They are cute, little, and irresistible, especially when they are a puppy.  But before anyone thinks about getting a Jack Russell Terrier they need to talk to someone who knows this breed.  Now I know that Jan Fennell says all dogs are canines and her method works with any breed.  I believe this to be true. However, even Jan acknowledges that some dogs' personalities are based on years of being bred to do certain jobs; some breeds more than others.  If there was ever a breed that needs a job it is the JRT.  My new little canine  loves being outside and is into anything organic; sticks, leaves, cat droppings, rocks and especially dirt.  These dogs  have been bred to go to ground; to chase critters into dens and out the other end.  Many have been known to perish underground rather than give up the chase. They are tenacious, stubborn and full of energy.  My first two Jacks were not much interested in the hunt.  Stewart cared only about one thing; the frisbee.  Gordo likes to be out and about and has a good nose.  If he is with other dogs who like to hunt he will join in.  But neither one of them were diggers. Well.....little Miss Stella has already gone to ground in my flower beds and yesterday she was behind the garage with half her body buried in a hole she had dug herself. Her face was covered in dirt as was most of the rest of her. She already has permanent dirt under her little toenails and she looked about as happy as a little dog could be.   So here are three examples of the same breed of dog all with different personalities.  The key is to recognize each dog's unique qualities and work with them.  What we shouldn't do is pigeonhole a dog based on its breed.  I've heard it said more than once that Jack Russells cannot be trained.  Nothing is further from the truth.  In fact, they are highly intelligent and catch on very quickly.  Kent and I have seen something in all three of our dogs we call a "Jack Russell moment".  It's as if their brain kicks into high gear and they start tearing around, leaping, running and expending as much energy as they can in a very short time.  It reminds us of the word "giddy".  It is as if the pure joy of living just can't be contained and must be expressed.  So, recognizing your dog's unique personality is important, but making excuses for not being able  to change certain behaviors based on their breed is not a way out.  Any dog, given the right leadership signals from its owner can control its own behavior regardless of its temperament or breed.