Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Dane Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
- Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
- Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Lifespan of Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Great Dane
- Price of Great Dane versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
- Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Great Dane versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Do Great Danes shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Jack Russell Terrier
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Jack Russell Terriers?
- Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Dane
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Dane Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier.
Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Great Dane belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier
| Factor | Great Dane | Jack Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 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 |
| 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 |
| Life Span | 7 to 10 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Average Lifespan | 8.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $700 – $1250 |
| Temperament Score | 81.5 percent | 85.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 48 | 46 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 Great Dane is 73 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 a better pet than the Great Dane. 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier
Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier
The Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 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 Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier
The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 years.
The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.
Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Great Danes.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Great Dane
The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Great Dane.
This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 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 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 81.5 percent, the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.
Price of Great Dane versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.
| Great Dane | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1560 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $700 to $1250 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and Jack Russell Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes 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 Great Dane named Nolan that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Nolan on pefinder.com.
Also, like Great Danes, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Lando is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Lando that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Rex is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Mr Krypto is an adorable Male Jack Russell Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Great Danes and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Great Dane versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
| Great Dane | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 48 out of 130 dog breeds | 46 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 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 Great Dane has an obedience intelligence rank of 48 out of 130 dog breeds. The Great Dane belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Great Danes tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 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 Jack Russell Terrier is more intelligent than the Great Dane.
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: Great Dane versus Jack Russell Terrier
Great Danes do not like to be left alone.
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Great Danes shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier
Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Great Danes are very easy to groom.
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Great Danes 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 Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Jack Russell Terrier
Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Danes 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 Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Great Danes 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 Great Danes and Jack Russell Terriers?
Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Great Danes are very easy to train.
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Great Danes 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 Great Dane
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane:
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 Great Dane and how the Jack Russell Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Great Dane and of the Jack Russell Terrier to other breeds:
Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
Great Dane versus Shihpoo Great Dane versus Pomsky Great Dane versus Australian Kelpie Great Dane versus Pharaoh Hound Great Dane versus American Hairless Terrier Great Dane versus English Springer Spaniel Great Dane versus Plott Great Dane versus Westiepoo Great Dane versus Welsh Terrier Great Dane versus Canaan Dog Great Dane versus Japanese Spitz Great Dane versus Cockapoo Great Dane versus Pyredoodle Great Dane versus American Water Spaniel Great Dane versus Pomchi Great Dane versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Great Dane versus Cavapoo Great Dane versus Mountain Cur Great Dane versus Clumber Spaniel Great Dane versus Italian Greyhound Great Dane versus Sloughi Great Dane versus English Setter Great Dane versus Akita Great Dane versus Coton de Tulear Great Dane versus Miniature Pinscher
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle Jack Russell Terrier versus Goldador Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomapoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound Jack Russell Terrier versus Goldendoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Collie Jack Russell Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Chin Jack Russell Terrier versus Cockapoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Chow Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Spitz Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Akbash Jack Russell Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Jack Russell Terrier versus Carolina Dog Jack Russell Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Jack Russell Terrier versus Frenchton
Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.