Is the Finnish Lapphund Better than the Jack Russell Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

Finnish Lapphund versus Jack Russell Terrier

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Finnish Lapphund Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Jack Russell Terrier

Finnish Lapphund versus Jack Russell Terrier

Finnish Lapphund versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Finnish Lapphund 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.

Finnish Lapphund versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund Jack Russell Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 33 to 53 pounds 13 to 17 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data $700 – $1250
Average Price No Data $1100
Temperament Score 62.5 percent 85.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund is 84 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 Finnish Lapphund is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Finnish Lapphund!

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

    The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Finnish Lapphunds weigh 33 to 53 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Lapphunds are 17 to 20 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.

    Temperament of the Finnish Lapphund Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Finnish Lapphund.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Finnish Lapphund is 62.5 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 they 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 62.5 percent, the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 8 Finnish Lapphunds and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Jack Russell Terrier

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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.

    Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Lapphund or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Lapphund vs. Jack Russell Terrier

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds and Jack Russell Terriers?

    Finnish Lapphunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Lapphund or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund:

  • American Eskimo Dog (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Bearded Collie (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Bearded Collie.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs English 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:

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

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

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Finnish Lapphund versus Norfolk Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus French Spaniel     Finnish Lapphund versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Finnish Lapphund versus Border Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus French Spaniel     Finnish Lapphund versus Toy Fox Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Finnish Lapphund versus Belgian Tervuren     Finnish Lapphund versus Affenpinscher     

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Jack Russell Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Papipoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Peek A Poo     

    Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.