"Raising Jack Russell Terrier puppies is our greatest pleasure ~ Breeding the Irish Connemara remains our greatest responsibility”

Irish Jack Russells | Irish Jack Russell Terriers | Irish Jacks
Testimonials:
We are committed to raising sound, sane Jack Russells, healthy & free of genetic disorders. We back this claim with a guarantee concerning your pups temperament with a lifetime guarantee against serious genetic defects. 

WE BACK OUR PUPPIES ~ No excuses, no confusion & no complicated list of exceptions.
We had researched JRT’s for a few years and when we came upon Sheila’s website one day, we decided that if we were going to get a pup, Sheila was the breeder for us. We then decided to take the plunge and place our name on a litter of CJRT pups. I was certain after speaking to Sheila, that we had made the right decision for our family. Waiting for the pup was tough but exciting too…well worth the wait indeed. Our sweet little Cashel (Cash for short) arrived at 8 weeks of age, via plane, and came out of his crate with his tail wagging! Cash was a surprise early birthday gift for our 8 year old daughter Grace. Sheila was sweet enough to create a web page and a link to reveal Grace’s BIG puppy surprise. Needless to say, Grace was wild with excitement and adores her puppy. Even though we have had Cashel for sometime now, she still states “I can’t believe he’s mine”. Sheila, thank you for always being there when needed and for helping to make our family complete.    
Evans Family (Illinois)
miniature jack russell terrier
Dear Sheila:

There isn't a day that goes by where we don't thank you for this great pup! She is the finest dog we have ever had. We take her everywhere and she can pretty much handle anything we throw at her. We all just love her and can't thank you enough. All of your hard work pays off- this puppy is amazing.

Everyone stops her on the street because she wags at about just everyone. Plus, she is a beauty. Her rich coat and beautiful features stop the world. Thanks again for breeding such fine dogs.

Deborah, Olivia and Robert
mini jack russells
irish jack russells, irish jack russell terriers, irish jacks
irish jack russells, irish jack russell terriers, irish jacks
It was great to see Lily's picture on your site. She is doing great. She is everything I wanted and much more. Goes to daycare each day and we spend the weekends camping. Get tons of praise on how great she is.

Thanks so much, Robert and Sherry
Seamus first came into my life when I started dating the person who is now my fiancé.  I remember when she first told me she had a Jack Russell; I thought to myself, "Great. A hyper dog that will drive me nuts."  On top of that I've always been a big dog person, my last dog being a black lab, and although I'm an equal opportunity dog lover I've never had the desire to own a small breed.  Danielle told me that Seamus was an Irish-Connemara Jack Russell and that he was bred to be a bit calmer in nature.  As time went on I found this to be true, as well as many other things.
 
Seamus is now almost six years old and he's been in my life for about two and a half years.  Seamus has completely converted me to a small dog lover, and in particular an Irish Jack lover.  All owners will tell you how great their dog is, but our Seamus is the best dog on the planet, hands down.
 
His personality is amazing.  When we talk to him he'll stop and actually listen, cocking his head from side-to-side, as if he's trying his hardest to understand what we're saying.  If we ask for a kiss he'll get up from wherever he is, come over to us, and give us a quick lick on the cheek.  At times he thinks he's a cat and will lounge on the back or the arm of the couch.   When we're watching a movie he'll make sure to snuggle up with both of us.  When playing with him he'll bring over whatever toy is currently his favorite and literally throw it to you.  He likes to help out in the kitchen, of course, always waiting in anticipation of some scrap hitting the floor.  He is the class clown.
 
Except when chasing tennis balls around, or after getting out of bath when he does his imitation of a NASCAR racing around the house, he's not a hyper dog.  He's very calm and loves his daily scratches, curling up next to us, and just generally being by our side when we're home.  Simply put, he's just playful when playing and very sweet all other times.  Sometimes we honestly think there is the spirit of a little boy trapped in Seamus' body...he's just that smart, sweet and playful.  About half way through writing this letter to you, he hopped up on my lap, took a look at what I was typing, and then laid down in my lap.  This is his customary spot when I spend time editing photos on the computer.
 
If you were to ask me to describe him in one word I would not be able to do so.  He is smart, sweet, caring, funny, goofy...the list goes on.  I guess "the greatest" would be a good descriptor, but in my opinion even that description doesn't do him justice.
 
