Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Water Spaniel Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Intelligence of the Irish Water Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Do Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Jack Russell Terrier
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers?
- Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier.
Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
Factor | Irish Water Spaniel | Jack Russell Terrier |
---|---|---|
Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 15 years |
Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Weight | 45 to 65 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
Price Range | No Data | $700 – $1250 |
Average Price | No Data | $1100 |
Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 85.5 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 24 | 46 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel is 81 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 Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Irish Water Spaniel!
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 Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier
The Irish Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet 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 Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 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 Irish Water Spaniels.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 30 Irish Water Spaniels and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.
The Intelligence of the Irish Water Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel | Jack Russell Terrier | |
---|---|---|
Intelligence Rank | 24 out of 130 dog breeds | 46 out of 130 dog breeds |
Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 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 Irish Water Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 24 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Irish Water Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Jack Russell Terrier
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers?
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel:
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 Irish Water Spaniel and how the Jack Russell Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and of the Jack Russell Terrier to other breeds:
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Finnish Spitz Irish Water Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Japanese Chin Irish Water Spaniel versus Mal Shi Irish Water Spaniel versus Border Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino Irish Water Spaniel versus Akbash Irish Water Spaniel versus Afghan Hound Irish Water Spaniel versus Toy Poodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Brussels Griffon Irish Water Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano Irish Water Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Saint Bernard Irish Water Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren Irish Water Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler Irish Water Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Irish Water Spaniel versus Saint Bernard Irish Water Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Australian Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Maltese Jack Russell Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur Jack Russell Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur Jack Russell Terrier versus Frenchton Jack Russell Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Jack Russell Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Plott Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyredoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Jack Russell Terrier versus Mountain Cur Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Jack Russell Terrier versus Siberian Husky Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyredoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Morkie Jack Russell Terrier versus Manchester Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken Jack Russell Terrier versus Valley Bulldog Jack Russell Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Jack Russell Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Basenji Jack Russell Terrier versus Briard Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavapoo
Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.