fuzzy82 Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Hello, new here and have a question. It's about a mixed breed though, and it specifically says 'purebred forum' at the top, so excuse me if this is bad manners. I have one dog already, and am considering getting a second dog, a puppy from a shelter. I am home all day, and only work part time from home, so I have plenty of time to spend. My current dog gets at least 1.5 hours of exercise a day, and several short training session throughout the day (clicker training). She is very low maintenance and well behaved so she is perfectly happy with this. Anyway, on to the new puppy. I have been looking at a very cute 8-9 week old Jack Russell cross at a shelter. I originally looked at one of their other puppies, but it turns out it was spoken for, so they suggested the JRT x for me. I immediately told them that I have promised myself that I will never have a JRT in my house, after reading about their extreme exercise requirements and mental stimulation etc. I also don't want a yappy dog, because my partner is very intolerant of yapping. The rescue person assured me that her own JRT x is very placid and friendly, and this little puppy is her favourite out of the whole litter. In her own words he is "tiny, shy, submissive, not highly intelligent and just a cute bundle you want to cuddle". After filling out the application form I now have first pick of him, but I am still rather undecided. I will of course do puppy classes and obedience training, and socialise the hell out of him. I had decided to do that anyway, regardless of breed. Can anyone reassure me about the lack of JRT qualities in this pup? The foster carer told me she can't really tell how he will turn out due to his young age, but from her description of him he doesn't sound very JRT-like to me.... Anyone know what a typical JRT puppy is like, and what is the likelihood of this puppy suddenly becoming the devil incarnate on me? Or is this a really bad idea, considering my apprehension about the JRT in general? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Personally i think JRT's get a really bad rap. Yes they need training, socialisation and stimulation. Yes they like their exercise and need to be taught an off switch. But they really are quite easy dogs to own IF you meet those requirements and by the sounds of it, you certainly do. My 7 month old JRT simply fits in with us- active when we are, calm and settled when we are. Do remember though that it is difficult to tell what a cross breed pup will be like as an adult so the pup may turn out differently to what you expect anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remarkabull Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I agree with cosmolo - I have 1 JRT and 1 JRTx. They are both fantastic dogs that fit in with us and our lifestyle. They can be full on when playing (the JRTx loves balls and will chase one for as long as you will throw it, but will happily sleep the day away on the lounge if you don't) and my pure JRT bitch is very typical of the breed. She is a hunter (rodents, birds, bugs and beetles) and is quite focused while hunting something and could run all day if needed, but will also lay around the whole day without making any fuss. They are real characters and are a barrel of fun. They are really outgoing and friendly towards other dogs and people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokkie Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 (edited) I have two JRT's..... they don't destroy my stuff.... they don't bark except when someone knocks on the door, I then tell them to go into their crate (before I open the door) and they will sit there without barking until I let them out again. They are not that busy either..... if I decide its time to settle down I just put their toys on top of the fridge and they know... playtime is over.... most of the time they are just happy to be with us. Ringo does destroy toys and he is really obsessed with balls.... ;) Edited September 22, 2010 by Tokkie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Being a mixed breed- he could turn out anything! However-- getting him as a pup, a lot of the behaviours he will have as an adult are ones YOU have taught him as a baby - so there is a pretty good chance he will be what you want .;) What does he look like? do you have a photo?Does he look like a JRT? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I've had quite a few rescue JRT crosses as foster dogs, almost every one has been absolutely wonderful! My latest (one passed away last year and I've rehomed the others) is a JRT/chihuahua cross most likely. She's very JRT in behaviour but she's a fantastic little dog, a real character and very devoted to me. Had her for 8 months as a foster dog and then she became a foster failure! All my JRT types have been very loving little dogs, this one only yaps whilst on the lead and seeing other dogs (you can work on this) and when it's dinner time. She's quieter than my other dogs generally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 (edited) In her own words he is "tiny, shy, submissive, not highly intelligent and just a cute bundle you want to cuddle". What makes her think this? (see highlighted words) I'd love you to get a shelter dog in need of a home - whether that be a purebreed or a cross breed. But her description of this pup bothers me. Is she trying to dumb the dog down? And how can she tell at 8 or 9wo that the pup is not highly intelligent? Potentially it just hasn't learnt to learn what us humans want it to know yet :rolleyes:. Edited September 22, 2010 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottychick Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I've never owned a JRT but I've known lots of them and I loved every single one of them. I always thought they were smart little dogs and they remind me of Dalmatians - a bit wilful but great if you know how to train them. I've often thought of getting one myself. I have known them to be a bit yappy - but only the neglected ones. I reckon go for it :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 The rescue person assured me that her own JRT x is very placid and friendly, and this little puppy is her favourite out of the whole litter. In her own words he is "tiny, shy, submissive, not highly intelligent and just a cute bundle you want to cuddle". And this is a baby puppy that could grow up to be quite different. Can anyone reassure