Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Basset Hound Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Basset Hound and for the Jack Russell Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Basset Hound or the Jack Russell Terrier.

Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier

Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Basset Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Jack Russell Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basset Hound to the Jack Russell Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier

Factor Basset Hound Jack Russell Terrier
General Health 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 65 pounds 13 to 17 pounds
Height Up to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1280 $1100
Price Range $900 – $1500 $700 – $1250
Temperament Score 86.5 percent 85.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Thrombopathia
  • No Data
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 71 46

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basset Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Jack Russell Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Basset Hound is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Jack Russell Terrier is a better pet than the Basset Hound. So, you should get the Jack Russell Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:

  • Basset Hounds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Jack Russell Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Basset Hounds have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Jack Russell Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Basset Hounds do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Basset Hounds have low exercise needs. However, Jack Russell Terriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Basset Hounds not very playful. However, Jack Russell Terriers are very playful.
  • Basset Hounds have a very high tendency to drool. However, Jack Russell Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Basset Hounds weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Basset Hounds are Up to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The lifespan of Basset Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basset Hounds is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Basset Hounds.

    Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Temperament of the Basset Hound Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Basset Hound has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Basset Hound is 86.5 percent while the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 86.5 percent, the Basset Hound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 37 Basset Hounds and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Price of Basset Hound versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier

    The average price of the Basset Hound puppy is $1280. The price of the Basset Hound typically ranges from $900 – $1500. However, the price of a Basset Hound can be as low as $300 and as high as $6000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 587 Basset Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Jack Russell Terrier puppy is $1100. The price of the Jack Russell Terrier typically ranges from $700 – $1250. However, the price of the Jack Russell Terrier can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Basset Hound is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Basset Hound Jack Russell Terrier
    Average Price $1280 $1100
    Price Range $900 to $1500 $700 to $1250

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basset Hound and Jack Russell Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Basset Hound puppies or how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Basset Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Basset Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basset Hound puppy or the Jack Russell Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Adopting the Basset Hound versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Basset Hounds and many Jack Russell Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Basset Hound named Snickers (Bonded Pair) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Basset Hounds like Snickers (Bonded Pair) on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Basset Hounds, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Wishbone is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Wishbone that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Artie is the name of another Basset Hound (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Ghost is an adorable Male Jack Russell Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Basset Hounds and Jack Russell Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Basset Hounds and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Basset Hound versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier

    Basset Hound Jack Russell Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 71 out of 130 dog breeds 46 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Basset Hound has an obedience intelligence rank of 71 out of 130 dog breeds. The Basset Hound belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Basset Hounds tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.

    The Jack Russell Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 46 out of 130 dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Jack Russell Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Jack Russell Terrier is more intelligent than the Basset Hound.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Basset Hounds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Basset Hounds shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

    Basset Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Basset Hound or the Jack Russell Terrier

    Basset Hounds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Hound or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Basset Hounds are very easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Basset Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Basset Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Basset Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Basset Hounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Basset Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basset Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basset Hound vs. Jack Russell Terrier

    Basset Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Basset Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basset Hounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basset Hound or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Basset Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basset Hounds good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Basset Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basset Hounds and Jack Russell Terriers?

    Basset Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basset Hound Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Basset Hounds are not easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Basset Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Basset Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basset Hound or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Basset Hounds are very good for new dog owners.

    Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basset Hound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Basset Hound that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Basset Hound:

  • Beagle (65 percent match with Basset Hound). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Beagle.
  • Beaglier (69 percent match with Basset Hound). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Beaglier.
  • Manchester Terrier (65 percent match with Basset Hound). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Puggle (68 percent match with Basset Hound). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Puggle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Jack Russell Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Jack Russell Terrier:

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Basset Hound vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Basset Hound vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Basset Hound vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Basset Hound and how the Jack Russell Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basset Hound and of the Jack Russell Terrier to other breeds:

    Basset Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Basset Hound versus Pug     Basset Hound versus Samoyed     Basset Hound versus Chinook     Basset Hound versus Toy Fox Terrier     Basset Hound versus Shetland Sheepdog          Basset Hound versus Azawakh          Basset Hound versus Kai Ken     Basset Hound versus Lowchen     Basset Hound versus Pyredoodle     Basset Hound versus Finnish Spitz     Basset Hound versus Shih Tzu     Basset Hound versus Irish Wolfhound     Basset Hound versus Bull Terrier     Basset Hound versus Yorkipoo     Basset Hound versus Schipperke     Basset Hound versus Belgian Tervuren     Basset Hound versus Swedish Vallhund     Basset Hound versus Bloodhound     Basset Hound versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Basset Hound versus French Spaniel     Basset Hound versus Bedlington Terrier     Basset Hound versus Afghan Hound     Basset Hound versus Greyhound     

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Jack Russell Terrier versus Beagle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Briard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Akbash     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dachshund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus English Setter     Jack Russell Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Basset Hound versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Basset Hound and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.