Breed Comparison: Jack Russell Terrier Versus Lhasa Apso

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

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

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 Lhasa Apso.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Lhasa Apso is a tiny-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 Lhasa Apso belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Lhasa Apso
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1100 $1780
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1500 – $1996
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 70.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data
Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 46 68

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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lhasa Apso is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Lhasa Apso!

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 Lhasa Apso so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

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

    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, Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

    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 Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is 13.5 years.

    Lhasa Apsos live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

    Temperament of the Lhasa Apso Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 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 70.4 percent, the Lhasa Apso has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    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 Lhasa Apso puppy is $1780. The price of the Lhasa Apso typically ranges from $1500 – $1996. However, the price of the Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lhasa Apso is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Lhasa Apso
    Average Price $1100 $1780
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1500 to $1996

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Jack Russell Terrier and Lhasa Apso. For different price points, the charts show how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies or how many Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apsos

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos

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

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Lhasa Apso

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Lhasa Apsos 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 Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Jack Russell Terriers like Wishbone on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Jack Russell Terriers, Lhasa Apsos are also available for adoption. For example, Tramp is a Male Lhasa Apso that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lhasa Apsos like Tramp that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Jack Russell Terrier and the Lhasa Apso can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Spott is the name of another Jack Russell Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Rocky is an adorable Male Lhasa Apso on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Jack Russell Terriers and Lhasa Apsos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

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

    The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Lhasa Apso

    Jack Russell Terrier Lhasa Apso
    Intelligence Rank 46 out of 130 dog breeds 68 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 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 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 Lhasa Apso has an obedience intelligence rank of 68 out of 130 dog breeds. The Lhasa Apso belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Lhasa Apsos tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Jack Russell Terrier is more intelligent than the Lhasa Apso.

    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: Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dalmatian     Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Barbet     Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Chow     Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Boerboel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Briard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kuvasz     Jack Russell Terrier versus Great Dane     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chihuahua     Jack Russell Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Pyredoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Standard Poodle     Lhasa Apso versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Lhasa Apso versus Vizsla     Lhasa Apso versus Sealyham Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Pomchi     Lhasa Apso versus Sussex Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Lhasa Apso versus Mal Shi     Lhasa Apso versus Maltese     Lhasa Apso versus German Pinscher     Lhasa Apso versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Lhasa Apso versus Lowchen     Lhasa Apso versus Samoyed     Lhasa Apso versus Coton de Tulear     Lhasa Apso versus Finnish Spitz     Lhasa Apso versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Maltipoo     Lhasa Apso versus German Pinscher     Lhasa Apso versus Stabyhoun     Lhasa Apso versus Morkie     Lhasa Apso versus French Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Cavapoo     Lhasa Apso versus American Water Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Alaskan Klee Kai     

    Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso better suits you and your family.