Differences and Similarities between the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.

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English Toy Spaniel Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Toy 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 English Toy 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier

English Toy Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are similar in size. The English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the English Toy Spaniel belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

English Toy Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Toy 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.

Factor English Toy Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Weight 8 to 14 pounds 13 to 17 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2350 $1100
Price Range $2250 – $2525 $700 – $1250
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the English Toy 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 a English Toy Spaniel is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Jack Russell Terrier is a better pet than the English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier

    Below is a list of where the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:

  • English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • English Toy Spaniels have low exercise needs. However, Jack Russell Terriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • The Similarities Between the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of English Toy Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.

    English Toy Spaniels weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. English Toy Spaniels are 10 to 11 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.

    Price of English Toy Spaniel versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier

    The average price of the English Toy Spaniel puppy is $2350. The price of the English Toy Spaniel typically ranges from $2250 – $2525. However, the price of a English Toy Spaniel can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 English Toy 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 a 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 English Toy Spaniel is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    English Toy Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier
    Average Price $2350 $1100
    Price Range $2250 to $2525 $700 to $1250

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Toy Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of English Toy Spaniels. 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 English Toy 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Toy Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier

    English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

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

    How Kid-friendly are English Toy Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers?

    English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Toy Spaniels 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 one drools more, the English Toy Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier

    English Toy Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: English Toy Spaniel vs. Jack Russell Terrier

    English Toy Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Is the English Toy Spaniel Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Do English Toy Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    English Toy Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Is the English Toy Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the English Toy Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Toy Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Toy Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    English Toy Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the English Toy Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    English Toy 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.

    Are English Toy Spaniels good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    English Toy Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Do English Toy Spaniels shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

    English Toy Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Toy Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel:

  • Japanese Chin (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Pug (73 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Pug.
  • French Bulldog (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs French Bulldog.
  • 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 English Toy Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Toy Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Toy Spaniel versus Frenchton     English Toy Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     English Toy Spaniel versus Newfoundland     English Toy Spaniel versus Boston Terrier     English Toy Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     English Toy Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     English Toy Spaniel versus Brussels Griffon     English Toy Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound     English Toy Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro     English Toy Spaniel versus Saint Bernard     

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Berger Picard     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Foxhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Jack Russell Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     

    Conclusion: English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.