of strange dogs, keep them close and under control. If the other dog minds its own manners, the Jack Russell will usually adhere to a "live and let live" philosphy. But some Jack Russells are so brash and fearless they will take on a Rottweiler if it even looks cross-eyed at them.

Two Jack Russell Terriers (regardless of sex or age) should never be left alone together. All may appear to go well for a while even a long while. But with this breed, a seemingly amiable relationship can suddenly flare into deadly combat over something as innocuous as possession of a chew toy. If you keep two Jack Russells, it is safest to separate them when you leave the house.

As you've probably guessed by now, small pets that run, squeak, or flutter probably won't last an hour.

The exploratory and hunting instincts of Jack Russell Terriers are legendary. These dogs will "go to ground" after anything that moves and they will stay in or by the hole for hours, even days. Obviously, JRTs are enthusiastic diggers and barkers!

The Jack Russell Terrier is highly intelligent and can learn almost anything very, very quickly. The hardest part of training a Jack Russell is convincing this cheerful but assertive little guy that he actually has to DO what he has learned, when you say so, even when he's not in the mood. Fortunately, if you are offering the correct mix of physical exercise, mental stimulation, companionship hours, and confident leadership, the Jack Russell is usually willing to oblige.

Now it is possible to find a mild-mannered, laid-back Jack Russell. When you're looking for an adult dog from a rescue group, they might have a purebred or mixed Jack Russell who is more mellow. But this temperament is not the norm for the breed, so if you get a puppy, he or she is likely to grow up to have the active go-getter temperament I've been describing.

• Is small, sturdy, and natural-looking
• Is one of the most energetic, most determined, and most intense of all breeds
• Is extremely alert and makes a keen watchdog, yet is still sociable with strangers
• When handled properly, is the brightest and most trainable of all the terriers, loves learning tricks, and EXCELS in competitive activities such as agility and flyball

A Parson Jack Russell Terrier may be right for you.

• The dynamic terrier temperament (see full description below)
• Providing plenty of exercise and interesting things to do
• Rowdiness and destructiveness when NOT given enough exercise or interesting things to do!
• Very strong chasing instincts
• Digging holes
• Barking
• Constant shedding (lots of white hairs everywhere)
• Mouthiness chewing on things, carrying things around, mouthing your hands in play
• Potential aggression toward other animals

A Parson Jack Russell Terrier may not be right for you.

Dog Breed Traits Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Jack Russells have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.

If I was considering a Jack Russell Terrier, I would be most concerned about...

1. The dynamic terrier temperament. Most terrier breeds are remarkably similar. The same words are used over and over quick to bark, quick to chase, lively, bossy, feisty, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn, persistent, impulsive, intense.
2. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Jack Russell Terriers need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. These dogs are so smart that I hate to see them in homes where they're expected to just hang around the house and yard. Jack Russells were never intended to be simply household pets. Trying to suppress their drives to hunt and explore, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, results in a frustrated and bored Jack Russell and frustrated, bored Jack Russells can "act out" in ways that you won't like.

   Jack Russell Terriers thrive when you find interesting things for them to do that challenge their minds, such as agility training (obstacle course), advanced obedience training, flyball, or "earthdog" training (where terriers dig and tunnel after small critters who are secured in a sturdy cage so they can't be harmed). See my free online training program, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words, which will keep your Jack Russell on his toes!

3. Potential animal aggression. Many Jack Russell Terriers are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs. Two Jack Russells should not be left alone together one may kill the other over possession of a toy. Most Jack Russells also have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures.
4. Fence security. Many Jack Russell Terriers are clever escape artists who will go over or under fences in search of adventure. You may need higher fences than you might imagine for their small size. They can climb chain link. You may also need to sink wire into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Gates should have the highest quality locks, as some of these dogs can open flimsy latches.
5. Constant shedding (shorthaired coat). Yes, constant. The shorthaired Jack Russell Terrier sheds year-round. You'll find little white hairs all over your clothing and furnishings. Some owners actually get rid of their Jack Russell just because of the shedding. The rough (wiry-type) coat also sheds, but its dead hairs are often trapped in the wiry coat rather than falling on the floor. But the rough coat requires more grooming.
6. Mind of their own. Though much more amenable to training than other terriers, Jack Russells must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Many Jack Russell Terriers love learning tricks, but less so the "No" command. Some Jack Russells are stubborn and bossy and you must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Follow my free online training program, Respect Training for Puppies.
7. Barking. All terrier breeds tend to be quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them.
8. Health problems. Jack Russell Terriers can suffer from serious eye diseases such as lens luxation and cataracts, joint diseases such as luxating patella, heart disease, epilepsy, and more. Read more about Jack Russell Terrier Health.

