Jack Russel pups

[moomoojaj]

I am going to see some Jack Russel pups tomorrow and would appreciate some tips on what to look for. These pups are from a breeder and not from a rescue home(bad experence with rescue dogs unfortunately). Is a bitch or a dog more suitable as a family pet. What questions should I ask?

[paddy_36]

My sister had a male Jack Russell. He liked to rule the roost - he was playful and good fun, but would growl at people on occasion. He also bit members of the household. I get they impression that you need to let them know who's boss in no uncertain terms.

[PurplePixie]

A couple of good tests for a placid family dog are; to turn the pup onto its back in your hands...if it wriggles and turns itself back not allowing you to flip it, then it  (only as a guide) will generally be a more dominant dog. If it just lays there & lets you tickle its tum, then usually this indicates that its character will be placid & submissive.

Another test is to apply a little pressure to the skin between its paws, (not too hard tho..not to hurt the pup), & if the dog snaps at you...it will probably not be a good family pet, if it licks your hand or just pulls it's paw away then that's the one you should pick.

You should be able to meet the mother & find out about the father. See how she relates the humans around her, be cautious if the dog is kept outside in a kennel (it may have missed out on vital human contact)

You should ask about vaccinations, worming history of the mother & pups, how many litters the bitch has had.Also if the pups have been seen by a vet.

If the premises are smelly or the pups look iffy, then your first instincts are probably right. Have a look in the pups ears & eyes...which should be completely clean with no discharge. Watch them to see if they cough or sneeze...look in their mouths to see if the gums are a good salmon pink. Run your thumb across the fur on the back & look for scaly patches or flea dirt.

I've probably forgotten something obvious, but hope this helps a bit.