The Misleading Size of the Jack Russell Terrier

Mike Loftus is the president and founder of MLE Merchandising and Sign Solutions, Inc., in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. MLE has provided branding services and merchandising support to more than 15,000 clients in the last three years alone. Away from work, Mike Loftus enjoys spending time with his family and their four dogs, including a Jack Russell terrier. 

Typically weighing 13-17 pounds, the Jack Russell terrier challenges owners with energy levels far exceeding their tiny frames. The breed was originally raised to hunt for foxes and is most satisfied when provided with some physical task to perform. Owners who do not provide their terriers with a job and fail to offer at least 40 minutes of daily exercise can expect their small companion’s temperament to shift from jovial to destructive rather quickly.

Terriers present owners with a number of additional challengers in spite of their convenient size. They are frequent barkers who enjoy digging. Additionally, a Jack Russell cannot coexist with house cats or small rodent pets, like hamsters or ferrets, as the dog will view such animals as prey. This is an instinctive trait of the breed and cannot be overcome through any amount of training.

In the correct home, when given the proper exercise and social interactions, the Jack Russell can be an invaluable addition to the family.

What You Need to Know About Owning a Great Dane

For more than a decade, Mike Loftus has served as the president of MLE, a signage and branding company in Illinois. When not working on projects for MLE clients, Mike Loftus enjoys spending time with his family and pets. He owns a dachshund, a Jack Russell terrier, and two great Danes.

Great Danes are excellent dogs, but individuals should consider a few factors before they make the decision to adopt one. The first and most obvious factor is size. Great Danes grow to be between 110 and 140 pounds, and people need to make sure that they can handle that large of a dog. A larger dog is also a greater financial investment since they can easily eat eight cups of food each day. Also, great Danes are very social and like to be by an owner’s side--or even in their lap. People who like a lot of personal space may want to consider a different breed.

Another important factor is saliva. Keeping up with the excess saliva from a great Dane is a major struggle, so owners should be ok with some water and drool on the floor at times.

Also, great Danes are prone to separation anxiety, so they are not a breed that can be left alone for 10 hours each day. Long periods of separation can cause depression and/or destructive behavior.