Why Does My Jack Russell Terrier Stare At Me [8 Reasons]

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Sometimes it probably feels like your Jack Russell does nothing but sit and stare at you all day.

I know this feeling more than anyone and have a 3-year-old female, Jack Russell Terrier, named Luna, who constantly chooses to stare at me.

If you are new to owning this dog breed, it may almost alarm you or make you wonder what is going on.

Why Does My Jack Russell Terrier Stare At Me?

A Jack Russell Terrier will stare at you to seek attention, understand a situation, or attempt to communicate a message to you. Jack Russell’s will also stare at you if they need to go outside to go potty.

Unfortunately, you have plenty of other reasons that may be why your Jack Russell is staring at you, and that is what the rest of this discussion will cover.

The most common reason your Jack Russell is staring at you.



8 Reasons Your Jack Russell Terrier Is Staring At Your

To have some fun with this topic and answer your question, I decided to jot down the 8 reasons why I believe my Jack Russell is staring at me and present them to you.

I can almost guarantee that one of these reasons is the reasons that your Jack Russell is staring at you as well.

While we may never fully know since dogs can’t speak to us, it is pretty easy to figure out after spending enough time with one of these dogs what they are truly after and what they want from you.

Here are the 8 reasons I believe a Jack Russell Terrier is prone to stare at you all day.


Your Jack Russell Senses Some Anxiety or Stress

Dogs can be funny creatures when sensing your mood, stress levels, and even when you are not feeling the best.

It is remarkable if you ask me.

Suppose your Jack Russell can sense some tenseness in the room, or a mood set that is out of the ordinary for you.

In that case, it is highly likely they will be staring at you until they can understand what is going on.

Remember, a Jack Russel is a loyal dog, and they surely want to make sure you are happy and understand when you have a case of the blues.


Your Jack Russell Needs To Go Potty

Many dogs tend to do the stare off when they need to go outside.

Sometimes your Jack Russell will stare at you because they need to go outside and relieve themselves.

Of course, a Jack Russell is also considered a hyper dog breed.

Because of this, sometimes, in addition to the staring, you may get some jumping and some other noticeable actions being performed by your Jack Russell.

Nonetheless, if your Jack Russell is staring at you, try letting them outside or taking them on a quick walk to make sure they do not need to use the restroom.


Your Jack Russell May Be Staring Waiting For Attention or Approval

The Jack Russell Terrier was bred to work and please their owners.

They want this kind of work and enjoy your approval of the job they have done.

Maybe they are waiting for you to give them the green light to come cuddle up with you or want you to praise them for successfully retrieving the tennis ball.

Either way, seeking your attention or approval is a significant reason that your Jack Russell may be staring you down.


Your Jack Russell May Be Staring Because They Are Hungry

I honestly notice this takes place more often with my big dog than I do my Jack Russell.

I am aware and confident that hunger is a primary reason for a dog to stare at you.

It is almost as if they are staring you down but silently saying, “when are you grabbing that food.”

Have you missed your scheduled feeding time by a few minutes?

If so, your Jack Russell may be staring at you to get your attention so they can feast on their favorite kibble.


When Is The Last Time You Provided Your Jack Russell Some Exercise?

Jack Russell’s love to get out and about and burn off some of that energy.

They crave the ability to run around and act a little crazy.

If they have not been offered this opportunity in a long time, they may be staring at you, trying to relay the message that you should get up and take them for a walk.

Get outside and provide your Jack Russell some exercise and see if this helps with the staring issue you encounter.


Jack Russell’s Are Clingy Dogs, Get Used To it

Something that you need to accept sooner than later is the fact that a Jack Russell Terrier is one of the clingier dogs you can choose to adopt.

When you have a clingy dog and take a break from talking to them, petting them, and loving them, they may stare at you to relay the message that they would prefer you to continue rubbing their belly.

While this is not necessarily a behavior that will ever go away, at least now you have an idea of what they want when they enter those long periods of staring at you.


Maybe They Are Staring To Gain A Better Understanding

This is similar to one of the reasons I mentioned previously in this discussion.

Suppose your Jack Russell is not quite sure what is going on or the situation is slightly out of the normal.

Your Jack Russell may be staring at you to gain an understanding of what is going on.

They are basically looking to you and looking at you for guidance on what they should be doing or reassuring them that everything is okay and that they have nothing to worry about.


Boredom Can Make Your Jack Russell Do Some Funny Things

As mentioned previously, a Jack Russell Terrier is known to have an endless amount of energy.

They want to use it, and they prefer to use that energy with you.

If they get bored, they may not have anything better to do except look right at you for what seems like an eternity.

If you think your Jack Russell is staring at you out of boredom and it is really starting to bother you, provide more toys for your Jack Russell .

Now, they will have something to do to occupy their minds.

It will be difficult for your Jack Russell to stare at you if they have a brand-new bone or chew toy to interact with.

Give it a try and see if it helps.


Your Jack Russell Terrier Is Seeking Your Attention, Be Sure To Offer It

Jack Russell’s are a dog breed known to stare and cling to your hip wherever you go.

It is better to get used to it now because I can promise you that it will not stop.

Provide some love, affection, and a warm home for your Jack Russell, and prepare for one of the best dogs you and your family can choose to adopt.

Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your Jack Russell’s and the journey you have ahead of you.


Does Your Jack Russell Terrier Stare At You Constantly?

Does Your Jack Russell stare at you as well?

Have you been able to figure out why and what to do about it?

Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.

As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by, and we will see you again next time.

Josh Martin- Founder and Creator of Terrier Owner

Josh Martin is the proud owner of a female Jack Russell Terrier Named Luna. Josh founded TerrierOwner.com to share the stories of owning a Terrier and to help all terrier owners with the struggles, excitement and common questions that come with being a new terrier parent.

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