If there's one personality complex that the
Jack Russell does not suffer from, it would be low self-esteem.
Jack Russell's are often confident in themselves to the point of
ridiculousness. It's quite common for an adult Jack to display
aggression towards cats as well. Because of their history Jack's
usually recognize cats as prey that they are meant to chase and
hunt down. Given the opportunity a Jack that is not used to cats
will quickly chase down and kill it. It's not advised to bring an
adult Jack who is not used to cats into a home with cats or any
other fur bearing pets or animals. Things like gerbils, hamsters
and guinea pigs should be kept well out of site. No matter how
safe it is; if a Jack Russell can see it, he will eventually
figure out how to get it. Jack Russell's can learn to accept cats
and live with them peacefully, but this usually has to be done by
raising them from a puppy in a home with a dominant adult cat that
will put the dog in his place and remind him of the household
pecking order.The comical
personalities and curiosities of the Jack Russell can quickly
designate them as the family clown. The energy that the dog
possesses makes it always eager to entertain and take part in any
active physical activity. The Jack Russell seems to never run out
of new ways to amuse. Jack Russell's have been known to play for
hours, until they collapse from exhaustion. With a little
experimentation, the Jack Russell owner will find that their Jack
is just as happy to chase a toy across the living room as it is
chasing a fox in the field. They will be as happy to kill a funky
old sock under the couch as killing a squirrel in the shed. The
key is to keep them active. The Jack Russell does indeed have an
intelligent, energetic, assertive personality that makes if an
endearing character in any home.
