|
 |
|
When originally I did this page I was
doing the traditional thing, a bit about the standard, the origin, etc..
Then I decided that people who already know the breed are aware of all
that and that people who are unfamiliar with it have a multitude of web
sites to visit including the parent club at prtaa.org
and
akc.org to find all that out. What I think people want to know is
what is this breed like to live with, train, how are they with children,
do they need a fenced yard - everyday things that help a family decide if
this is the breed for them.
So, if you don't mind, I am going to
tell you "like it is". Obviously I enjoy the breed or I wouldn't be
living with a herd! I will say though, and with emphasis, that you
absolutely must have a good sense of humor to live with these dogs! They
bring things that you would have sworn that you no longer owned into a
group situation...things like that really ratty pair of dirty underwear
that you were sure you threw out. Not only do they bring it into a social
setting, but they toss it, roll on it, chew on it, anything to draw
attention to themselves. By the time you are an extremely unattractive
shade of puce, they will give you a break and do something less
controversial...like eat the snacks! And believe it or not you will
actually be relieved!
When the last of your company has left,
and you are cleaning up, he will follow your every step hoping for a
handout. He will sit by your feet as you load the dishwasher. Best of
all, when you finally collapse into a chair, suddenly, light as a feather,
your companion lands on your lap. He puts his paws on your chest and
gives you the best big doggy kiss while looking at you with limpid dark
eyes. Suddenly everything is right with the world and just as suddenly
his antics are funny. I grant you this is an extreme case and one that
hopefully won't happen often (notice the use of the word "often"?).
Things like this will happen though, and you had better be able to laugh
at them (at least later!).
When deciding on a family pet it is
always a good idea to really understand what the breed was developed to
do. The heritage of this dog should tell you that he will dig and will
hunt given the opportunity. I discourage inveterate gardeners who think a
PRT is the dog for them. Your prized rose garden is most definitely not
sacrosanct ground to a Russell. To protect your lovely gardens you will
have to fence them off hopefully with a form of invisible fencing. This
works so well that you can have the dog AND the garden. If you aren't
willing to go that extra mile, then I strongly suggest you consider
another breed. Vegetable gardens have tremendous appeal to these
terriers. I have had them not only eat my eggplants, but the entire plant
as well! Green tomatoes bear a strong resemblance to tennis balls... so
they are fair game too. Since they love green beans and peas...well I am
sure by now you can guess where I'm going with this!
While I am thinking of fencing, let me
answer that oft asked question..."do I need a fenced in yard?". In a
word...yes! Personally I feel the inventor of the invisible fence system
deserves sainthood. He has certainly saved the life of many a PRT. A PRT
on a scent is deaf to your cries of come although, at the best of times
"Come" can be considered an arbitrary command.. He will dash out in front
of a passing car without a backward glance. They are low to the ground
and fast, making it almost impossible for a driver to see them until it is
too late. If you are lucky, your dog can be saved by your vet, usually
for far in excess of what fencing would have cost.
They are an extremely intelligent breed
and therefore do very well at obedience, agility and like sports. Working
with your dog in obedience, just the basic class, will make a strong bond
between you and the dog that will last his whole life. I require it in my
contract because I feel that strongly about training and socialization.
Since this terrier is territorial, to have a good pet you must well
socialize it during the formative months. Obedience classes offer a
painless way to start this process (notice I say "start"). If you want a
good family dog, you should be willing to spend under $100 dollars for six
weeks of classes. The classes meet once a week, I think this is small
price to pay for a dog that will be a welcome visitor in your friends'
homes. Continue the socialization by taking your dog in the car, to
parks, kids ball games (keep him on a leash or the dog will abscond with
the ball) etc.
Lastly...are they good with children.
This depends largely on the behavior of the child. If the child is well
behaved and is taught to respect the animal, everything is usually fine.
I don't sell to families with children under five as a rule. This is not
because of any aggression issues but just the interaction between child
and pup can cause problems. For example, If a child attempts to pet a pup
on the head, the pup will usually reach up with its nose. The child then
yanks his hand back fast. In the puppy's little brain this translates
into a game. The child reaches, the puppy darts its head out (a little
like a moray eel). Eventually the puppy connects with the child's hand.
Since puppies have teeth that piranhas would be proud of, there are
usually tears. Neither the child nor the pup were at fault, but the child
feels it was bitten. Better to wait until the child is a little older so
that everyone can enjoy the pup. The only alternative is to carefully
supervise any and all interactions between the pup and the child, which is
difficult to do with a toddler. If you must have a PRT and your children
are very young, you might consider a teenage pup (5-12 months). Usually
at this age the pup has been socialized, has adult (unsharp) teeth and is
used to being petted. Many breeders of good repute will have an older pup
that they ran on for various reasons and have now decided to place.
On the plus side, of all the breeds I
have had in my life, this is the most entertaining, intelligent, easy to
train and (visualize my hand on a bible) I swear, with a well developed
sense of humor! They play well into their teens, no sleepy old dog
resembling a throw rug here. They make excellent portable companions and
snuggle better than a cat!
Well there you have my concept of
Breed Info.
I hope it helped in your search for a family pet.
P.S. I just took a break and went to
the kitchen and what to my wondering eyes should appear? Two Russells
patrolling the kitchen counter! One was joyfully eating candy orange
slices. Here's where that sense of humor thing comes into play. Rather
than going ballistic, I chose to see the humor in a pup with his teeth
stuck together. However, firm discipline was applied both to the dog for
being there and to me for leaving a chair close to the counter!
|
