Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Jack Russell Terrier
- Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Jack Russell Terrier
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Jack Russell Terriers?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Icelandic Sheepdog 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.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Jack Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $700 – $1250 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1100 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 85.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Jack Russell Terrier
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.
Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog named Elf that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Icelandic Sheepdogs like Elf on pefinder.com.
Also, like Icelandic Sheepdogs, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bandit is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Bandit that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Jack Russell Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Jack Russell Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog:
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 Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Jack Russell Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Jack Russell Terrier to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky Icelandic Sheepdog versus Frenchton Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chihuahua Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldador Icelandic Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockapoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cane Corso Icelandic Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Plott Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Setter Icelandic Sheepdog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Havanese Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Bracco Italiano Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Afador Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Jack Russell Terrier versus Morkie Jack Russell Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei Jack Russell Terrier versus Bichon Frise Jack Russell Terrier versus Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Kelpie Jack Russell Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Italian Greyhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Borzoi Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Jack Russell Terrier versus King Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier versus Bracco Italiano Jack Russell Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasapoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Stabyhoun Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.