Jack Russell Terrier question

[spalacios]

We are thinking of getting a JRT. My question is for anyone that has one, or has had one. We have a cat. She is approximately 12 lbs. Does this breed generally do well with a cat of her size? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[wolfsoul]

Welcome to PT.

Terriers are/were bred to kill small animals -- so it can be touch and go. Some rescues are able to tell you whether or not an adult dog is good with cats. If you get a puppy and socialise it with the cat, it should be perfectly fine. They could even be good buddies.

Good luck!

[vinjashira]

Hi and welcome to Pet Talk!

I aksed a similar question some time ago and did some research and the answer was NO, jack russells are not generally good with cats or other small animals but as wolfsoul pointed out can learn to live with one.

However, you must never leave the two of them together without supervision. A warning from The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America: "raising a puppy with a cat does not guarantee the cat's lifelong safety."

[elizabethann]

I agree with what everybody wrote. I too heard that JRT can be dangerous when they're around cats. I have a terrier mutt and 2 cats. Luckily, he gets along with them (but he does chase Cosmo once in awhile).

Are there any other dogs you're interested in getting?

Good luck and welcome to PT.

[IRescue452]

I have a few friends with jrts and they get along with cats great. As long as they are socialized well they don't attack cats. The thing you have to worry about is the two teaming up and making trouble together.

[lv4dogs]

I agree with everyone, so basically it all depends on the dogs personality, how they are raised & treated. I've known many JRT that get along great with smaller animals & I also know many that don't. And it varies too, I've known some JRT's that have never seen a cat before & even as an adult get along great with them, then I've seen puppies raised with kitties that don't get along. I've known JRT's to get along with cats for years then all of a sudden not & vice-versa. I guess you never know until the time comes.

To be on the safe side I'd probably stay away from that breed unless you are prepared to seperate them (possibly for life) if needed.

Don't get me wrong they are a great breed, just not for everyone.

[spalacios]

Thanks to everyone for responding. This JRT is 7 years old. I did find out today that it has been killing chickens, so I'm thinking we don't want to bring it into our house. Right now my cat is high priority. I wouldn't want to have any problems that would traumatize my children and the family. Thanks for you input.

We have been looking into several breeds. We need a smaller dog since we have rules in our housing community. I have also been looking at Shih-Tsu and Yorkipoo's. The only problem is that the ones that I have found are sooooo expensive. I haven't been able to find any within my budget yet.

I have only been on this forum for 2 days and have already found wonderful information and some fun facts and stuff. I love the guess the breed pics. They are great!

Stacy

[wolfsoul]

I wouldn't get a yorkipoo --- Yorkies are also terriers, not to mention if you buy one from a breeder, you are supporting backyard breeding. Yorkipoos are mutts and should only be bought from a shelter/rescue.

Shi-tzus can be really good with cats. Every shi-tzu I have met has been.

Make sure that any breeder you consider is a reputable breeder!

[Lexi_Lover]

I have a JRT! Shes a real sweetie. If you were to get one, get it as a pup, so its reared into the family. I have a rabbit, and I can trust her with him out of his cage ANY time. Because she was raised with him.

With JRTs, you need to be prepared for many walks, or agility, flyball or tunnel racing, something to get them socialized and keep them active. I walk Lexi, play frisbee with her, run, starting agility soon. Shes a perfect dog! I love her! If you don't occupy them, they will occupy themselves, whether its bugging you, chewing furniture, biting...etc.

But of course another option is looking into a rescue on www.petfinder.com and looking for dogs that are good with cats? Or go to your shelter and get a small breed mixed. There are many options!

[elizabethann]

What about a pug? Also, there are breed specific rescue groups all over. Try googling the specific breed with rescue group after that and they should pop up. What about a Chihauaha? Or a Daschaund? There are a lot of small dogs out there who would love a good home.

Good luck.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

If you get a puppy and socialise it with the cat, it should be perfectly fine. They could even be good buddies.

I have a Patterdale Terrier and a kitty and when they were first together they would cuddle up (my signature below was made from a genuine photograph of the two of them). Now its a different story - the dog chases the cat at every opportunity and wants to play. The trouble is he plays rough and she doesn't. I don't think he would hurt her intentionally - they seem to get on better when we're not around, I think its more a case of she has matured and he is still a daft pup!

A recue dog is a great idea (and guarantees that you will be loved by PT forever!!) - welcome to the family