5. Jack Russell Terrier: The Unstoppable Excavator

Do not let their small size fool you; Jack Russell Terriers are among the most persistent dog breeds hard to contain. Originally bred to flush foxes and badgers out of underground dens, these small terriers carry an intense earthdog drive. They possess fearless personalities, explosive energy, and an absolute obsession with burrowing.

A Jack Russell can dig a deep tunnel under a concrete footing in remarkably short order. Furthermore, their spring-like hindquarters allow them to jump up to five times their body height. A Jack Russell standing just 12 inches tall can clear a five-foot barrier if propelled by a strong prey drive, such as spotting a rodent on the opposite side.

Securing a Jack Russell demands attention to subterranean and vertical detail:

• Bury Concrete Footers: Pouring a shallow concrete curbing directly underneath your fence line eliminates subterranean digging routes.
• Tighten Picket Spacing: Ensure vertical fence boards or iron bars sit no more than two inches apart to prevent your terrier from squeezing through.
• Extend Vertical Mesh: Line wire fences with fine mesh hardware cloth to stop them from climbing or slipping through lower gaps.