Jack-rat Terrier Dog Breed

The Jack Rat Terrier is basically a hunting dog that can also be trained to be a therapy or other working dog. They are not good for those without significant Terrier experience. They are ideal for very experienced Terrier people with extremely active lifestyles. These dogs need a lof of exercise or a challenging job so they can burn off their profound amount of energy.

If you are thinking about adopting a Jack Rat Terrier, you should know these things about them:

PROS

• Loves to play
• Good with kids
• Few health concerns
• Long average lifespan
• Wonderful therapy dog
• High tolerance to heat
• Superb for active lifestyles
• Moderate tolerance to cold
• Not overly prone to separation anxiety

CONS

• May bark a lot
• Difficult to train
• Tendency to dig
• Habitual jumper
• Can be stubborn
• Strong prey drive
• Not hypoallergenic
• High exercise needs
• Very wary of strangers
• Extremely sensitive to touch
• May be prone to head injuries
• Requires a lot of socialization

There is not a lot of Jack Rat Terrier information available. The two breeds that are crossed to produce this hybrid dog are somewhat similar, however. They are little dogs but are not unlike tightly wound springs. They enjoy both mental and physical challenges during their many daily hours of activity.

This mixed breed is highly intelligent. Because one of the parent breeds is a Rat Terrier, there is a fair chance that they will be more emotionally intelligent. This helps when it comes to training; experienced handlers are best. They are great hunting dogs and can also be used for therapy and related work.

While these dogs are hugely loyal, they will demand a lot too. They tend to get easily excited, and perhaps one of the more common complaints is about their jumping. Also, if you want a lapdog that you can leave behind while you go to work or go out at night, this is not the dog.

Jack Rat Terriers require a lot of daily outdoor activity. Failing to do so will prompt them to bark a lot, be destructive and to jump like crazy. A lot of shared activity every day and for as long as you can manage is best. At night, these dogs will unwind by just being flat-out lazy — which is a very good sign.

The Jack Russell Rat Terrier mix temperament is not an easy one to tame or train. These highly energetic, extremely curious and somewhat unstoppable little hybrid dogs are fearless adventurers who will challenge you every step of the way.

Trying to tire out this dog is recommended only for true athletes. If you love to run daily or take miles-long walks, this dog will happily be by your side the whole time. Once home after a long day, they will also be happy to rest on your lap and sleep by your side so they can get ready for the next day. These dogs are extremely loyal, and they will be far more manageable for those who have very active lifestyles.

Training these dogs may not be easy. While you do need to be firm and patient, you also need to keep them engaged as they become easily bored. They are remarkably energetic, and they need a lot of proper and consistent behavioral training from very early on to curb their constant jumping and other bad habits that are easily excited. They must be socialized with any non-canine pets you have in the house. With strangers, they tend to be wary and will take their time getting to know a new person before being comfortable with them.

There are not too many health concerns with this mixed breed dog, but they also don't seem to gain much from the hybrid vigor that benefits many crossbreeds. Perhaps the biggest concern is self-induced injuries. One of the parent breeds, the Rat Terrier, is so well-known for such semi-intentional "accidents" that the AKC breed standard allows for scars and broken teeth. Whether your Jack Rat Terrier inherits this trait can't be controlled and will have to be borne out in action to see if he has such behavior.

Other health concerns that may affect your dog include:

• Mange
• Allergies
• Deafness
• Eye ailments
• Hip concerns
• Incorrect bites
• Knee problems

These hyper, hybrid dogs tend to have a life span ranging from 14 to 18 years.