Which is Better between the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Hovawart Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier

Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

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

Factor Hovawart Jack Russell Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
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
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 13 to 17 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data $700 – $1250
Average Price No Data $1100
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 85.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 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 Hovawart is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Hovawart!

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

Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier

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

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

  • Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs. However, Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts.

    Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Hovawart

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Jack Russell Terrier

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Jack Russell Terriers?

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

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

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

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Hovawart vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Giant Schnauzer     Hovawart versus Canaan Dog     Hovawart versus Peek A Poo     Hovawart versus Alaskan Malamute     Hovawart versus Field Spaniel     Hovawart versus Irish Water Spaniel     Hovawart versus Pug     Hovawart versus Mudi     Hovawart versus Shiloh Shepherd     Hovawart versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Bloodhound     Hovawart versus Newfoundland     Hovawart versus West Highland White Terrier     Hovawart versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Hovawart versus Havanese     Hovawart versus Australian Cattle Dog     Hovawart versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Hovawart versus Border Collie     Hovawart versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Hovawart versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Hovawart versus Plott     Hovawart versus American Foxhound     Hovawart versus Sloughi     Hovawart versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Ibizan Hound     

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Harrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Komondor     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cockalier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Jack Russell Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Jack Russell Terrier versus French Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Collie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kuvasz     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shihpoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Briard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed     

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