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The dog’s physical appearance is similar to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier but with the curly coat of the Jack Russell. The dog also has the same temperament as both breeds, making them an ideal pet for families with children and other pets. They are playful, intelligent, affectionate and brave and can make excellent watchdogs. They will bark at strangers coming to their home or garden but are not aggressive towards people they know well. Staffies and Jack Russells are natural hunting dogs and can be trained to bark or at least alert their owners to anything amiss.
Introducing the Energetic Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell is a large, solid dog breed, weighing in at 50-70 lb. They are very loyal to their owners and protective of them. These dogs belong in the family or with the owner mostly, but they can also do well as watchdogs. Socializing a Jack Russell is crucial because they tend to be stubborn, independent and up until recently were considered aggressive towards strangers.
There are many common misconceptions about this breed. The first is that they are an aggressive breed. It is more true to say that this breed does not do well with other dogs or strange animals unless it has been socialized with them from a very early age. This one of the reasons why this breed belongs in a home where there are no other pets. The Jack Russell also lacks tolerance for children and will take advantage of their size when confronted by a small child. Finally, all dogs of this breed can and will bite, so owners should never let any dog fester in boredom without exercise or attention.
Do Staffies or Jack Russells make better family pets?
They both make excellent family dogs. Both are loyal and loving toward their families. A Staffy is a very intelligent breed, so it is important to train it as soon as possible. Staffies do tend to be stubborn and can become problematic if not trained properly. The Jack Russell is a medium-sized dog and smaller than the Staffy, which may make it more suitable for families with younger children who may be less likely to harm a smaller dog than they might be willing to hurt something larger. They both have the same high energy level so daily exercise is always required.
Are either of these breeds good with children?
The Jack Russell could be a better choice for families with young children because they are usually smaller than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Staffy is known to have a high prey drive, which means that it is not an ideal pet for households with smaller pets or children. Although they love kids and are docile around them most of the time, when they get excited or are in their ball-playing mode, they could knock over a child. They also tend to be bossy and may attempt to dominate children in their family.
The Jack Russells is very good with children because of their playful personality and because they enjoy being pampered by children. It also helps that these dogs are small and easy for a child to manage. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be good with children too but only if it has been properly trained from an early age. The dog loves children and is gentle with them, but it also has a high prey drive which can lead to trouble if they show their excitement too much around a child.
What kind of play do Jack Russells or Staffordshire Bull Terriers enjoy the most?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves to play fetch and tug-of-war, as well as chase, so it needs an owner who is active and playful. The Jack Russell prefers to play alone more than with other dogs or humans, but it does enjoy the chase game as well.
How easy is it to train a Staffy Jack Russell Cross?
Both breeds are intelligent and trainable. They are both energetic dogs and require an active owner who can keep up with them. They are both stubborn at times but easy to train.
How long do Jack Russel or Staffy live?
Jack Russells average around 12-14 years old, which is above the median for this breed. Staffies live on average between 14-16 years old, which is below the median for this breed. If you do have a Jack Russell Staffy cross, you will probably find that they have a good lifespan compared to most larger breeds. For example, Dalmations and Great Danes have an average lifespan of around 10-12 years.
What is the biggest health concern?
The biggest health concern for these dogs is hip dysplasia in some cases but otherwise it tends to be stomach ailments and elbow dysplasia.
Are Jack Russell Staff Cross Dogs Aggressive?
Genrally, no. Both of these dog breeds are very loyal to their owners and protective of them, but they can be protective in different ways. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a very high prey drive and may end up attacking small pets if the owner does not train him well. The Jack Russell is more likely to bark at a stranger who comes into its home or yards than to actually attack them. If you want to know more you can read this article on are Jack Russells aggressive?
It is important to note that any dog can be aggressive if not properly trained or socialised and no dog should ever be left alone with children. A staffy-Jack Russell Cross will require training to keep their aggression under control. The Staffy may become more aggressive with age if it is not trained well and socialized with strangers from a young age.
If you enjoyed this article you might like to read about the Jack Russell Corgi Cross.
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