Breed Comparison: Jack Russell Terrier Versus Puli

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Puli: Introduction

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

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

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 Puli.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli

Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli: Overview

A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Puli 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 Puli belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli: Comparison Table

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

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Puli
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 25 to 35 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
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 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
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 12.5 years
Average Price $1100 $2250
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1875 – $2750
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 92.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 46 27

    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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Puli

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

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

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

    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, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli

    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 Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.

    Temperament of the Puli Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 26 Pulis.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Puli

    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 Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Puli is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Puli
    Average Price $1100 $2250
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1875 to $2750

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Puli
    Intelligence Rank 46 out of 130 dog breeds 27 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 Puli has an obedience intelligence rank of 27 out of 130 dog breeds. The Puli belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Pulis tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Puli 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 Puli

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

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Pulis?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

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

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

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

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Pulis 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 Puli?

    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.

    Pulis 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 Pulis?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Puli

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

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

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

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

    Pulis 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 Puli?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Pulis?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Pulis are not easy to train.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Pulis 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:

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

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

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla     Jack Russell Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Barbet     Jack Russell Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Jack Russell Terrier versus Collie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Jack Russell Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Cavachon     Puli versus Shihpoo     Puli versus Alaskan Malamute     Puli versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Puli versus Basset Hound     Puli versus Cockalier     Puli versus Golden Retriever     Puli versus Australian Kelpie     Puli versus Alaskan Malamute     Puli versus Papipoo     Puli versus Labrador Retriever     Puli versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Puli versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Manchester Terrier     Puli versus Dalmatian     Puli versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Puli versus Bedlington Terrier     Puli versus Whoodle     Puli versus German Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Portuguese Water Dog     Puli versus Canaan Dog     Puli versus Swedish Vallhund     Puli versus Cavachon     Puli versus Pomeranian     Puli versus Italian Greyhound     

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