Imagine a spirited rat terrier. Place it in a dryer set on “high.” Attach springs to its feet and give it a hefty dose of energy.

Congratulations, you now have a Jack Russell.

They usually have a fondness for cats but aren’t particularly fond of kids. They fearlessly take on dogs four times their size. They possess incredible intelligence and can clear your lawn of chipmunks in a single day. However, they are also mischievous as can be and love to solve puzzles. This includes figuring out how to open the food bin and remembering the precise moment your mail arrives through the slot.

High energy? That doesn’t even come close to describing it. Imagine giving a five-year-old a couple of Red Bulls and setting them loose on a trampoline. Now multiply that by ten.

I adore Jack Russells. They’re brilliant, bursting with personality, and provide endless entertainment. Just be prepared to own a miniature rocket.