Jack-Rat Terrier

20-26 lbs
13-18"
​United States
Jack Russell Terrier
Rat Terrier
Jersey Terrier

The Jack-rat terrier, also known as the Jersey Terrier, is a hybrid mix between the Rat Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. This feisty dog is high energy, fearless, alert, and ready for anything. Despite his small size, this dog is not afraid to act as a guard for his family and tends to bark quite often at things he doesn’t trust; including the television. Taking on the appearance of both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Rat Terrier, this a medium sized dog with tall ears, bright eyes, and a docked tail. His coat is a double coat that tends to be very short and smooth but sheds often. If you are looking for a small companion dog that has a little bit of an attitude, the Jack-Rat Terrier may be perfect for you. Just keep in mind that while this dog is good with children, he does have a high prey drive towards other animals; early socialization and training is key when it comes to this, and any kind, of terrier.

purpose Purpose
​Companion
history Date of Origin
​Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
​Rat Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier

Jack-Rat Terrier Health

Average Size
Male Jack-Rat Terrier size stats
Height: 13-18 inches Weight: 20-26 lbs
Female Jack-Rat Terrier size stats
Height: 13-18 inches Weight: 20-26 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Deafness
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Minor Concerns
  • Hemivertebrae
  • Familial Nephropathy
  • Tracheal Collapse
  • Diabetes
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cleft Palate
  • Cutaneous Asthenia
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
  • Mitral Valve Dysplasia
  • Eye Conditions
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Epilepsy
Occasional Tests
  • Dna Test For Vwd
  • Thyroid Tests
  • Physical Examination
  • Eye Examinations
  • Blood Work
  • Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap
  • Heart Rate Tests

Jack-Rat Terrier Breed History

Although the Jack-Rat Terrier is a rather new hybrid breed without much backstory, thankfully his parent breeds have plenty of information about where they came from. For starters, the Jack Russell Terrier certainly defines the term “adorable”. His playful disposition and ever erect stub tail pairs well with the lively light in his large dark eyes. These dogs were first created in the 1800’s when a student from Oxford University, Jack Russell, fell in love with a Terrier. As an avid fox-hunter himself, Jack used his newly acquired Terrier to develop a Fox Terrier line that was known for its ever present skill and passion to follow foxes. From there, the rest is history. A club in America specific to the Jack Russell Terrier developed quickly and it wasn’t long after that the American Kennel Club decided to recognize the breed; this didn’t settle well with the American fans of the breed due to the fact that had trademarked the name “Jack Russell” and had some pretty strict standards as to what the breed should be like. The AKC decided to call the Jack Russell Terrier breed the Parson Russell Terrier so as not to step on any toes. To this day, the Jack Russell Terrier is used in all kind of events including shows, working class events, and of course, as companion dogs. The Rat Terrier is one of the rare few dog breeds to claim being created in the United States. Originally, this breed was created to work as a farm dog with jobs such as hunting vermin and small game around the property. His ancestors include dogs like the Fox Terrier, Beagles, Italian Greyhounds, and Whippets. All of these unique and athletic dogs combined into one made for a very impressive breed; the Rat Terrie was agile, intelligent, and had a great scenting ability that made him irreplaceable when it came to hunting down vermin. Slowly however, despite their once great popularity, the Rat Terrier began to fade out of the spotlight as more people moved to bigger towns and cities. Thankfully the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1999 and brought it back as a show, companion, and working animal once again. When these two unique parent breeds are combined we are presented with the Jack Rat Terrier, or Jersey Terrier. He is an excellent companion dog with an inner fire that also makes him passionate about guarding his family and hunting down the next pest that may come along. Because of these natural instincts, it is important to start socialization and training early, so that this hybrid knows which behaviors are okay and which are unacceptable.

Jack-Rat Terrier Breed Appearance

The Jack-Rat Terrier is a very athletic and spritely looking dog. His appearance may vary greatly, even within the same litter, due to being a hybrid; however, the typical appearance is a medium sized dog with large ears and intelligent eyes. The breed tends to be around 20 to 26 pounds and between 13 to 18 inches fully grown. They have tall ears and a docked tail that make them appear alert and ready at all times. The coat is a double coat that tends to shed quite often and comes in a number of different colors such as white, blue, tan, yellow, and a tri color variation. Although their coat is a double coat, that doesn’t mean that it is thick and well equipped for cold weather. This breed tolerates cold weather rather poorly and would do better in a warmer climate.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Jack-Rat Terrier eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Jack-Rat Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Jack-Rat Terrier coat
White
blue Jack-Rat Terrier coat
Blue
brown Jack-Rat Terrier coat
Brown
red Jack-Rat Terrier coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Jack-Rat Terrier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Jack-Rat Terrier Breed Maintenance

