You may view a picture of my Jack Russell in my profile. His name is Henry. We have been together for the last three years. He is about 7 years old and is quite adorable but can also be somewhat of a bully to his friend Molly. Molly is a Rat Terrier/jack Russell and is very sweet and submissive.
Jack Russell’s are known to be very protective towards their owner and I can assure you it is true. I have to make sure that when male visitors are in his territory, I squat down on the ground to make introductions. Otherwise, he will grab the visitors pants legs and tug on them and he might even nip at their ankles. Henry does seem to know if I am uncomfortable with the visitor. I sometimes use his behavior to my advantage if I don’t want the person on my property or if the visitor is making unwanted advances.
I had someone visit me under the pretense of providing a quote to me for replacing some siding and Henry realized this person was not being honest. Henry sat between us on the sofa and became agitated. When I realized this, I grabbed him to prevent him from biting the contractor. When I did this, Henry accidentally latched onto me and bit my lip. I’m not sure what that person did to cause Henry to act as he did, but I am sure it was to protect me. Yes, I did end up with a fat lip but I can honestly say that the contractor did not stay there much longer. Henry does not like any men, other than my husband touching me.
So, as I was saying Jack Russell’s are protective. They are also very stubborn. Henry has his mind made up that there is a mouse in the flooring of the hallway. He has torn the carpet up trying to find that critter. No matter how many times I have scolded him, he keeps returning to the same spot. I now have a heavy toolbox sitting on top of the spot.
In the same respect, they are very loving. Molly and Henry greet us in the evening by racing around the yard and the kitchen wrestling each other expressing their excitement of our return. All I have to do is tell them to go get their squeeky and they know it’s time to play. My favorite time is when I give belly rubs. There is nothing more satisfying that seeing a dog rolling over exposing their soft underbelly for those rubs, just knowing that they trust you not to hurt them. By the way, the toilet bowl bush in the picture is long gone. It was his favorite toy that has been replaced by many others.
Enjoy your dogs for what they are and understand that their behavior is part of their character. Facinating, intelligent, stubborn, great hunters, big diggers and very protective is how I would describe his breed.
