Jack Russell

orlao

That's ok Paprika.....I didn't think it was:D

I agree that dogs need attention whether indoor or outdoor......just that terriers as a breed are usually very active and a young dog(of any breed) doesn't usually do well being left for up to 9 hours a day.

Tim

Thinking a little further, might it be a better idea to wait until your OH is actually on maternity leave before getting an older dog? if you still want a JR, believe me they are active well into their teens and more than capable of walking miles with you for many years!

My 17 year old JRT is just starting to go for walks again after slipping a disc in her back last month because she went haring off after a fox....you'd think that she'd have learnt to be sensible by now but this is the first bit of "unsoundness" that she has ever had and she normally walks for 2 hours a day.

On the other hand the 11 year old would be quite happy to be an "It dog" and have her own bag to be carried everywhere......not a typical terrier at all;)

Tortieshell

I personally wouldnt recommend a JR as they are known to be snappy and not the most friendliest breed! Please dont shoot me I know some of you own them but this is my opinion.

Greyhounds are great dogs for flats, they surprisingly need little exercise and are happy being couch potato's!

Please consider a rescue though, an older dog would be better.

foreign_correspondent

Tortieshell wrote: »

I personally wouldnt recommend a JR as they are known to be snappy and not the most friendliest breed! Please dont shoot me I know some of you own them but this is my opinion.

Greyhounds are great dogs for flats, they surprisingly need little exercise and are happy being couch potato's!

Please consider a rescue though, an older dog would be better.

I think you have a good point here - we have had several terrier types, and one full JRT. They have varied a lot, and some have been very laid back, whereas others have been hard work! This is why I would start looking armed with a list of desirable charachteristics first and foremost and consider individual dogs rather than go for a particular breed.

Greyhounds are super chilled out dogs though I agree!

Tortieshell

I agree, I also have a rescue pup (8 months now) and shes the most friendliest, good natured dog I know! Sometimes a little too friendly cos she will run miles just to say hello to someone! Shes also a cross breed.

elsien

Living in a flat may not be an issue for all rescue centres, but leaving the dog for such a long time might be.
When I was looking for mine, I lived in a flat above a nursery school with no accessible garden, but I explained how I would exercise the dog, number of times it would go out etc, and the dogs trust seemed prepared to give it a go.
If your neighbour can't help, perhaps you could look into getting a dog walker to come every lunchtime? It really is down to individual dogs - my couch potato is happy to snooze all day ( too lazy to get up for a drink most days!), with a flying visit from me or my mum at lunchtime, then we used to do a decent walk at night, and hikes on my days off. (pre-arthritis days.) To be honest though, even though she's an idle so-and-so, I'm not happy leaving her for any longer than 7 hours, and even now it shows in her behaviour if I do - she gets very silly and hyper when she feels neglected. The nine hours you'll be out seems too long to me, unless you can definitely sort something out for during the day.
(This is from someone who's always worked and had dogs. I'd be very doubtful about taking another dog on myself in my current circumstances. If I did, it would have to be out of the puppy stage.)

xxlaurissaxx

orlao wrote: »

On the other hand the 11 year old would be quite happy to be an "It dog" and have her own bag to be carried everywhere......not a typical terrier at all;)

I hope that wasnt meant at me? Yes i spoil my dog but thats because 1. She is like a child to me because i would rather have a dog than a kid- always have and always will.
2. I like to cuddle her and treat her but shes not overweight, pampered or CARRIED AROUND! Except when shes at the vets. She walks for miles but hasnt recently due to a dislocated hip but still walks a bit just not as much but will once her hip is much better. :mad:

She is a typical West Highland Terrier and I think that they are brillant.

davsidipp

dont take this the wrong way but i have 2 jrt and both are highly intelligent and would not dream of leaving them more than 5hours. saying that dogs should not be left all day unless they have acess of a dog flap and garden.do not underestimate the power of the jack russell they are so easy to fall in love with even my freinds love mine.my first dog was a westie and as much as i loved herthe jrt character is second to none .

orlao

xxlaurissaxx wrote: »

I hope that wasnt meant at me? Yes i spoil my dog but thats because 1. She is like a child to me because i would rather have a dog than a kid- always have and always will.
2. I like to cuddle her and treat her but shes not overweight, pampered or CARRIED AROUND! Except when shes at the vets. She walks for miles but hasnt recently due to a dislocated hip but still walks a bit just not as much but will once her hip is much better. :mad:

She is a typical West Highland Terrier and I think that they are brillant.

No.....not referring to you at all Just the point that there are quiet terriers out there but they aren't normally that low maintenance regarding exercise. BTW, there is nothing wrong with spoiling and treating a dog or treating it like your child as long as it still has a chance to be a dog YSWIM.
Hope your dog gets better soon, my older JRT is just recovering from a slipped disc and it's lovely to see her running round playing again after 6 weeks house rest:D

LillyJ

LittleMissMoneySaver1986 wrote: »

. These dogs ALWAYS seem to have a problem with other dogs or people apart from their owners.

What? ALL rescue dogs have problems with dogs or people? Not true at all.

Especially since you can get puppies from rescues, and a huge number of the dogs there haven't ever been mistreated.

It is such a shame people have attitudes like this when there are loving, caring, children and pet friendly dogs in rescues across the country desparate for some one to take them home (and take them hiking on weekends!)

LillyJ

Also, JRT's are lovely dogs but they are meant to be working dogs, so they wouldn't really be happy in a flat all day.
If you are set on a terrier, there are soooo many staffy crosses in rescues that have amazing temperaments, some are quite small. A lot of them may have lived with children in the past and be good with them.
Crosses tend to be healthier, and live longer, are cheaper to insure and are unique
With a staffy cross, you definately wouldn't have any problems with getting them to come on a walk with you, but they equally would like to be curled up on the sofa for a cuddle.

I also second the idea about the greyhound - I know you wanted a small dog, but they don't have too high excercise demands, are often very laid back, but will come walking with you if you want them to. There are also so many who need a loving home.