While the Jack-Rat Terrier does tend to shed quite often, his fur is easy to take care of and only requires brushing at least twice a week. Regular grooming will help to remove any loose hair or dirt that may be lying on the fur, as well as keep the coat shiny and healthy. Bathing only needs to happen every few months or so, as the Jack-Rat Terrier doesn’t have a bad doggy odor. Besides brushing and bathing, be sure to clip the nails of your dog’s paws every few weeks or whenever you hear them clicking on the floor. Doing so will ensure that your dog won’t severely scratch anyone if he jumps, and will also keep the paws nice and healthy.

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Brushes for Jack-Rat Terrier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Jack-Rat Terrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Jack-Rat Terrier Temperament

The Jack-Rat Terrier is definitely a fire cracker waiting to happen. His energy is contagious and when he gets going, it may be hard to make him stop. This doesn’t mean that he is aggressive or bad with children, it simply means that he may be a bit of a handful to contain and will do best if he is in a more suburban area, as barking can be an issue when it comes down to it. Despite his over exuberance in some areas, this terrier is a sweet, loyal, intelligent, playful, and moderately easy to train dog that should be an easy enough pet for any level of experience. While the Jersey Terrier is great with children, it is important to note that he does best when raised from a young age with those children. The same thing goes for other pets in the home. If you are looking for a companion dog who will love to get out into nature and explore the world with you, but who is also small enough to live in varying sized homes, the Jack-Rat Terrier may be the perfect pet for you. While he may be a handful at times, he will love you unconditionally and be a great friend for his entire life.

Jack-Rat Terrier Activity Requirements

Because the Jack-Rat Terrier has two active parents who were designed to chase and hunt, he is going to have a lot of natural energy that needs to be used productively. The best way to accomplish this is to spend a couple of 1 to 2 hour sessions a day either playing fetch, going for a walk, going for a jog, hiking, or training. All of these activities are just a few of the many things you can do with your dog to wear him out and keep him out of trouble. While physical exercise is very important, it is critical to remember the mental side of things as well. The Jack-Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and stubborn breed who needs to have his mind worked in order to get him to listen to you. Training and puppy interaction classes are a great way to wear a dog out as well as teach him the basics of manners.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
120 minutes
activity minutes

Jack-Rat Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$35.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Jack-Rat Terrier Owner Experiences

