Differences and Similarities between the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier.

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Havanese Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese or the Jack Russell Terrier.

Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier

Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Havanese 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.

Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier

Factor Havanese Jack Russell Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 7 to 13 pounds 13 to 17 pounds
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2180 $1100
Price Range $1700 – $2750 $700 – $1250
Temperament Score 81.8 percent 85.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Havanese 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 Havanese is 91 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 Havanese is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Havanese!

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

    Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:

  • Havaneses do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Havaneses are good for new dog owners. However, Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier

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

    Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 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.

    Lifespan of Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses 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.

    Havaneses live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Temperament of the Havanese Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Havanese.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 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 81.8 percent, the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 11 Havaneses and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Price of Havanese versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier

    The average price of the Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. However, the price of a Havanese can be as low as $600 and as high as $4550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese 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 Havanese is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Havanese Jack Russell Terrier
    Average Price $2180 $1100
    Price Range $1700 to $2750 $700 to $1250

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses. 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 Havanese 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.

    Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Adopting the Havanese versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Havaneses 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 Havanese named Ernie that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Havaneses like Ernie on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Havaneses, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Freddy is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Freddy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Cody is the name of another Havanese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Alex is an adorable Male Jack Russell Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Havaneses and Jack Russell Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Havaneses and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Havanese versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Havaneses shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

    Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Havanese or the Jack Russell Terrier

    Havaneses 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 Havanese or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Havaneses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Havaneses are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Havanese vs. Jack Russell Terrier

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

    Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Havaneses good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses and Jack Russell Terriers?

    Havaneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Havanese Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Havanese Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese

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

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Cavachon.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Bich Poo.
  • 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 Havanese vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Norwegian Buhund     Havanese versus Great Dane     Havanese versus Border Collie     Havanese versus Whoodle     Havanese versus Yorkipoo     Havanese versus Cockapoo     Havanese versus American Eskimo Dog     Havanese versus Mudi     Havanese versus Kuvasz     Havanese versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Havanese versus Siberian Husky     Havanese versus Aussiedoodle     Havanese versus Cocker Spaniel     Havanese versus Greyhound     Havanese versus Dutch Shepherd     Havanese versus Silky Terrier     Havanese versus Spanish Mastiff     Havanese versus Boerboel     Havanese versus Labrador Retriever     Havanese versus Scottish Terrier     Havanese versus Briard     Havanese versus Catahoula Bulldog     Havanese versus Cavachon     Havanese versus Puli     Havanese versus Shihpoo     

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland     Jack Russell Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Greyhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla     Jack Russell Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chow Chow     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dachshund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland     Jack Russell Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Jack Russell Terrier versus Akbash     

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