ColdWater Creek Jack Russell Terriers
determined and inteligent working terriers
How to Find a Jack Russell Terrier Puppy
or even an adult dog
First there are a few important things to understand about the Jack Russell Terrier.
If you have owned a JRT before, you can probably skip this section. But if most of what you know about the breed comes from television, you need to read the following carefully.
Step 1: Learn About the Breed
First - start by visiting the website of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA). Take the time to read about the breed and complete the JRT Profiler survey.
It is very important to understand that the Jack Russell Terrier is not a starter dog.
The JRT is a working breed, specifically developed for hunting. Its prey drive has been deliberately maintained by the JRT community for generations. A Jack Russell is essentially two dogs in one:
So take the profiler test on the JRTCA website and do your research.
And one more thing: if you’re looking for a dog like Eddie from Frasier, you should know that the dog who played Eddie was reportedly rescued from a pound after killing a neighbor’s cat.
Okay, that should give you some idea of the breed’s natural instincts.
Step 2: Meet the JRT Community
If you’ve done your research and still want a Jack Russell, the next step is to get involved with the community.
Go back to the JRTCA website and find a trial or “fun day” event near you. These events are one of the best ways to learn about the breed in person.
Jack Russell owners are generally a welcoming group who love to educate people about their dogs. When you attend, introduce yourself and let people know you are looking for the right dog.
You should also think about what type of JRT you want, such as:
With Jack Russells, it is critical that you allow a knowledgeable breeder to help guide you toward the right puppy. Even within the same litter, there can be a huge difference in temperament, drive, and personality.
At a trial you’ll be able to:
Do not look for JRT puppies on Facebook or pet broker websites.
Facebook rules prohibit posting puppies for sale on Facebook, and many pet broker sites are motivated primarily by profit rather than the well-being of the puppies—or the long-term success of the placement.
Step 4: Consider Rescue
Also consider adopting through Jack Russell Rescue.
There are many Jack Russells looking for permanent homes. An adult dog can often be a great choice because:
Several JRTCA affiliate clubs maintain breeder lists and can help you connect with responsible breeders, including:
Final thought:
Finding the right Jack Russell Terrier takes patience and research. But if you take the time to learn about the breed, meet the community, and work with responsible breeders or rescues, you’ll greatly improve your chances of finding the right dog for you—and the right home for the JRT.
If you have owned a JRT before, you can probably skip this section. But if most of what you know about the breed comes from television, you need to read the following carefully.
Step 1: Learn About the Breed
First - start by visiting the website of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA). Take the time to read about the breed and complete the JRT Profiler survey.
It is very important to understand that the Jack Russell Terrier is not a starter dog.
The JRT is a working breed, specifically developed for hunting. Its prey drive has been deliberately maintained by the JRT community for generations. A Jack Russell is essentially two dogs in one:
- A sweet, loving, intelligent companion
- A relentless hunting machine and expert escape artist
So take the profiler test on the JRTCA website and do your research.
And one more thing: if you’re looking for a dog like Eddie from Frasier, you should know that the dog who played Eddie was reportedly rescued from a pound after killing a neighbor’s cat.
Okay, that should give you some idea of the breed’s natural instincts.
Step 2: Meet the JRT Community
If you’ve done your research and still want a Jack Russell, the next step is to get involved with the community.
Go back to the JRTCA website and find a trial or “fun day” event near you. These events are one of the best ways to learn about the breed in person.
Jack Russell owners are generally a welcoming group who love to educate people about their dogs. When you attend, introduce yourself and let people know you are looking for the right dog.
You should also think about what type of JRT you want, such as:
- A conformation (show) type
- A working or hunting type
- A companion type
With Jack Russells, it is critical that you allow a knowledgeable breeder to help guide you toward the right puppy. Even within the same litter, there can be a huge difference in temperament, drive, and personality.
At a trial you’ll be able to:
- See dogs from different blood lines
- Talk with experienced breeders
- Learn who has planned litters in the JRT community
Do not look for JRT puppies on Facebook or pet broker websites.
Facebook rules prohibit posting puppies for sale on Facebook, and many pet broker sites are motivated primarily by profit rather than the well-being of the puppies—or the long-term success of the placement.
Step 4: Consider Rescue
Also consider adopting through Jack Russell Rescue.
There are many Jack Russells looking for permanent homes. An adult dog can often be a great choice because:
- They usually require less work than puppies
- Their personalities are already developed
- You will have a better idea of what to expect
Several JRTCA affiliate clubs maintain breeder lists and can help you connect with responsible breeders, including:
- Jack Russell Terrier Club of America
- Dogwood Jack Russell Terrier Club
- Carolinas Jack Russell Terrier Club
Final thought:
Finding the right Jack Russell Terrier takes patience and research. But if you take the time to learn about the breed, meet the community, and work with responsible breeders or rescues, you’ll greatly improve your chances of finding the right dog for you—and the right home for the JRT.