Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cocker Spaniel Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
- Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
- Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Temperament of the Cocker Spaniel Versus the Jack Russell Terrier
- Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
- Adopting the Cocker Spaniel versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Cocker Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Do Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Jack Russell Terrier
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers?
- Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cocker Spaniel Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier.
Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are similar in size. The Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Cocker Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
| Factor | Cocker Spaniel | Jack Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 24 to 28 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1760 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2000 | $700 – $1250 |
| Temperament Score | 82.0 percent | 85.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 20 | 46 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel. So, you can get the Jack Russell Terrier or the Cocker Spaniel!
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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
Below is a list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
The Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.
Cocker Spaniels live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.
Temperament of the Cocker Spaniel Versus the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Cocker Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Cocker Spaniel is 82.0 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 82.0 percent, the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 233 Cocker Spaniels and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.
Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.
| Cocker Spaniel | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1760 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2000 | $700 to $1250 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cocker Spaniel and Jack Russell Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Cocker Spaniel puppies or how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cocker Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.
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 Cocker Spaniel 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.
Adopting the Cocker Spaniel versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel named Walter that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cocker Spaniels like Walter on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cocker Spaniels, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Ghost is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Ghost that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Charlie is the name of another Cocker Spaniel (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Spott is an adorable Male Jack Russell Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cocker Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Cocker Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
| Cocker Spaniel | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 20 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:
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 Cocker Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 20 out of 130 dog breeds. The Cocker Spaniel belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel 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: Cocker Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Jack Russell Terrier
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers?
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cocker Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cocker Spaniel and how the Jack Russell Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cocker Spaniel and of the Jack Russell Terrier to other breeds:
Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cocker Spaniel versus Afghan Hound Cocker Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus English Springer Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus Bloodhound Cocker Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound Cocker Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Cocker Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Cocker Spaniel versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Cocker Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund Cocker Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd Cocker Spaniel versus Manchester Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Saluki Cocker Spaniel versus Maltese Cocker Spaniel versus Mountain Cur Cocker Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd Cocker Spaniel versus Korean Jindo Dog Cocker Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Cocker Spaniel versus Brittany Cocker Spaniel versus Frenchton Cocker Spaniel versus Beaglier Cocker Spaniel versus Pug Cocker Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano Cocker Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Jack Russell Terrier versus Barbet Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomchi Jack Russell Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Jack Russell Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier versus Great Pyrenees Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwich Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Dachshund Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Scottish Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Coton de Tulear Jack Russell Terrier versus Mal Shi Jack Russell Terrier versus Bloodhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Jack Russell Terrier versus Bernedoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Harrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Sheepadoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux
Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.