Differences and Similarities between the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier.

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Irish Setter Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier

Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier

Factor Irish Setter Jack Russell Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
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
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 13 to 17 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1680 $1100
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $700 – $1250
Temperament Score 90.9 percent 85.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 35 46

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter. 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 Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier

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

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Irish Setters live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Irish Setter

    The Irish Setter has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 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 90.9 percent, the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 154 Irish Setters and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier

    The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Irish Setter Jack Russell Terrier
    Average Price $1680 $1100
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $700 to $1250

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. 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 Irish Setter 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.

    Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter named Gordon – 831 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Gordon – 831 on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Oliver & Maggie Together Only is the name of another Irish Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    The Intelligence of the Irish Setter versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier

    Irish Setter Jack Russell Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 35 out of 130 dog breeds 46 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • 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 Irish Setter has an obedience intelligence rank of 35 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Setter belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Irish Setters tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 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 Irish Setter 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: Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

    Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Jack Russell Terrier

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Jack Russell Terrier

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Jack Russell Terriers?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

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

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs English Setter.
  • 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 Irish Setter vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Setter versus Peek A Poo     Irish Setter versus Skye Terrier     Irish Setter versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Irish Setter versus Azawakh     Irish Setter versus Boston Terrier     Irish Setter versus Standard Poodle     Irish Setter versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Irish Setter versus Black Mouth Cur     Irish Setter versus Scottish Deerhound     Irish Setter versus Norwich Terrier     Irish Setter versus Catahoula Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Frenchton     Irish Setter versus Saint Bernard     Irish Setter versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Dalmatian     Irish Setter versus Black Mouth Cur     Irish Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Pomapoo     Irish Setter versus Saint Berdoodle     Irish Setter versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Spinone Italiano     Irish Setter versus Saluki     Irish Setter versus Rottweiler     Irish Setter versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mal Shi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Jack Russell Terrier versus Labradoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Briard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Borzoi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Schipperke     Jack Russell Terrier versus Barbet     Jack Russell Terrier versus Labradoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Jack Russell Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Weimaraner     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Frenchton     

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