me about the lack of JRT qualities in this pup? Nope. He's a crossbred that could have inherited any combination of his parent breeds. What's the other part of this cross? If you wouldn't give a home to a JRT then taking on cross is unlikely to make you happy IMO. What ARE you looking for in a dog. There will be plenty of rescue dogs and pups that might be a better fit for your home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy82 Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 (edited) Thanks for your replies. I am pretty reassured by all this:) I guess you are right, I will be able to deal with any problem behaviours before they become a difficult habit to break. How much time do you spend exercising your JRTs exactly? By "not highly intelligent" I think she was referring to my comment about JRTs being highly intelligent and therefore requiring tons of stimulation every single day. Her words were taken out of context. She also pointed out that my current dog being a poodle x is probably more intelligent than most JRTs anyway. She doesn't know what he's crossed with, but she said possibly papillon or a spaniel. Edited September 22, 2010 by fuzzy82 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joelle Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 (edited) Welcome Our nearly 3 yr old JRT (see my siggy) has graduated advanced beginners at obedience with my 12 yr old son. He sailed through beginners now has sailed through advance and is going to intermediate. He only started classes 2 terms ago and gradudated both. He is a wonderful little pet who enjoys chilling on the couch with the family or running all day round the ponds and fields. Fantastic little all round dogs :rolleyes: Edited September 22, 2010 by joelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy82 Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 Thanks:) This is a photo of the litter, and another one of Marley, if that helps with guessing breeds at all... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 If they are JRT crossed with Papillion they should be terrific little dogs. Paps are great dogs and as you point out, you have plenty of time to spend with your dogs. They look totally gorgeous - I'd be in that shelter with my $$$ and signing on the dotted line :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokkie Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Ahhhhh..... he is gorgeous!!!! :rolleyes: He looks a lot like Nandi at that age..... I walk my dogs for about an hour every day and after school my son usually plays with them for another 30 min or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim'sMum Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Thank you fuzzy for brightening my day and making me smile with this photo! :rolleyes: What a gorgeous litter of puppies. Congratulations on choosing a dog from a rescue organisation....well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpotTheDog Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I've yet to meet a puppy that isn't "tiny, shy, submissive, not highly intelligent and just a cute bundle you want to cuddle". The shelter person was right to point you in the direction that you can't assume an adult temperment in a cross-breed pup just because it has some XYZ in it. However I'd rather hear that the shelter person reminded you that pups take time and effort but everything would probably be fine, or hear that the shelter person asked you were you comfortable on how to conduct first-time introductions to your own dogs, or that they suggested you bring your dog there to meet the pup (did they do that?) or whatever, instead of suggesting you cuddle the puppy. I'm vaguely prickly about 'revolving door' shelters at the moment - get the dog in, whip its knackers off and sell it on asap without a home check on the basis that you should 'cuddle the puppy' and everything will be a-okay. You were right to come on here to get some knowledgeable input and some perspective, but is it okay that I want to kick the shelter person in the bum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusky Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I am not a JR person at all but recently had a foster here maybe crossed with a mini foxie. He was a wee rat bag but honestly this dog responded to training so quickly and really was incredibly cute that he melted my heart. Good luck with your choice of puppy. I agree with the shelter person too..poodles are very bright I'm vaguely prickly about 'revolving door' shelters at the moment - get the dog in, whip its knackers off and sell it on asap without a home check on the basis that you should 'cuddle the puppy' and everything will be a-okay I am very prickly ar your comment rescue is very tough, very emotional, hard work and any group I have ever been involved with only have the dogs interests at heart. We know the alternative and it isn't pleasant. Maybe you would like to donate some time and volunteer at your local shelter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I see you are on the thread, Fuzzy82. When do you call the gorgeous bundle yours?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 I'll take 3 of those little monsters please! The main thing to remember is NOT to fall prey to the cute puppy syndrome ..things like picking puppy up when it comes over and puts paws on your leg.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzy82 Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 I have actually been emailing back and forth with the rescue person for several days, and we did discuss why I had problems with JRTs and she was very reassuring about them (considering she has personal experience with them). I had to fill out a form with a bunch of questions, and I did tell her I will be doing regular training with the puppy as well as socialising, puppy classes etc, and she thought that was really good. So she didn't just encourage cuddling and then let me go through with the adoption just like that. I realise that's what it might have sounded like from my original post, but the truth is I wasn't keen on the puppy at all to begin with, despite him being really cute. But after talking to the foster carer I have decided to go through with the adoption, and he will be desexed probably on Tuesday and hopefully will be good to go on Friday next week. Yay:) Thanks for your help:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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