Jack Russells are tiny dogs with a very (very) big attitude. The epitome of 'little dog syndrome,' members of this miniature breed act (and bark) like they're always the biggest pooch in the room.
Sometimes it's cute. Other times it's not so cute. And occasionally, it's just plain annoying: why do they have to bark at everyone who walks by the house? But the question dog lovers have always pondered is this: is there more to this tiny's dog bark than bluster and hot air?
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Little dog. Big attitude
Well, apparently so. And one brave little guy has just proved it. He lives out in a rural community in Vermont, USA, with his dog-mum Susan Lee and Labradoodle pooch sister.
The trio were enjoying a relaxing afternoon walk in the woods near their home when they stumbled on the one thing you don't want to meet in a forest: an angry Black Bear.
The Bear thought Lee and her pooches were a threat to her cubs nearby. So she did what any mother Bear would do; she prepared for attack.
Susan and the Labradoodle ran. But Susan tripped on a stone. When she looked up, the Bear was closing in. Susan probably thought her time was up.
A very good (and brave) boy
Then her Jack Russell stepped in. The courageous pooch squared up to the Bear, bared his little teeth, and began barking in the way only a Jack Russell can. It created enough of a distraction for Susan to escape, and the Bear eventually walked off in the opposite direction.
Susan found the Labradoodle hiding nearby. But don't judge; Labradoodles aren't built for this kind of encounter. Then all three headed back to safety. And we're guessing the Jack walked a little bit taller than unusual.
He must have felt very proud of himself. Black Bears can weigh over 600lbs and can stand 7 feet tall!
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