Cleo
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Hike
Tug-of-war
Nap
Fetch
Off-leash
Laying in the sun
We rescued her, not knowing her breed. After extensive research and consultation with experts, we have concluded that this is most-likely her breed (94%). She is VERY energetic and will play whenever! She loves her naps too though, especially in the sun. She is very loving and gives way too many kisses, but that’s because we baby her.
6 years, 10 months ago
Katy
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Katy sometimes wants to hide when she hears loud things She is scared to death. She was a lost dog. We got her when she was probably 6 months. I hate for her to be scared. So sad. What can I do ? Any suggestions? Anyway other than this. She is so much fun & VERY smart also stubborn at times
6 years, 9 months ago
Katy
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Katy sometimes wants to hide when she hears loud things She is scared to death. She was a lost dog. We got her when she was probably 6 months. I hate for her to be scared. So sad. What can I do ? Any suggestions? Anyway other than this. She is so much fun & VERY smart also stubborn at times
6 years, 9 months ago
Katy
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Katy sometimes wants to hide when she hears loud things She is scared to death. She was a lost dog. We got her when she was probably 6 months. I hate for her to be scared. So sad. What can I do ? Any suggestions? Anyway other than this. She is so much fun & VERY smart also stubborn at times
6 years, 9 months ago
Max
7 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Very loyal and friendly
4 years, 4 months ago
Tobie
9 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Best dog I've ever had
4 years, 4 months ago
Stich
Eight Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's great, very sweet, he is learning fast and is very energetic.
6 years, 6 months ago
RUFUS
21 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
RUFUS AND I ADOPTED EACH OTHER WHEN HE 6 WEEKS OLD. I WANTED A SNUGGLE PUP, SO I PUT HIM IN MY BED HIS FIRST NIGHT. I DIDN'T SLEEP MUCH FOR A FEW WEEKS, AFRAID I MIGHT ROLL OVER ON HIM. NOW HE IS A BIG BOY AND SLEEPS WITH HIS HEAD ON MY LEG EVERY NIGHT. HIS FAVORITE ACTIVITIES ARE SITTING IN MY LAP, CHEWING HIS CHEW-CHEW, FETCHING SQUEAKY BALLS, PLAYING WITH HIS CAT BROTHER AND SISTER, HUNTING VERMIN, AND LICKING MY HUSBAND'S EARS. RUFUS IS SO LOYAL AND LOVING AND CUTE. HE HAS ME WRAPPED AROUND HIS PAW.
6 years, 5 months ago
HEIDI LYNN MORICZ
6 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
PUPPY MANNERS TRAINING
BREED ISSUES
HER/MINE ISSUES
HER/MINE ISSUES Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/breed/jack-rat-terrier AT BEDTIME HEIDI IS CALM TILL WE ALL GET IN BED. THEN SHE GOES TASMAINING DEVIL (CHEWING, BITEING,SCRAPEING US WITH HER NAILS, AND BITEING HAIR). SHE SPENDS A LOT OF TIME WITH ME IN MY RECLINER SLEAPING MOST OF THE DAY WE LIVE IN A SECOND FLOOR APARTMENT.3 LARGE STAIRS OUTSIDE TO GET TO OUR DOOR, THAN 16 STAIRS UP TO OUR APARTMENT. MY WIFE SUFFERS WITH RA W/BUNIONS AND FOOT DEFORMITY. I HAVE DIABETIC POLY-NEUROPATHY IN BOTH FEET. THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO TAKE HER OUT TWICE A DAY FOR ACTIVITY/TRAINING (SHE CANT EVEN GET UP AND DOWN STAIRS) AND SHE'S GETTING TO BIG TO CARRY! PUPPY MANNERS TRAINING Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/breed/jack-rat-terrier HEIDI WORKS OK FOR THE FIRST PART OF THE CLASSES, THEN NOT SO MUCH FOR THE SECOND HALF. SHE JUMPS ON THE TRAINNERS AND WILL DO ANYTHING THEY WANTED, GIVE HER BACK TO ME AND SHE WOULD LAY DOWN. BREED ISSUES Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/breed/jack-rat-terrier WHEN WE ADOPTED HER FROM A RESCUE IN ARKANSAS THEY TOLD US WE WERE GETTING A CHEWEENIE A CHIHUAHUA DACHSHUND MIX AFTER SEEING A VET WE WERE TOLD SHE IS A JERSEY TERRIER, JACK RUSSELL & RAT TERRIER MIX
6 years, 5 months ago
Cali
8 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She can be stubborn at times, but she is a affectionate, excitable dog who is good with children.
6 years, 4 months ago
Katy
11 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Sleeping
eating
Running
I have had Katy for about three to four years now, and I just recently found out she was a Jersey-Terrior, before we all thought she was just a Rat-Terrior, but recently I was looking for what she might have looked like when she was younger (Because her colurs are faded, and there are a lot of white hairs on her face now), and I was shocked to fined out that, actually, she wasn't a Rat-Terrior, shes a Jack Russel mix. Anyway, She is old, and she really doesn't do much, she is extremely vocal on walks, and gets jelouse of our other animals.
6 years, 3 months ago
Nellie
15 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She has been my baby every since we got her. She is now 15 and I'm 14 I got her when I was about 5½ and I met her when I was around 5 I loved her so much to I got her. She was so active. And now that she's older she's all about laying on the couch and watching a movie. She loves to speak and "tell you all about it". We got her because Nellie and I had such a good connection. After I met her and I left, she didn't eat or play(which wasn't like her) so we had no choice but to take my baby home. I was the happiest kid in the world. I would love to get another one eventually but not right now. She's my one and only baby.
6 years, 3 months ago
Peanut
17 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rescued her as a pup. Vet says for her age she’s in good shape, although she has recently lost her hearing. She has always been a part of the family and has grown old with us. Will miss her when she is gone.
