Owning a Jack Russell

Anja today tells us about what it is like to own a Jack Russell, or more than one of them. 

My dad has been obsessed with having Jack Russells his whole life - even as a kid they only owned Jack Russells. 

So, when he started his own family, it was just natural to add Jack Russells to it.

We got our first Jack Russell when I was 8 years old, and we named him Jack. (Don't judge us - I know people who've called their cat "Kat".)

Jack was the best dog ever. He was very entertaining - his weird antics made us laugh every single day.

When he was a puppy he was SUPER naughty. He ate/humped/chewed everything. 

Seriously. He ate Blitz, matches, a R50 note and a car phone charger. Oneday when we were on our way somewhere he saw a dog on the outside of our car, and out of frustration of not being able to sniff its butt he destroyed the window panel. (The cushion under the window.)

DESTROYED.

But in between his naughtiness he was a beautiful, intelligent dog. He used to play better soccer than anyone on the Bafana Bafana team (which isn't difficult) and he was a very talented detective.

We used to hide tennis balls from him because he lost his shit when he played with them. It got so bad that we actually put the balls in the freezer, just to throw him off the scent.

After 15 years of living with us he passed away last year. It was very traumatic and it took us a year to move on. (We'll never forget him.)

We now have two Jack Russell puppies - I told you my dad is obsessed! I can already see the parallels between them. Like Jack, they enjoy digging holes and leopard crawling in small spaces.

Here's a summary of Jack Russells:

- They are fiercely loyal and intelligent dogs.
- They have ENDLESS energy and need to be walked/played with everyday.
- Your garden isn't safe from them. They will dig holes in it.
- They need lots of toys as puppies, and will probably destroy most of them.
- They love leopard crawling in confined spaces, but don't worry - they always get out.
- They're always keen for a drive, whether it's 5km or 5000km.
- They will love you forever and ever. (Like all dogs)

Want to know what it's like to own a boxer, staffie, border collie or French bulldog?

Check out the other Owning A.... posts here.