Breed Comparison: Jack Russell Terrier Versus Miniature Pinscher

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Miniature Pinscher: Introduction

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

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

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 Miniature Pinscher.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher: Overview

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

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Miniature Pinscher
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 8 to 11 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
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 12.0 years
Average Price $1100 $1470
Price Range $700 – $1250 $825 – $1500
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 82.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
  • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 46 37

    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 Miniature Pinscher. 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 Miniature Pinscher is 73 out of 125.

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

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate cold weather. However, Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Miniature Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher

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

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

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

    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, Miniature Pinschers weigh 8 to 11 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Pinschers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    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 Miniature Pinschers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is 12.0 years.

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Miniature Pinschers.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    Temperament of the Miniature Pinscher Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Miniature Pinscher.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Pinscher is 82.5 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 82.5 percent, the Miniature Pinscher has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 57 Miniature Pinschers.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Miniature Pinscher

    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 Miniature Pinscher puppy is $1470. The price of the Miniature Pinscher typically ranges from $825 – $1500. However, the price of the Miniature Pinscher can be as low as $100 and as high as $50000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 159 Miniature Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Pinscher is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Miniature Pinscher
    Average Price $1100 $1470
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $825 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Pinschers

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

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Miniature Pinscher

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Miniature Pinschers 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, Miniature Pinschers are also available for adoption. For example, A519827 is a Male Miniature Pinscher that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Miniature Pinschers like A519827 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Jack Russell Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher 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, Junior is an adorable Male Miniature Pinscher on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Jack Russell Terriers and Miniature Pinschers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

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

    The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Miniature Pinscher

    Jack Russell Terrier Miniature Pinscher
    Intelligence Rank 46 out of 130 dog breeds 37 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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 Miniature Pinscher has an obedience intelligence rank of 37 out of 130 dog breeds. The Miniature Pinscher belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Miniature Pinschers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Miniature Pinscher 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: Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

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

    Miniature Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Miniature Pinschers?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Miniature Pinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher

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

    Miniature Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Miniature Pinschers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Pinschers?

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

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

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Miniature Pinscher

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

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

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Miniature Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Miniature Pinschers?

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

    Miniature Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Miniature Pinschers?

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

    Miniature Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Miniature Pinscher?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Pinscher?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Miniature Pinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • American Hairless Terrier (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Manchester Terrier (79 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Schipperke (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Schipperke.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Great Dane     Jack Russell Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cane Corso     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Foxhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Barbet     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli     Jack Russell Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Chow     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomsky     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken     

    Miniature Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Pinscher versus Saint Berdoodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund     Miniature Pinscher versus Lowchen     Miniature Pinscher versus Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Puli     Miniature Pinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Miniature Pinscher versus Manchester Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Beaglier     Miniature Pinscher versus Cavapoo     Miniature Pinscher versus American Bulldog     Miniature Pinscher versus Patterdale Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Chorkie     Miniature Pinscher versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Miniature Pinscher versus Spanish Mastiff     Miniature Pinscher versus Labrador Retriever     Miniature Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Mastiff     Miniature Pinscher versus Bordoodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Chinese Crested     Miniature Pinscher versus Standard Poodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Miniature Pinscher versus Saluki     Miniature Pinscher versus Havanese     Miniature Pinscher versus Boykin Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Irish Terrier     

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