6 years, 1 month ago
Bugs
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Walk
Chase a ball
Attractive. Active and affectionate, bounds around and snuggles. loves to please. He is aroused by punishment which does not work as a behavior change agent.
6 years ago
Jake
7 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I got him at the APL when he was 4. They didn’t know his background. He was a handful when I bought him home. Always running away, I had him micro-chipped. Now he is 7 very loyal & compassionate. Likes to lay in my lap & very protective. He likes to be warm. He loves his food & will over eat if I let him. He once ate a flower bulb that was left in my car & we went for a ride. (Had to rush him to the vet.) Jake gets along well with my silky terrier who is 14 blind & deaf.
5 years, 10 months ago
Biggie
3 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Best experience ever, so glad I got him, he truly is a joy in my life! Although he does bark quite a bit, very loudly, like a lot! lol! He's very affectionate and super loyal very easy to train. He's high energy and requires walks as much as possible.
5 years, 9 months ago
maddy
4 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
she lovable caring puppy and she never leaves my side,
5 years, 8 months ago
Eddie
8 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Walk
He’s such a delight, it’s never a dull day with my boy. Found him as a stray and instantly fell in love. Best dog I’ve ever owned. Such a sweet heart!
5 years, 7 months ago
Molly
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Molly has the sweetest temperament and adores my two grandsons. She dies not get on well with ither animals but tolerates our cat Norman. She is hilarious in the morning waking us up by standing beside us and falling onto us. She is a delight.
5 years, 3 months ago
Teddy
6 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
I have had Teddy for a little over 2 years. We found out the hard and very expensive way that he had Addison's disease which means if he gets stressed he can die because his adrenal glands will shut down. He is so very loving and protective of me and sometimes my husband lol I found out today he might have heartworms and I am slightly dying inside because I don't know what to do for this baby.
5 years, 2 months ago
queen
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
shes very sweet and loyal she chose one person and that is me she loves to hunt and run and shes adorable.
5 years, 2 months ago
Cleo
2 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing toys
Playing catch
She is great! Her mum was a Jack Russel and we are pretty sure her dad was a Rat Terrier. Still a puppy, but very inteligent. Very warm and loving. Although when overly excited or tired as any other puppy she might bite, bark and show some agression, so start the training as soon as you can. She is very perceptive, so she takes to training really well. Overall, we are really happy with our new companion :)
4 years, 10 months ago
Marley
6 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking and playing ball
I got my Marley when she was 6 weeks old. She has been my lifeline.I lost my 27 year old son in a tragic car accident in 2014.If not for her,Idont think I could have made it. She is such a sweet and loving baby. Loves my 3 grandchildren.hangs right with them when they are here.she is always right beside me. What can I say? Mommy loves her baby...
4 years, 9 months ago
Prince
11 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddeling
Playing fetch
going for a walk
Giving pig ear
He is the most affectionate dog I have ever had. He loves children and all adults. He likes to be treated like he is a baby. He is older and still has high energy.
4 years, 8 months ago
Kenny
6 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
exploring outside
He is very lively and friendly, gets along with everyone even neighborly dogs very fearless. He is highly attach to me, hates to leave my side.
4 years, 4 months ago
Tater Tot
9 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tater Tot was the runt of her little and the last of our 4 dogs. We have 2 90-lb. male boxers and a female Jackapoo (Jack Russell/Poodle mix) who runs the roost. This little baby was bold enough to come into the house and mix in with the other dogs. She loves to snuggle in the evening and is always happiest on our laps. She is bold, confident, and always hungry! She does bark a lot and we've had a hard time training that out of her. She has an invisible fence and learned it instantly. She's very smart and intuitive. She loves to burrow under blankets and is happiest when she sleeps in between her 2 big brothers in their 6' long kennel. She doesn't like to be alone. She'll bark and bark to get outside if she's ever left alone in the house and we're all outside.
4 years, 3 months ago
Leonard
1 Year
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Awsome he is best dog ever he dose have some potty accidents some times but we are working on training him better.
4 years, 3 months ago
Harry
13 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Watching tv
Likes to roam, doesn't back down, loves treats, but not so much little kids or other dogs
4 years, 3 months ago
Maya
9 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Retrival games
Running laps in our yard
Maya was part of a litter that was dumped in a box by a road in Ohio. We adopted her through a no-kill shelter. She was a mind-numbing challenge when it came to getting her to eat but now she does with no issues. She is a barker when people are outside of her home...and she hates all delivery vehicles! She has 3 cat siblings that she gets along with. She can drive us insane at times, but my life would not be the same without her.