Do Jack Russells Attach To One Person? JRTs Loyalty

Jack Russells are energetic and hunting dogs. So, you may wonder if it is good to adopt Jack Russells as family dogs. They were indeed adopted for hunting foxes and rabbits above the ground and below the ground. But, there is a soft side to them too.

They need a lot of training to grow the bond between their owners. And also a lot of love and affection. Then they will grow as loyal and protective dogs. Remember, this dog breed is only for experienced dog parents!

So, do Jack Russells attach to one person? Jack Russells are cuddly dogs who always love to be with their owners. As Jack Russells are family committed dogs, they are especially attached to one person they love most. They do not like to separate from them, and they will follow that particular person everywhere he/she goes. Sometimes it may be annoying to that person, but that is the nature of the Jack Russells.

Additionally, they do not like to isolate themselves and seek love and affection every time. Sometimes, owners may face challenges due to this clinginess as they cannot stay a long period away from their Jack Russell without fulfilling several preconditions like practicing them to stay alone, allowing familiar neighbors to check on them, etc. Otherwise, it may be a reason to suffer from diseases such as separation anxiety and depression.

Read the article to find out; whether Jack Russells attach to one person or not, signs if your Jack Russell is attached to you, are Jack Russells loyal to their owners or not?, Why is your Jack Russell so possessive of you? And how do you make an attachment with your Jack Russell?.

If you think Jack Russells only possess an aggressive personality, you may change the idea at the end of the article!

Do Jack Russells attach to one person?

Jack Russells indeed have a very aggressive and stubborn personality. If they do not receive proper training, they may act like little terrorists.

But, with the right care, love, affection, and training, they will convert into lovely, loyal, and protective dogs. If you give them sufficient attention, they will obey and serve you throughout their lifetime.

Moreover, as they are energetic dog breeds, you may get attracted to them due to their very adorable ways of showing love and affection.

They will follow you wherever you go, and they get excited to see you, cuddle and play with you. Also, they will protect you from their best at any time.

As Jack Russells grow a strong bond with their owner family members, it is worthy to note that they show speciality to one person out of them. So you may have a question : do Jack Russells attach to one person? Yes, they are.

They show more love and loyalty to one person. Most probably, this person is the most committed person to the dog. He/she feeds the dog, plays with it, and trains the dog from its puppy age.

Dogs follow that person everywhere or when they sit Jack Russell lay next to his/her feet and try to be with them every time because they have a strong bond attached to that particular person.

How do you know if your jack Russell is attached to you?

So, now you know that Jack Russells are attached to one person. But, how can you know who that person is? Is that you or another person in the family?

There are several behaviors you can identify from your Jack Russell that show towards that favorite person. Check on the following facts and find out your Jack Russell is attached to you.

1. Eye-contact

When we do not like someone, usually we do not maintain eye contact with them. It is the same with the dogs too.

If Jack Russell maintains eye contact with you, that is the basic way to identify their love and trust towards you. It is the main sign of a strong and lovely bond.

2. Keeps coming to you for physical affection

Dogs like to have cuddlings, petting, snuggling, leaning, and hugs sometimes. If Jack Russell seeks more of these physical affections from you, you are its favorite human being.

So, do not hesitate to give them loads of love and affection from you.

3. Their body language is calm and relaxed in your presence

Dogs are very excited to see their favorite owner. They will jump to you or bark nonstop until you pet them for a while. But also, if your dog has a strong bond with you, they will calm down soon.

Because a calm dog represents how strong is the bond between you. If they relax and lay next to you, your dog has a strong attachment to you.

Relaxed body language of your dog include;

• A slightly open mouth, with a relaxed, lolling tongue
• Rolling over for a belly rub
• Soft, relaxed facial expression
• Blinking eyes
• Tail wagging side to side
• A bow to invite and encourage play

These behaviors depict when they strongly trust and bond with you.

4. Carrying your shoes around

If your Jack Russell has a deep attachment to you, it may carry your belongings around. These belongings most probably are stinky items like clothing or shoes.