Sincerely, Dan Z.
Seamus is our "Star Model" all across the Connemara site. Dan is a wonderful photographer - And we thank him for all the great pictures of Seamus.
Thank you for preserving and continuing this terrific Russell Terrier line. 
Our prior experiences with pet ownership were tainted with dealings with well meaning but amateur backyard breeders.  We were fortunate enough to find Connemara Terriers after losing our beloved 10 year old JRT to a series of genetic deficiencies, including invertible disc disease and finally kidney failure.  Our search for a companion for our surviving JRT was focused on health and temperament as the primary characteristics in our new puppy.  Your dedication to breeding, sharing information, educating your customers and the public, and the integrity you conveyed from our initial contact and throughout the relationship have been invaluable. 
We have had our Connemara pup, Gertie-Bea, for 2 ½ years now and take such pride in her.  She is a pleasure.  Her vitality, intelligence, sweetness, excellent health, and adolescent “Russellness” captivate her trainers, her veterinarian, and all who spend time with her.  She is known as the “Russell Ambassador”.  
This is what being owned by a Russell should be!  Your commitment to preserving the line is greatly appreciated.
Beth, Beth, Gertie-Bea & Family
irish jack russells, irish jack russell terriers, irish jacks
Hi Sheila.

We've had our Jack for nearly five years now and have been meaning to say thanks since we picked him up from the airport.  He's a wonderful addition to our family and is quite a character.  His love and devotion to our family
is unconditional as ours is to him.

His name is Riley (we kept him Irish) and it seems to fit him well.  For a few years, we lived at the beach and he was quite the star down there.  He loves the sand and the water and will run after a tennis ball or frisbee for hours.  He'll turn five on April 12.  Our friends referred us to you - that was the best referral we've ever had!

You are the true expert on Jack Russells. Thanks again for Riley, and Riley thanks you for the sunny, warm California life and his loving family.

Best to you. Gary, Cyndi and Chloe'
irish jack russells, irish jack russell terriers, irish jacks
Dear Sheila,

I shall try to be brief! And for once, I am at a loss to describe how absolutely wonderful this puppy is. It is hard (even for me) to think of words that adequately describe how special our little Finn is, and how happy we all are, including Sadie. 
I have high expectations in life, especially when it comes to my four legged family members. I had complete trust in you and knew that my high expectations would be met. I find myself feeling that Finnen is so beyond even what I could have imagined...and it is astoundingly obvious that all your love, expertise, and hard work, and your joy in breeding and caring for these little terriers that touch our hearts and souls, shows in everything this little puppy brings into our lives. So, for tonight I shall just say again, THANK YOU!

We will be in touch with more of how our lives are going and I will send photos of Finn and Sadie playing together! Know that Finnen is happy, learning, playing, very connected, confident, deeply loved and loving, and content in all ways!

Fondly, Kathleen, Sadie, and Finnen
I have had Jack Russell Terriers since my introduction to the breed when I lived in Europe in the 1970's.  I have always enjoyed their intelligence, fun-loving nature and the challenge they presented.

I found Sheila's website while searching for a good breeder for my next pup. It was very clear that she stood behind each and every pup. 

My first was Maggie, who came home to Ohio in 2005. She is wonderful - full of personality, fun and intelligent. She was such a success, I decided I had to have another and Casey came to join us in 2007. His nickname is "Goofy Guy" - this dog is a laugh a minute. Nothing bothers him, and he's full of life and happiness. Both dogs are friendly, outgoing and playful. 

I have never met a more caring or more knowledgeable breeder.  She wants what is best for you, but more importantly, what's best for the dog. She's there with advice any time you need it.  Others with her dogs stay in touch, plan get-togethers, share stories. When you get a pup from Sheila, you join the Connemara Family!!!
Pat
..."thank-you very much for bringing Shinga to New York. She was exceptionally well behaved on the flight back to Canada with us. The air hostesses were very friendly and allowed Shaughne to take Shinga out of her carrier and play with her.

She is so perfect in every sense from her coloring and looks to her personality, she is exactly what I was looking for.  She has adjusted well into our home and lifestyle." - Canada
irish jack russells, irish jack russell terriers, irish jacks
I wanted to tell you that a friend of mine was visiting about 2 months ago with her toddler and we weren't paying as close attention as we should have been but she went right up to Finn, stuck her hand in his mouth and took away the bully stick he was chewing on (he loves bully sticks).  He didn't even growl.  He did try to get it back from her but in a playful way.  He is just the best dog, I can't say enough good things about him.  He is the light of my life and goes everywhere with me.

Rachel
Hi Sheila,

Just wanted to send you a recent picture and a special thank you.

As we look back over our blessings of the past year, we are especially grateful for Riley.  She has just been wonderful. The boys love and have learned a great deal about caring for someone.  She is always perky and cheerful.  Thing just can't be gloomy when Riley is around.

