Barking up the wrong tree?

**Webster** · 21-01-2010, 13:22

I am about to move to Grahamstown and I hve promised my 4 sons that if I got the job then they could have a dog. They (and me) have set their little hearts on a Jack Russell for fun, friendship and as a hunting companion (although this does not really matter). Is this a wise choice? I am not a classic hunting dog man but do love dogs with character!

**abhm** · 21-01-2010, 14:18

not a bad choice at all if you are all a high and I mean high energy family! Staffie would also be a good choice imo as would a GSD!

**Webster** · 21-01-2010, 15:06

Thanks for the opinion - what is a GSD?

**FrankH** · 21-01-2010, 15:30

German Shepard Dog

**abhm** · 21-01-2010, 15:47

indeed, and belay my last Dave if you can manage four sons you have the energy for a JRT!

**BigT** · 21-01-2010, 21:45

You will not regret a JRT.

**THOMAST** · 21-01-2010, 22:08

I like the idea of a Russel Terrier. Your boys will give it a good workout, and it them.
Plus, if you let it sleep inside the house, you have an early warning system if the SHTF.
Win win situation.

Dunno how it will point or retrieve, though.

**2scoops** · 22-01-2010, 08:19

howzit Dave,
I had a JRT, now got a Springer spaniel (hunting dog), Lab (retired hunting dog) and a boerboel (almost a zoo). The JRT is great as a family pet. He'll keep everyone busy as hell, chew up the garden, car bumpers, kids and anything else he can get his hands on :) They're also tough as hell which is probably a good idea with 4 boys.

I would think twice however before taking him into the field. What i've seen is that their gung ho attitude gets them into all types of trouble. I hunted quite a bit with a chap in Bedford who bred JRT's. He took them into the field quite regulalry. Average life span was about 5 to 6 years before something got them, or they got stuck in a hole somewhere, or ... They're not the most obedient dogs either (compared to labs & springers) unless you're willing to spend huge amounts of time training. Don't get me wrong. They're really intelligent, and you'll easily get him to do the basics but when he's in the field his instincts take over and he'll do what he wants and ignore you flat.

I wouldn't suggest a springer as they're quite soft natured (probably not tough enough for 4 boys). Labs are great. They seem to have a good balance between being a family pet, hunting, hardy, obedient, good temperamant, ... Will keep everyone busy at a younger age, but mature into steady good natured dogs as the excitement of the new dog wears off. The make excellent hunting dogs of course and are fairly easy to train.

Good luck on your choice. Whatever you buy make sure you buy from a reputable breeder as it will save you lots of money down the road