According to them, scent is the primary means of communication to show love and affection. This shows the attachment to their favorite owner.

5. They listen when you speak and come when you call

Responsiveness depicts a strong bond. If they raise their ears when you call them or obey your command, they love to have you as their authoritative figure around them.

This shows the bond between you two as well as protects your Jack Russell from dangerous situations.

Are Jack Russells loyal to their owners?

Jack Russells are extremely loyal to their owners. They will protect you at any time and bond with you if you raise them properly with sufficient attention, love, and care for them.

Also, they are intelligent. They can differentiate who their owners love them and who is going to be a threat to them. Jack Russells are favorable as a family dog if you do not have toddlers.

As Jack Russels are an aggressive dog breed, they can bite anyone if they feel they are threatened. So, if your toddler pulls from its tail or throws something at it, most probably it will attack the child.

Moreover, they are an extremely jealous dog breed. If they feel they were neglected and the toddler gets more attention than it, that will be a threat to the toddler. On the other hand, they are loyal to their owners throughout their lifetime.

And also, they are protective of their owners, who daily interact with them. JRT always acts protecting family members as its his duty.

In daily life, you can recognize this as your Jack Russell barks frequently when it sees anyone entering your property or when you go outside with them; they are always very curious about the people you hang out and greet, etc.

So, we can see that Jack Russells are loyal to their owners as well, as it is one of the most caring dog breeds that you could ever adopt.

Why is my jack Russell so possessive of me?

Jack Russells have a jealous personality. Also very possessive of their owners. If you doubt, do Jack Russells attach to one person? You can clear that by analyzing the possessive behaviors of the dog.

It is noteworthy that you should not adopt two same-gender Jack Russells in your home. Because they never like to share the love and affection of their owners with another.

So, it may be a path for creating many troubles at home. There are two main reasons why Jack Russell is so possessive of you as they want to protect you and jealousy.

When your Jack Russell is so possessive of you, it may growl, whine or attack the opposite party.

That can be a person or another pet because they feel insecure about themselves as they may think that their owners are going to neglect them or that person or pet is going to be a threat to their owners.

Because they consider their owners as their personal property and do not let others harm them. You can control this aggressive, possessive, and protective behavior from an early age through a proper training method.

How do you make an attachment with your JRT?

If you read the article up to now, you can see the answer is yes to the question, do Jack Russells attach to one person? Usually, dogs and owners have a strong bond between them.

If you want to make a strong attachment with your Jack Russell, follow the below methods.

1. Work Together

The main way to make an attachment with your Jack Russell is to work and interact with it. You can play with your dog for around half an hour a day.

Also, you can do training and exercise with your dog to make a strong bond.

2. Physical affection

Dogs like to have physical affection from their owners. If you can treat them with cuddles, belly rubs, ear scritches, etc., they will love to spend more time with you.

3. Early Experiences

The socialization period of a Jack Russell puppy is around six months. The experiences they take in this stage decide the lifetime behaviors of the dog.

If you are the one who is close to it, such as if you feed, play with your dog from an early stage, they will form a lifetime bond with you.

4. Give the attention

You dont have to be with your dog all the time. But if you are with your Jack Russell whenever it needs you, the bond with you two increases. So, pay attention to your dog and fulfill its needs.

Final thoughts about JRTs loyalty towards one person

This energetic, small dog breed is usually aggressive, but they are extremely loyal to their owners. So, experienced dog parents can adopt them, and it will be the best dog breed you can adopt.

Their energy, loyalty will make your day. So, through reading the article, you can have a clear answer to the question: do Jack Russells attach to one person? as a Yes. They indeed pay special love and affection towards one person in the owners family.

And they will do their best to protect that person in any circumstance. This depicts that Jack Russells are an extremely loyal dog breed.

Thank you for reading this post. Stay tuned withJack Russell Ownerfor more interesting posts about your favorite dog breed.

Cheers from Shaggy and Lenny!

• George B. is the founder of the JRO Organization. He believes in creating a better world for domestic animals. He believes domestic animals are more vulnerable than other animals, especially dogs, since they have been used to depending on their owners for generations. So, he started JRO to share his ideas and insights while helping vulnerable dogs worldwide. George runs multiple projects on street dogs in developing countries, especially Sri Lanka.

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