Do you want a dog like Eddie from Frasier?
There’s no denying that he’s cute, but is he the right dog for your family? Read this first!
What type of Dog is Eddie?
Eddie is played by Moose, a Jack Russell Terrier (now recognized as a Parson Russell Terrier by the American Kennel Club)
What was this breed bred for?
According to the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA), Jack Russell Terriers were bred for fox hunting. They are bred to go underground, following scent to locate and bark at quarry until they are dug down to or the quarry bolts. The JRTCA reminds us that, The traits and skills that make them excellent hunting dogs (i.e., digging, barking, aggressive nature, ability to follow scent) are often interpreted as bad habits by some and must be considered by potential families who would like to share their life with the Jack Russell.
What is their energy level?
High. These dogs are incredibly independent, clever and athletic. This breed needs to be kept busy, or they will find ways to keep themselves busy (which usually means trouble for their family!). Training is a must to keep their brain active. This is why you will see many in activities like flyball and agility. Again, the JRTCA reminds us this breed was, bred to go underground, following scent to locate and bark at quarry until they are dug down to or the quarry bolts. If they do not have an outlet for their natural instincts, they will invent new and fun jobs for themselves, which frequently include guardian of the world and/or their possessions and family, chasing cars, hunting birds, bugs or leaves, or endlessly digging in the soil.
What type of grooming will they need?
There are both smooth, broken and rough coated varieties. All varieties shed and require brushing. Rough coated varieties need to have their coat stripped a few times each year.
What other personality traits do they exhibit?
Although friendly, they are also bold and independent. They are often referred to as big dogs in a little body.
For some other traits to consider dont miss this site:
Some background about Moose (the canine actor who played Eddie):
According to the Animal Press, Moose was given up by his original family because of a long list of behavioral issues: He couldnt be house trained; he chewed everything; he dug and barked a lot; and he was constantly escaping and climbing trees.
Luckily for Moose, he was sent to an LA trainer working for a show-biz animal company. She kept him busy with training session and after 6 months he landed the part of Eddie. With training and a job as an outlet for his natural drives, Moose did calm down.
Moose passed away in 2006 at the age of 16. He also appeared in the movie My Dog Skip.