Patterdale / jack russell cross

[Lawsyd]

Hi, I'm brand new to this forum, so apologies if this query is in the wrong section.

My wife & I are close to buying a 4 year old Patterdale / Jack Russell cross from an RSPCA rescue centre. The dog will replace our aged mongrel who died recently. We have walked the 'new' dog once so far, there was mutual liking & affection in both directions with the dog. We are worried, though, that on-line information suggests that Patterdales, in particular, are not to be trusted with cats - and we have a 14 year-old she cat. Has anybody, please, got experience of Patterdale / Jack Russell crosses & what their relationship actually is like with nervous elderly cats?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

[Biker John]

I have no experience of terriers and cats, but I do know that we frequently read that sight hounds can not be trusted around cats. And I brought a Whippet into a home with three cats with no big problem and I know of quite a few sight hounds that live peacefully with cats.

 

[Tees]

Hi there you've probably already got the dog by now but Patterdale can be challenging & need a firm hand BUT very easy to train & loyal & loving

 

[gypsysmum]

Any dog can be trained to tolerate cats. it does take time and a lot of patience in some cases though!. He may well have lived with a cat before. If so he will know all about their sharp claws!

 

[4PawsandClaws.co.uk]

If he's from the RSPCA they will normally have some background knowledge as to whether he will be ok with the cat. They also normally do a cat test with dogs to see how they react so in the first instance I would quiz them. Secondly like mentioned above any dog can be trained regardless of breeding. I would just take it very steady at first and make sure the dog is on a short lead when they first meet. I would also suggest making sure the cat has a tall play stand so she can escape away from the dog when she wants to and taking your new dog to training classes to make sure he knows "leave" and "stay" which will be very handy if he starts to annoy the cat.

 

[excuseme]

A patterdale / jack russel mix, sounds like a killing combination. If I cared for my 14 year old cat I would not choose this type of mix !