Breed Comparison: Jack Russell Terrier Versus Newfoundland

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Newfoundland: Introduction

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

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

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 Newfoundland.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland

Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland: Overview

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

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

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Newfoundland
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 10 to 15 years 8 to 10 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 100 to 150 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
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 3/5
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 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 9.0 years
Average Price $1100 $2160
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1875 – $2500
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 46 34

    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 Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland is 73 out of 125.

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

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland

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

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Jack Russell Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Newfoundlands have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Newfoundlands do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Newfoundland

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

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

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

    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, Newfoundlands weigh 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Newfoundlands are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland

    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 Newfoundlands is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Newfoundlands is 9.0 years.

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Newfoundlands.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Newfoundland

    Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Newfoundland

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Newfoundland is 87.5 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 87.5 percent, the Newfoundland has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Newfoundland by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 176 Newfoundlands.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Newfoundland

    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 Newfoundland puppy is $2160. The price of the Newfoundland typically ranges from $1875 – $2500. However, the price of the Newfoundland can be as low as $350 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 204 Newfoundland puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Newfoundland is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Newfoundland
    Average Price $1100 $2160
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1875 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Newfoundlands

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

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Newfoundland

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

    Also, like Jack Russell Terriers, Newfoundlands are also available for adoption. For example, Rocko is a Male Newfoundland that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Newfoundlands like Rocko that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

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

    The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Newfoundland

    Jack Russell Terrier Newfoundland
    Intelligence Rank 46 out of 130 dog breeds 34 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 Newfoundland has an obedience intelligence rank of 34 out of 130 dog breeds. The Newfoundland belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Newfoundlands tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

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

    Newfoundlands do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Newfoundlands?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

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

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

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

    Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundland?

    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.

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundlands?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Newfoundlands can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Newfoundland

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

    Newfoundlands have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Newfoundlands get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Newfoundlands?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Newfoundlands are very easy to train.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Golden Retriever (71 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Golden Retriever.
  • Saint Bernard (68 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Saint Bernard.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Great Dane     Jack Russell Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shihpoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Morkie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Chow     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Collie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomsky     Jack Russell Terrier versus Beaglier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dachshund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Schnoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

    Newfoundland Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Newfoundland versus Papipoo     Newfoundland versus Cane Corso     Newfoundland versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Newfoundland versus Alaskan Malamute     Newfoundland versus Cane Corso     Newfoundland versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Newfoundland versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Newfoundland versus Bernedoodle     Newfoundland versus Sheepadoodle     Newfoundland versus Kai Ken     Newfoundland versus Morkie     Newfoundland versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Newfoundland versus Finnish Spitz     Newfoundland versus Frenchton     Newfoundland versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Newfoundland versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Newfoundland versus Yorkshire Terrier     Newfoundland versus Kooikerhondje     Newfoundland versus Irish Terrier     Newfoundland versus Welsh Terrier     Newfoundland versus Shihpoo     Newfoundland versus Kuvasz     Newfoundland versus West Highland White Terrier     Newfoundland versus Brittany     Newfoundland versus American Eskimo Dog     

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