No, they are not good dogs for children. I have two JRT's. One is 14 years old the other one is seven, I have had both since they were puppies. I have a two year old daughter who was recently attacked by the seven year old. This was not a bite but an attack that required several stitches to her face. Up until now he was always very well behaved around her and they played very well together. I never suspected a problem. He never growled at her etc. However, my daughter tried to climb onto my lap and at the same time the dog was trying to jump unto my lap, and he went after her. Needless to say I have to find a home for him. He is currenlty being crated for ten days as required by law, but I will have to find him a new home and if I can't I will have to put him down (which I do not want to do). Bottom line, any animal is unpredictable. My dogs were very well trained but unfortunately this had to happen.
Wow. My 12 year old JR loves kids and is gentle as a lamb. He has always been a pampered, loved house dog (with lots of walks) and is very sociable -- loves people and will let kids do anything to him, including riding him (by a 2 yr old boy).
Jack Russells are first and foremost, a working terrier. This required the dog to bark, and worry the quarry while hunting, so yes, they do bark. Pure bred dogs will be extremely intelligent, athletic, fearless, and vocal. It is not uncommon for them to become moody and destructive if they are not properly stimulated and exercises as they have a tendency to get bored easily and will often entertain themselves when left alone, but in all the wrong ways.
Obedience classes are recommended to all owners, as they are high energy and can be stubborn and aggressive towards other animals and humans if not socialized. They are not suitable to condominiums and apartments, as they need a lot more space to be happy in. They are fearless, which means they are likely to take on much larger dogs in fights.
They can cohabit with children, but both dog and child need to be properly introduced and educated on how to behave with each other. The dog is extremely loyal to it's owner, and highly territorial.
I have a JRT and have 3 small children and a cat ! Our dog does "yapp" when outside in the garden to strange noises or normally the neighbours cat !!!! We have not had a problem with her, when we bought her the vet said we were to do as many things and to introduce her to as much as possible before she was 5 months old !! Oh and just to add we also have a rabbit, who escaped from its run last week and our dog just walked away !!