4 years, 3 months ago
wafol
4 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
making her fall asleep
today, I just got my Jack-Rat Terrier. at first she was so shy she hid under the chair for a day but she couldnt sleep when Im not by her side
3 years, 11 months ago
Nemo-Miles
10 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Walk
Frisbee
Tug-of-war
Nap
wrestling
Chase
Fetch
Tracking
Park visits
Car rides
Playing in the snow
First time pet owner! Had Nemo since he was 2 months old, there’s still so much to learn but he’s such a great guy! Energetic, loves kids (lives with 10 year old owner and always has play dates with cousins) he also loves to explore and run around in the backyard. Very affectionate and is my shadow. Never really takes long naps because as soon as you move or he hears something he wants to know what’s going on. He’s pretty easy to train (can be stubborn at times and loses focus) but we’re making progress! Absolutely love having Nemo in our lives.
3 years, 10 months ago
Lillian ("Lilly")
4 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Napping
Tracking
Patrolling Yard Perimeter
Waking kids in the morning
Tug-of-war
Lilly is almost 5 months old, but has adjusted to her "forever family" quicker and better than we could have hoped! She very much enjoys our two boys (6 and 9 years of age), is VERY protective of us and her yard and loves us unconditionally! I was able to teach her basic training within 20 minutes.
3 years, 9 months ago
Peeko
14 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I adopting him when he was 2 yrs old from near by pound, I still have him he is 14 yrs old now, just the cutest most lovable dog I have ever owned, has a good temperament, loyal, lovable.
3 years, 9 months ago
Tiger
5 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Running around the house
playing with tennis balls
Walking
Absolutely amazing and very protective!
3 years, 5 months ago
Miss Stoney
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Having a hard time potty training her.
3 years, 4 months ago
Jefe
9 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Laying in the sun
hide and seek
Cuddling
Fetch
training
Watching tv
Teaching tricks
Tug of war
Sleeping
Walking
He was very smart, trainable, and had a lot of energy. When I drove him home (Nashville TN to Columbus OH), every stop he would try to go back the way we came lol. Also I learned immediately he hates car rides. I couldn’t feed him before one or he’d be panting and salivating until he threw up. At the gas station he’d go so crazy if I went in and payed. I’d come out to him barking, running from driver to passenger seat, and what looked like fresh snow dumped on my seat (from him being nervous and shedding profusely). That never changed all the years I had him, though my sister gave him a calming chew and he’d seem much better. Once home, he grew attached almost immediately and would learn something almost everyday. Whether it was to climb stairs, hop into my bed, tell me when he needs to go out, go home means kennel/timeout, etc.. I learned he was incredibly intelligent. Main reason being he learned so easily and he could make facial expressions like he had human eyebrows and mouth lol. He grew pretty fast also, abnormal for his breed and the biggest of the litter. He definitely had a knack for getting rid of pest whether indoors or backyard. While independent, he abhors being separated (me going anywhere) and will occasionally show it by eating my things/the blinds he’d look out of to see if I’m coming back. And lastly, the biggest mistake I made was not socializing him with other dogs. He did help me raise and train a dog I gave my brother, but that’s almost it when it came to having a dog as a real friend. It showed when he got older. Maybe with one dog in house he’s fine. But more than two and he’d start being mean and misbehaving (using it indoors, growling at other dogs, etc.). He also happened to be quite the ladies man, falling in love with dogs much bigger than him, and never his size lol. Definitely loved thanksgiving as he was born on thanksgiving 2011 and a turkey leg would be one of his birthday presents. Was extremely friendly (ran up on strangers even which drove me up a wall because he would scare them sometimes and go way out his way to get away from me and to a stranger lol) but had funny fits of choosing to be friendly. He would act as if he’d never met someone so he had to vet them all over again, but once they petted him his memory comes back as if saying “oh hey I remember you! I love you, please scratch my belly” lol. It must be true that dogs reflect their owner. He was independent in cases, picky about food, very intelligent, had extremely expressive eyebrows lol, and loved to cuddle & watch tv among other things. He made loving him easy and a real joy. Some of my favorite things about him was how excited he was after bathing so he would jet through the house showing off the shiny coat lol, his facial expressions, how he’d swing his nub of a tail out of excitement lol, him waking me with his wet nose, and the sheer excitement & greeting with gratitude is get coming through the door! No matter if I was gone 5mins or 5hrs (which also served as a reminder when his nails were too long, and needing cutting because boy he could scratch out of excitement lol). Overall my Jefe was great and a real pleasure to have as a companion. Only thing I would change is the car ride comfortability, and me socializing him during training. Oh and my god the shedding! I couldn’t just wear socks around the house, pet him with black clothes on lol, and swept everyday! Even still, I loved him so much and would do it all over again. Even if the shedding multiplied by x2. I personally, especially recommend this breed. Lastly, Jack-Rats literally love to held like a baby. Be it the burping position, rocking, or just walking around holding them. Lol enjoy
