Question:
We have two female Jack Russell terriers, littermates who are currently 4 years old. After owning many mutts during our lives, this is our first experience with a specific breed.While we dearly love our two girls (Thelma and Louise), we are struck by two unusual characteristics shared by both. When we take them out walking (three long ones a day), they often hop on just one of their back legs, choosing to hold the other one off the ground. They switch off frequently, so it's not always the same back leg raised.Consequently, walking behind them can be pretty hilarious, especially if both dogs happen to have their inside-back legs raised at the same time. It looks like some kind of impromptu circus act.The other odd characteristic exhibited by both Thelma and Louise happens when we go to bed. No matter how warm it is in the room, both dogs insist upon burrowing deep under the covers. There they will remain until morning, when both resemble baked potatoes.Is this behavior unique to Jack Russells, and what does
E.G., Slingerlands, NY Feb 06, 2005
Answer:
Both of your Jack Russell terriers could have "trick knees," where the patella (or "kneecap") slips in and out so the dog has an intermittently stiff leg. This is most common in toy poodles and other small breeds, is inherited, and can be corrected surgically. Your dogs could also have a muscle disorder that causes cramping after physical exertion, so a full veterinary checkup is called for.It is amazing how dogs and cats enjoy burrowing under the covers for the night and never, to my knowledge, suffocate. I would like to hear from readers whose animals have encountered breathing or lack of oxygen difficulties related to sleeping under sheets or covers. My guess is that most sheets and bedspreads are porous enough to provide sufficient oxygen for a cozy animal, who is in a state of such deep relaxation that very little oxygen is needed.
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