Dog Road Test
Thinking of buying a new dog ? Not sure what type is best for your lifestyle ? Got young children and nervous about how the dog will fit into family life, then let us help. Every month we will road test a different breed, tell you the pros and cons of owning this particular type of dog and getting lots of advice on care and treatment from our resident vet.
The Jack Russell
For
Has to be one of the most entertaining dogs around, always up to something! Is also very loyal and extremely affectionate and for a small breed very versatile as well. Oh, and if you need a good guard dog look no further.
Against
Can be very yappy, as with all Terriers and do not get one of you want the easy life as they never, and make sure you do not sit still! Watch out for the tendency to nip ankles and keep an eye on young children.........
The Jack Russell Terrier takes its name from the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest breeds of terriers for fox hunting. The hunting instinct is still strong in these little chaps and they won't shy away from taking anything on, no matter how big!
One of the true characters of the doggy world, if not the quietest!
Performance
As a model from the small end of the market it's engine is capable of delivering high speed allied to great durability.
Handling
The energetic performance could prove to be a bit much as a first time buy but its small size makes it easy to park. With patience and firm control you can train this model to become almost what you want but that very eager engine is always bubbling away beneath the surface. Due to being very low slung, it has excellent grip around corners!
Economy
Never takes more fuel on-board than it needs and one good fill-up per day should be enough. As the Jack Russell can sometimes be a bit of an off-roader, bumps and scrapes may need attending to and an annual service is vital!
Build
A tough, small body slung very close to the ground with no boot to speak of.
Comfort
If you're not comfortable with an all action, high-speed performance then look elsewhere. Once trained though you will have a loyal friend that will give you hours of enjoyment.
Equipment
It's all there, four legs, one tail and a loud bark. There are no optional extras with this model.
Styling
Very sleek in appearance with a cheeky front grill. The model comes in a variety of colours, normally a mixture of white, brown and black.
Insurance
We always recommend you fully insure your dog in case of loss or accidents.
Value for Money
Overall, the Jack Russell hasn't become one of the most popular models available for nothing with their high performance allied to low maintenance costs. It's performance and sometimes off the wall handling ensures it quickly becomes a real member of the family. A model of real character and great fun to own.
Overall a star buy.
Performance -4 Stars
Handling -3 Stars
Economy - 4.5 Stars
Build -4 Stars
Comfort - 3 Stars
Equipment -5 Stars
Styling -5 Stars
Value for Money - 4.5 Stars
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