3 years, 1 month ago
Spike
15 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is an old man and
2 years, 12 months ago
Buster
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
He is stubborn at times and will never not do things when he wants to do them. He has stood and barked back at the thunder. He stands between you and strangers. Everyone just loves how sweet and kind he is to us. He has to taste everything.
2 years, 11 months ago
Clarabelle
12 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I got Clarabelle from a rescue at 3 months, I was going to adopt her mom but the person who had the mom wanted to foster to adopt, The rescue offered a puppy and I had taken it . Clara is a very happy and busy puppy she turns 1 this week coming up. She is very friendly but she is also very timed when it comes to males that she does not see very often. Clara loves to be outside when it’s warmer, also she has really enjoyed playing in the snow.
2 years, 10 months ago
Riki
5 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I adopted Riki from a local shelter and I lucked out because she is one of the smartest, friendliest dogs I've ever had. She greets all people and other dogs with a wagging tail. She gets along with my old cat and easily trained to leave the cat's food bowl alone. She is playful and also affectionate. Days can be as energetic as I want and evenings are spent snuggling on the couch. She does shed a lot but I have trained her to allow herself to be vacuumed so a good brushing/vacuum once a week takes care of nearly all the loose hair. She is an all-around great dog and I will look for another Jack-Rat in the future.
2 years, 10 months ago
Tilly
6 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with toys
Tug-of-war
Cuddling
Rescued her from a shelter and they said she was about 5-8 years old but the vet thinks she’s around 6. She’s got quite the personality and loves to give kisses and be right next to me at all times. She sleeps right next to me under the covers and will wake me up occasionally snoring in my ear lol
2 years, 9 months ago
Sup
15 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
I got her very late and then she was taken from me I got her back a year or so later and she came home overweight and high separation anxiety
2 years, 6 months ago
Kramer
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dressing up
Cuddling
Tracking
Chase
Nap
Catch treats
Look out the window
Eating Snacks
Walk
Playdate
Kramer is THE best dog I’ve ever had or met. He is the cuddliest and sweetest dog. All of my dog parent friends comment on how they’ve never met a dog who loves and gives as much affection as Kramer. He’s very protective and barks for a minute whenever he senses a “threat” like someone walking in the neighborhood. He’s terrified of every loud sound, so I found that playing calming music like folk or soft country during fireworks, thunder storms, etc relaxes him. (He particularly likes folklore by Taylor Swift — not kidding). He’s gentle with all people but likes to play with dogs. He does well around pets he’s met before but can seem intimidating at first. Our neighbor recently got a small dog and the fence separating them allowed to get used to each other. Now they’re best friends. Lastly, everyone always says his fur looks like it would be coarse and rough but it’s softer than velvet.
1 year ago
Pipi
3 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Fetch
Chase
So friendly with our kids, gets all of her energy out outside and then comes in for lies of cuddles ands a nap
8 months, 2 weeks ago
NormaJean
14 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love my Norma Jean. She is loving, spirited and good to travel with. She is also a hoarder of duckies. She is getting older and likes to spend her days with Mom in a chair while Mom works. She loves to sunbathe still, but when it's too hot, she is more than happy to lay in front of a fan!
6 months, 1 week ago
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Question - Behavior
Question

18 months old. We've had since 10 weeks old. Cooper is very active. Loyal. I'm worried about anxiety and why he won't settle down to hold or cuddle with. It's like a dog with OCD. Fussy with eating, he'll grab anything to eat or chew on. Emery boards, Kleenex, visine bottles. cortisone tube, table scrapes. Etc If he can jump up and get it he will.

Answer
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Question - Nutrition
Question

my jack rat terrier goes out of her way to find then consume wood. Mostly small sticks and twigs. I've tried to stop her but I can't have eyes on24/7. At night, while I'm asleep, she will wake me up with pile of vomit that looks like straight up digestive juice and a small birds nest(the wood she ate that day). Please give me any advice you may have as to why she does this and how can I make her stop? thank you so much for your time

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Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

What is the difference between a Jack Russell and a rat terrier?

Answer
Ray terriers tend to be smaller than jack russell terriers. They are very similar in health and energy level
3 years, 5 months ago
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