We feel that getting her is one of the best decisions we made.  She brings an extra measure of love to each day.  And, she makes me get out and walk regularly, which I need.  Please feel free to use her picture and the note.  You do such a fabulous job that I would be happy to help other families find the "right breeder" and the "right dog." Anyway, thanks again for sharing her with us.  She is a great dog and a true member of our family. Does this  expression (on photo below) say "feed me," or what? - Mike
irish jack russells, irish jack russell terriers, irish jacks
We got Posy (pronounced Po-zee), from Connemara years ago.  She is everything Sheila promised and more.  I called Sheila to inquire about her dogs and she invited me for a visit.  I also found that we shared the same veterinarian.  I called to ask his opinion and he assured me that Sheila’s dogs were wonderful and Sheila was too.  As soon as I met the dogs, I was hooked.  I fell under the spell of Gracie and knew right then that I wanted a pup from her.  I was lucky enough to be put on the waiting list for her next litter.  I waited several months all the while, delighting at all the web site updates about Gracie, her pregnancy and then her litter.  It made the whole experience so wonderful.  I also was fortunate enough to participate in the temperament testing of Gracie’s litter, which was an interesting experience in itself.  Sheila and I agreed that Posy was the puppy for our family, although there were several others that would have been great as well.  Posy has the sweetest nature and astounds everyone she meets with her calmness and friendliness.  Everyone expected our Jack Russell to by hyper and Posy is NOT at all.  Posy loves everyone, especially children.  She and our cat have a wonderful relationship and play all the time.  

I also enjoy the forum set up for all owners of Connemara pups.  Not only do we get to trade dog stories, pictures and training ideas, but we have formed good friendships.  I hardly go a day without logging on.

The McCarthy Family
irish jack russells, irish jack russell terriers, irish jacks
Sheila,

Here are some new pics of our little Lily (from Grace x Tate litter) for inclusion in your family photo page. She is our little star and everywhere she goes, she is LOVED by all.

We always talk about how Lily is the most mild-tempered, gentle and sweet pet that we have ever had. We marvel how very 'un-JRT' she is. She is pokey and doesn't like to be rushed. While her brother JRT, (not a Connemara) likes to run around, bark, and investigate everything, Lily is just the opposite. She would rather take an easy stroll, be with us, or lay under the shade trees in the yard. Best of all, she has always been 100% trustworthy with our son.

Thanks again for breeding such wonderful family pets. Tricia
Hi, Sheila.

It's nearly midnight, but I have to take a moment to tell you what a terrific dog Archie is. We just got back from Celebration of Light, during which more than 300,000 people crowd together to watch BIG & LOUD fireworks. We brought Archie, but I was nervous about him and had an escape route planned. This event can be a difficult experience for dogs.

But as usual, Archie was a superstar. He didn't even flinch. He just cuddled in my arms & enjoyed the show with us. 

This is the warmest, most loving, sturdiest, funniest little dog in the world. And he's the most laid back too. Half the time we try to go for walks, Archie just lies in the sun and eats flowers instead. What a character. Clearly this little guy never got the memo about JRTs being hyper. 

Anyway, it's late, but I just had to say thanks again for this wonderful little guy. We're planning a trip to Thailand next year, and he will be coming right along with us. 

Cheers! Renee
When we decided to get a dog two years ago, we knew that we needed a pup that would get along with our cat, love the great outdoors, and give us a lot of love.  We also needed a dog that would be fine at home during the day, as we both work full time jobs.  We never thought that a Jack Russell Terrier would fit these criteria... But boy were we wrong!  

After months of research, my husband focused on Connemara because of Sheila’s amazingly informative website. When we decided on a litter, I checked the website daily (or really, several times a day) to see the videos and pictures that Sheila updated on a regular basis.  When we went to Sheila’s house to pick up our little Scout, we knew it was meant to be.  He has been the most amazing companion.  He gets along with our cat, loves other dogs, is always up for an adventure, and travels very well.  

About six months ago, we decided to add to our little family, and we checked in with Sheila, describing what we were looking for.  Within days we got an email telling us about the perfect companion for Scout: a mellow, playful, snuggly little guy.  Having had such an amazing experience with Sheila in the past, we did not hesitate to hop in the Suburu the next day and pick up Ollie.  Now, Scout and Ollie are the best of friends.  Whether they are wrestling in the yard, hiking mountains, or snuggling in their favorite chair together, they are a perfect match.  

We cannot go for walks without people pulling over on the side of the road asking us where we got our dogs.  I am a first time dog owner, and now I cannot imagine my life without Scout and Ollie.  We are Connemara people for life, and are so very thankful for Sheila’s expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to finding the right dogs for the right families.

We really are just so happy with our little men, and everyone who meets them falls in love.  

Sarah and Tim
The bottom line is that we care about what we are breeding and we care about placing our puppies in the right homes.

In addition we will be happy to give you a handful of real people you can talk to yourself.  Better yet, we will give you the names of the very few who didn't have things go as smoothly with their pup for one reason or another. They too will tell you we are true to our word and were satisfied when all was said and done. 

We will always assume responsibility for the puppies that leave our care.  And we will never take lightly the trust you have shown us.