Monday, March 13, 2006

Manchester Terrier? I think not

Buddy wasn't around today, so I was able to let Sadie off the leash.  Without him to lead her astray, she stays close to us, running circles around us, but coming when called.  Such amazing energy she has!  Relating a story to Cliff that my granddaughter had told me, I mentioned a Jack Russell terrier, and something clicked.

When we chose to adopt Sadie, I wasn't concerned about her heritage, but the lady at Wayside Waifs told us their considered opinion:  She was, they felt, a Manchester Terrier and Basset cross.  She warned us that this dog had a tendency to bounce off the walls, and would need exercise.

Come on, how many Manchester terriers do you see running around?  I've never once seen one in my life, as far as I know; and if they're that uncommon, how many of them do you suppose are on the streets mating with mongrels?  But Jack Russell terriers are very popular, and there are lots of them around these days.

What I didn't realize was that the breed can be short-haired.  I thought they all looked like the one on Frasier.  Otherwise I might have put two and two together sooner.

I found a website describing the nature of a Jack Russell Terrier, and copied and pasted some things that describe Sadie to a "T".

"These are considered an intelligent, high-energy breed. Their compact size, friendly and inquisitive nature, and intelligence make them popular as pets. Built for speed and strength, they will always be ready to play. However, they require consistent training and a good deal of attention and exercise to maintain their temperament and to occupy their minds. JRT's who are not trained on a consistent basis, or are not exercised regularly, may occasionally exhibit aggressive or unmanageable behaviour, including excessive barking, escaping from the yard, or digging in unwanted places inside and outside the house."

"The old terriermen wanted terriers that would bark incessently at their prey. The dog could then be located underground, and dug out if necessary. As a result, JRT's are most definitely vocal dogs. They lackthe nervousness that makes so many small dogs "yappy".  JRT's rarely bark at nothing."

"Most JRT's easily mingle with children, though they don't tolerate even unintentional abuse. Most are outgoing, and very friendly towards other dogs.  JRT's do tend to exhibit a "Napoleon Complex" regarding larger canines that can get them into dangerous situations. Their fearlessness can scare off a larger animal, but their apparent unawareness of their small size can lead to a lopsided fight if not kept in check."

That last paragraph covers a topic I've mentioned to Cliff and others several times.  Sadie will not back down.  She's friendly, but if a dog displays aggression toward her, she insists on being aggressive back to them.  And she doesn't care if it's a St. Bernard!

I don't know what other breeds of dogs Sadie has in her little mongrel body, but it looks to me like she's at least HALF Jack Russell Terrier.

And that's a breed I always said I would NOT own, because I've heard so many negative things about them.

Life can play some strange jokes on us.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think with the correct training you have the makings of a lovely little pet ,You obviosly care enough to do your reseach I really cant foresee any problems .............Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Sometimes when we sit back quietly...letting the Lord do his conversing with us...life has a way of looking sunny and bright...sometimes when we say "never"..it comes back to "haunt" us...LOL...Good luck Sadie...you gotta good life girl...and I know you know it LOLOL....Hugs...Ora

Anonymous said...

she is so cute...looks a little like a dobie to me.  good dogs.

Anonymous said...

I love the Jack Russell Terrier. They make me think of the small Feist dog. My DIL and son has a part Feist and they love her and I do also. She in smart little dog.  I have a cousin who raises them. Sadie's face makes me think of them. Here is his website if you care to look it over. Helen
http://quicksitebuilder.cnet.com/mackled/lostcreekfeistsquirreldogs/index.html

Anonymous said...

My Maizy is a pug/jack russel mix.  Her personality and spunk are very much the jack russel in her.  Your entry on the JRT describes her to a "T".  
Missie

Anonymous said...

I like Sadie. She seems like a great little dog from all you've written. Don't worry what her heritage is. She's Sadie. : )
Angela

Anonymous said...

Whatever she is she sure is a keeper!

Anonymous said...

Well, at least you know a little bit more about her, and why she acts the way she does.
Life can and does play some strange jokes on us, that's for sure!!

Jackie

Anonymous said...

mutts are the best in dogs & people
Marti

Anonymous said...

I think the people at shelters tend to "guess" at the parentage of dogs sometimes.  I do see alot of Terrier in Sadie!  Linda

Anonymous said...

I think she could have some Jack Russell in her, but what do I know? Life does play interesting tricks on us. I said I'd never live in Montana (and now I am)

betty

Anonymous said...

mutt....that is what I think...of course so is my JoJo~
Becky

Anonymous said...

I have a friend that has a Jack Russell and they have been happy with theirs, but yes, they do have high energy.  I've not talked to this friend in a while, but they had theirs for quite some time and probably still do.
I have been worried about you and the storms...did you have any bad storms where you are?  Any tornadoes?

Anonymous said...

I wish I had the energy that sadie has, lol.  

Anonymous said...

My husband use to tell me never say you will never do something because that is exactly what you will end up doing. I think you love that dog so much you don't care what it's heritage is. Paula

Anonymous said...

Sadie sure does look a lot like a JRT to me.  What a sweet girl.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

She sure does look like a Jack Russel Terrier to me as well.

Erica

Anonymous said...

Sorry about the previous post it posted before I was done with it, she does look like she has some JRT in her, I have never owned a JRT but I know people who have and they say they are very high energy dogs.

Erica