Jack Russell Terriers are a unique breed of dogs that have become popular around the world due to their playful, energetic, and curious personalities.
I have now been raising a Jack Russell for the past 4 years and I have to say they are not only unique but have a personality that is unmatched among other dog breeds.
While they are a favorite of many dog lovers, they have some behaviors that are considered weird and unusual compared to other dog breeds.
In this discussion, we will take a closer look at 11 weird things that Jack Russell Terriers do and explain why they do them.
Before we do, let’s first talk a bit more about why this dog breed is so unique.
Jack Russells Make For One Of The Most Unique Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy, intelligence, and fearlessness.
These qualities, combined with their small size and tenacity, make them a unique and popular breed.
In addition to these characteristics, Jack Russells also possess several other traits that set them apart from other dogs.
Some behaviors can be frustrating for some owners, but it is important to understand that it is a natural part of the breed’s temperament and personality.
Jack Russells have an unmatched loyalty and devotion to their owners. These dogs form strong bonds with their humans and are known for their protective nature.
11 Weird Things Jack Russells Do
Now, without further ado, let’s talk about what I believe to be the 11 most unique behaviors a Jack Russell will display or do.
1. Sleeping Under Blankets
For some reason Jack Russells love to sleep in some seriously odd positions. They will twist, turn, and contort their body until they are comfortable.
A lot of times, for Jack Russells that includes getting under some blankets. It might scare you a little at first thinking they are going to suffocate, but you get used to it.
2. Digging Holes
One of the most common and bizarre things that Jack Russell Terriers do is dig holes. They love to dig holes in the ground, whether it is in the garden, the backyard, or the park.
They do this because they have an innate desire to hunt and explore, and digging is a natural part of that instinct.
They also do this to stay cool in the summer months or when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the intensity and focus with which they dig, often ignoring everything else around them.
3. Jumping High
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their incredible jumping ability, and they can jump to amazing heights.
They can easily jump up onto furniture, leap over fences, and even jump into their owner’s arms.
They do this because they have a high energy level and an instinct to chase and hunt prey.
Their athletic ability is also due to their small size and lightweight, making it easier for them to jump higher than larger breeds.
4. Chasing Their Tail
Another weird behavior that Jack Russell Terriers exhibit is tail chasing. They spin in circles while biting their tail, sometimes for long periods of time.
They do this because they are playful and curious, and they enjoy chasing anything that moves.
They also do this because they may be trying to get rid of an itchy or uncomfortable sensation on their tail, or it may be a sign of anxiety or stress.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the intensity and duration of the tail chasing.
5. Barking at Everything
Jack Russell Terriers are notorious for their excessive barking, and they will bark at anything and everything.
They do this because they are very territorial and protective, and they see any unfamiliar sound or object as a potential threat.
They also bark because they are highly energetic and need an outlet to express themselves.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the frequency and intensity of their barking, often barking much louder and more frequently than other breeds.
6. Following Their Owner Everywhere
Jack Russell Terriers have a strong bond with their owners and love to be near them all the time.
They will follow their owners everywhere, even into the bathroom.
They do this because they are very social and affectionate, and they crave attention and love from their owners.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the intensity and persistence of their following, often sticking by their owner’s side no matter what they are doing.
7. Licking Everything
Jack Russell Terriers have a strong desire to lick everything in sight, including people, objects, and even themselves.
They do this because it is an instinct to clean themselves and their surroundings.
They also do this as a sign of affection and to show their owners that they love them.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the frequency and intensity of their licking, often licking people and objects with great enthusiasm and persistence.
8. Burying Toys and Treats
Jack Russell Terriers love to bury their toys and treats in the ground or in piles of laundry or blankets.
They do this because it is an instinct to hide food and toys from predators in the wild.
They also do this as a way of saving their favorite things for later or as a way of protecting them from other dogs or animals.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the creativity with which they hide their toys and treats, often burying them in unexpected places like under the sofa or in a pile of dirty laundry.
9. Nipping and Chewing
Jack Russell Terriers tend to nip and chew on things, including furniture, clothing, and even their owners.
They do this because they have a strong urge to chew and explore their environment.
They also do this as a sign of affection and to show their owners that they want to play.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the intensity and persistence with which they chew and nip, often causing damage to objects and sometimes causing pain to their owners.
10. Racing Around the House (Zoomies)
Jack Russell Terriers have a lot of energy and love to race around the house or yard.
I call this Zoomies when it takes place with my JRT.
They do this because they have an instinct to run and hunt prey, and they need an outlet for their energy.
They also do this as a way of entertaining themselves and showing their owners their playful nature.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the intensity and speed with which they race around, often zig-zagging and jumping over objects with incredible agility.
11. Sitting on Their Owner’s Feet
Jack Russell Terriers have a unique habit of sitting on their owner’s feet or in their lap.
They do this because they love to be close to their owners and feel safe and secure in their presence.
They also do this as a way of asserting their dominance and showing their owners that they are in charge.
What makes this behavior different from other breeds is the intensity and persistence with which they sit on their owner’s feet, often refusing to move even when asked to do so.
The Takeaway
I think it’s fair to say at this point in the discussion that Jack Russell Terriers are 100% unique and different from other dog breeds you could choose to adopt.
From digging holes to racing around the house and sitting on their owner’s feet, these dogs have a personality that sets them apart from other breeds.
While some of their behaviors may seem weird or even annoying, they are an essential part of what makes these dogs so lovable and entertaining.
Understanding these behaviors can help owners to better care for JRT’s making the bond between owner and pet even stronger.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck if you do plan to adopt a Jack Russell Terrier in the future.
