Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Jack Russell Terrier Versus Pointer: Introduction
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer: Overview
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer
- Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Pointer
- Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Pointer
- The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer
- Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pointer?
- Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?
- Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pointers?
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Pointer
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pointer?
- Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Pointers?
- Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer? 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 Pointer 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 Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer.
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 Pointer.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Pointer is a medium-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 Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Pointer 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 Pointer
| Factor | Jack Russell Terrier | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight | 13 to 17 pounds | 45 to 75 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1100 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $700 – $1250 | $800 – $1300 |
| Temperament Score | 85.5 percent | 90.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 46 | 43 |
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 Pointer. 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 Pointer is 75 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Jack Russell Terrier is a better pet than the Pointer. 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 Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer
The Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer.
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, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer
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 Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.
Pointers live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Pointer
The Pointer has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 20 Pointers.
Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Pointer
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 Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of the Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Jack Russell Terrier is more expensive than the Pointer.
| Jack Russell Terrier | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1100 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $700 to $1250 | $800 to $1300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Jack Russell Terrier and Pointer. For different price points, the charts show how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies or how many Pointer 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 Pointers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Jack Russell Terrier puppy or the Pointer 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.
The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Pointer
| Jack Russell Terrier | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 46 out of 130 dog breeds | 43 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 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:
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 Pointer has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pointer belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pointers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Pointer 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 Pointer
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Pointers?
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Pointers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pointer
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pointer?
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?
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.
Pointers 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 Pointers?
Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Pointer
Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pointer?
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Pointers?
Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Pointers?
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Pointer?
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pointer?
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pointer?
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Jack Russell Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Jack Russell Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pointer 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 Pointer:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Jack Russell Terrier and how the Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and of the Pointer to other breeds:
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu Jack Russell Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Bull Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Jack Russell Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Papipoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Schnoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Whoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog Jack Russell Terrier versus Dachshund Jack Russell Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Italian Greyhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound Jack Russell Terrier versus French Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel
Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pointer versus Bedlington Terrier Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres Pointer versus Miniature Pinscher Pointer versus Carolina Dog Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog Pointer versus Bloodhound Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier Pointer versus Westiepoo Pointer versus Cane Corso Pointer versus Coton de Tulear Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff Pointer versus Border Collie Pointer versus Collie Pointer versus Stabyhoun Pointer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Pointer versus Weimaraner Pointer versus Pomeranian Pointer versus Pomsky Pointer versus Hovawart Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Pointer versus Rottweiler Pointer versus Whippet Pointer versus Siberian Husky
Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer. 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 Pointer better suits you and your family.