Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Belgian Tervuren Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren or the Jack Russell Terrier.

Belgian Tervuren versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Tervuren is a large-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Tervuren belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Belgian Tervuren versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier

FactorBelgian TervurenJack Russell Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span10 to 12 years10 to 15 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Low Prey Drive4/51/5
Height21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Kid-Friendly3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
Easy To Groom3/53/5
General Health3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander2/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/51/5
Weight40 to 70 pounds13 to 17 pounds
Easygoing1/53/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan11.0 years12.5 years
Average Price$1630$1100
Price Range$1200 – $2000$700 – $1250
Temperament Score81.4 percent85.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		• No Data
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)1446

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren is 77 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 not better or worse than the Belgian Tervuren. So, you can get the Jack Russell Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren!

    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 Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:

    • Belgian Tervurens have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier

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

    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Tervuren versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Belgian Tervurens weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Tervurens are 21 to 26 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 Belgian Tervuren versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The lifespan of Belgian Tervurens is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens.

    Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Belgian Tervuren

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Belgian Tervuren.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Belgian Tervuren is 81.4 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 81.4 percent, the Belgian Tervuren has a below-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 Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 521 Belgian Tervurens and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Price of Belgian Tervuren versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier

    The average price of the Belgian Tervuren puppy is $1630. The price of the Belgian Tervuren typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 27 Belgian Tervuren 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. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Belgian Tervuren is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens. 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 Belgian Tervuren 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.

    The Intelligence of the Belgian Tervuren versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier

    `
    Belgian Tervuren Jack Russell Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 14 out of 130 dog breeds 46 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions 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 Belgian Tervuren has an obedience intelligence rank of 14 out of 130 dog breeds. The Belgian Tervuren belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Belgian Tervurens tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.

    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 Belgian Tervuren is more intelligent than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    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: Belgian Tervuren versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Belgian Tervurens do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Belgian Tervurens shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Tervuren or the Jack Russell Terrier

    Belgian Tervurens do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Tervuren or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens are moderately easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Tervuren Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Belgian Tervurens Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Tervuren vs. Jack Russell Terrier

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Tervuren or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Tervurens good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens and Jack Russell Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Tervuren Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens are very easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Tervuren Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Tervuren or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.