Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Jack Russell Terrier Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger 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 Jack Russell Terrier and for the Leonberger. 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Jack Russell Terrier or the Leonberger.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger

Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Leonberger 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.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Leonberger 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Leonberger
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1100 $870
Price Range $700 – $1250 $300 – $1150
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 96.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Leonberger. 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Jack Russell Terrier is a better pet than the Leonberger. 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger

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

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger

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

    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.

    On the other hand, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger

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

    The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers is 11.0 years.

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Leonbergers.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger

    Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.0 percent, the Leonberger has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 25 Leonbergers.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Leonberger

    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 a Jack Russell Terrier can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of the Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Jack Russell Terrier is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Jack Russell Terrier Leonberger
    Average Price $1100 $870
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $300 to $1150

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Jack Russell Terrier puppy or the Leonberger 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.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger

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

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Leonbergers?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Leonberger?

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

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

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

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Leonberger

    Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

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

    Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Leonbergers?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Leonberger vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Papillon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomeranian     Jack Russell Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dalmatian     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus French Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Komondor     Jack Russell Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Whoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Collie     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Papipoo     Leonberger versus Mudi     Leonberger versus Patterdale Terrier     Leonberger versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Leonberger versus Puggle     Leonberger versus Maltipoo     Leonberger versus Xoloitzcuintli     Leonberger versus Shihpoo     Leonberger versus Boykin Spaniel     Leonberger versus Westiepoo     Leonberger versus Peek A Poo     Leonberger versus Akita Chow     Leonberger versus German Longhaired Pointer     Leonberger versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Leonberger versus Canaan Dog     Leonberger versus Norfolk Terrier     Leonberger versus Pekingese     Leonberger versus Border Collie     Leonberger versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Leonberger versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Leonberger versus Bichon Frise     Leonberger versus Lowchen     Leonberger versus German Longhaired Pointer     Leonberger versus Cockalier     Leonberger versus Whoodle     

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