What is the general temperament of Jack Russell Terriers?

Most Jack Russell Terriers possess dominant temperaments, although this varies from individual to individual. Terrier breeds are typically more on the dominant side, particularly Jack Russell Terriers.

Why are Jack Russell Terriers usually dominant?
They need this kind of temperament to hunt small game. Certain animals like foxes and badgers will fight back when cornered. A successful hunting dog will be dominant enough to fight back and to stay with the hunt and not run away in the face of danger.

How does a dominant dog act?
Dominant dogs tend to be independent, willful and often aggressive with other dogs and sometimes with people. The classic signs of a dominant Jack Russell include ears forward, tail up and stiff and barely wagging, body tense and leaning forward, hair up on shoulders and spine, prolonged staring and teeth bared in the front of the mouth. They can also be harder to train, and will often “test” you to see who is the boss.

How will my Jack Russell test me?
Your Jack Russell may test you in various ways. He may growl at you when you try to move him off the bed or ignore you when you call him.

What do I do if my Jack Russell behaves this way?
If you have established yourself as the leader, a strong, firm word should be enough to remind your Jack Russell who is in charge. If this doesn’t work, seek the advice of a professional trainer who is experienced with terriers and can help you change the pecking order in your household.
You need to take immediate action to prevent this behavior from continuing.

Are Jack Russells friendly with strangers?

Not usually. In fact, they can be possessive of “their” people and property and can be aggressive toward strangers. This is not true of all Jack Russells, however. Some are happy to receive visitors, while others would just as soon chew up anyone who sets foot on their property.

Isn’t being unfriendly toward strangers a good thing? I don’t want someone to break into my house.
Jack Russells make good watchdogs, meaning they will bark long and loud if someone is approaching your house. That’s good because they can alert you to an approaching stranger long before you would hear or see that person yourself. But Jacks don’t always distinguish between someone you want in your house and someone you don’t. Your Jack Russell is just as likely to bark like a maniac at your Uncle Fred from Iowa who is coming up the driveway to ring your doorbell as he would be at a criminal who is scoping out your house for a robbery. Know that this protective attitude about Uncle Fred may continue even after your uncle has come into your
home with your permission. If your Jack Russell bites Uncle Fred or anyone else who comes to your home with your permission, you will be both embarrassed and legally liable.