What It is Like to Own a Jack Russell Terrier

It is craziness I tell you!
Last Wednesday I shared what it is like to own an Italian greyhound and I said I would be sharing what it is like to own a Jack Russell and that is half of Kimbia and ALL of Kip and he never lets you forget it.

Craziness, fun, energy, lots of love all rolled up into one little dog. I wouldn't have it any other way however because Kip has such personality. 

Want to know what it is like to own a Jack Russell Terrier?

The Jack Russell is a happy, bold, energetic dog; they are extremely loyal, intelligent and assertive. Their greatest attribute is their working ability, closely followed by their excellent qualities as a companion. A Jack Russell can be equally contented bolting a fox or chasing a toy in your living room, or equally adept at killing a sock in the living room or a rat in your barn. Their funny antics will continually amuse you, their intelligence seems to know no bounds and their assertive nature and boundless energy can at times be overwhelming.Info found here

His 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!
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 looks cross-eyed at them.Info found here

Kip is a very intense dog, he is always alert, always ready to go and I swear he sleeps with one eye open because he follows the Boy Scout motto, always be prepared.
Look at how focused he is from his favorite spot in the house.

Sean likes to join Kip.

Kip is incredibly smart and I swear he understands English because since his favorite words are walk, breakfast, dinner, and go.

Kip is always very loveable but he is choosy when he wants to display his love and affection for you. Sometimes I call Kip, a grumpy grandpa because nothing seems to make him happy but then he can be very sweet the next minute. Jack Russells are very tempermental.

 I love when he cocks his little head to one side or the other like he is trying to understand me and one of his ears doesn't lay as flat at the other and it is those little quirks about him that make him so adorable. Or when he is carrying around his man purse.

The biggest challenge to owning a Jack is their energy for sure and making sure you keep them active. Kip loves going on morning runs with me, he loves going hiking, he just loves not being inside the house. Jack Russells are definitely hunting type of dogs, just last week Kip impatiently was telling us there was something under the couch, turns out that thing was a lizard. Whenever I take Kip for a walk and there is a hole, I tell him hole and he goes straight to it because he wants whatever might be in that hole. Whether a snake, a rat or nothing, Kip's hunting instincts go on high alert!
I love to watch Kip when his hunting instincts kick in, he is stock straight, tail pointed and one of his front paws is off the ground and tucked underneath his chest.

At times when he is on my last nerve, I sometimes wish he was back in the cute puppy stage because how can you not love this face?

Every time I bake in my kitchen, you will find Kip here by my side watching me while I bake and hoping I drop morsels or crumbs down to him.

So that is what it is like to own a Jack Russell, it means lots of energy, very focused, very smart and most of the time lovable.