Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
- German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
- German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the German Shepherd Dog
- Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
- Adopting the German Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Intelligence of the German Shepherd Dog versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Jack Russell Terrier
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Jack Russell Terriers?
- Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shepherd Dog Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier.
German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Shepherd Dog 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.
German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier
| Factor | German Shepherd Dog | Jack Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $700 – $1250 |
| Temperament Score | 85.3 percent | 85.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 3 | 46 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog. So, you can get the Jack Russell Terrier or the German Shepherd Dog!
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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier
Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier
The German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier.
German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 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 German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 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 German Shepherd Dogs.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the German Shepherd Dog
The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the German Shepherd Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 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 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 3383 German Shepherd Dogs and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.
Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.
| German Shepherd Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $700 to $1250 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shepherd Dog and Jack Russell Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog named Jordan B that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shepherd Dogs like Jordan B on pefinder.com.
Also, like German Shepherd Dogs, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Milo is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Milo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Godzilla is the name of another German Shepherd Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Petey is an adorable Male Jack Russell Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more German Shepherd Dogs and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the German Shepherd Dog versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
| German Shepherd Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 3 out of 130 dog breeds | 46 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 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 German Shepherd Dog has an obedience intelligence rank of 3 out of 130 dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that German Shepherd Dogs tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 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 German Shepherd Dog 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: German Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Jack Russell Terrier
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs and Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shepherd Dog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog:
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 German Shepherd Dog and how the Jack Russell Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and of the Jack Russell Terrier to other breeds:
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle German Shepherd Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog German Shepherd Dog versus Silky Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Samoyed German Shepherd Dog versus Bich Poo German Shepherd Dog versus Lhasapoo German Shepherd Dog versus Fila Brasileiro German Shepherd Dog versus Basenji German Shepherd Dog versus Border Collie German Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi German Shepherd Dog versus Sealyham Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Standard Schnauzer German Shepherd Dog versus Norwich Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Frenchton German Shepherd Dog versus Beaglier German Shepherd Dog versus Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Papillon German Shepherd Dog versus Silky Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Afador German Shepherd Dog versus West Highland White Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer German Shepherd Dog versus Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Dog versus German Pinscher
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomsky Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Spitz Jack Russell Terrier versus Kishu Ken Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland Jack Russell Terrier versus Maltese Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle Jack Russell Terrier versus Afghan Hound Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Basenji Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomchi Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus French Bulldog Jack Russell Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler Jack Russell Terrier versus Greyhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund Jack Russell Terrier versus Boxer
Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.