Which is Better between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lowchen? A Very Detailed Review.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Lowchen: Introduction

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

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

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 Lowchen.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Lowchen

Jack Russell Terrier versus Lowchen: Overview

A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Lowchen
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 13 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 9 to 18 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
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 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1100 $2870
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1642 – $4500
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125.

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

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

    The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lowchen

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

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

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

    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, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Lowchen

    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 Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 12 Lowchens.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Lowchen

    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 Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Lowchen
    Average Price $1100 $2870
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1642 to $4500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Lowchen

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

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Lowchens?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Lowchens shed moderately.

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

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

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Lowchen

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

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

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

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

    Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Lowchens?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Akbash     Jack Russell Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Berger Picard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavachon     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Frenchton     Jack Russell Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Goldador     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Schnoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Komondor     Jack Russell Terrier versus Greyhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sloughi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Bouvier des Flandres     Lowchen versus Skye Terrier     Lowchen versus Beaglier     Lowchen versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lowchen versus Mudi     Lowchen versus Shichon     Lowchen versus Affenpinscher     Lowchen versus Whoodle     Lowchen versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Lowchen versus Aussiedoodle     Lowchen versus Norwegian Lundehund     Lowchen versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Lowchen versus Great Pyrenees     Lowchen versus Norfolk Terrier     Lowchen versus Shetland Sheepdog     Lowchen versus Kishu Ken     Lowchen versus Kishu Ken     Lowchen versus Airedale Terrier     Lowchen versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lowchen versus Cairn Terrier     Lowchen versus Spinone Italiano     Lowchen versus Azawakh     Lowchen versus Finnish Spitz     Lowchen versus Shichon     Lowchen versus Dachshund     

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