Breed Comparison: Jack Russell Terrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are similar in size. The Jack Russell Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are both small-sized dogs.

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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 15 to 17 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
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 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
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 16.0 years
Average Price $1100 No Data
Price Range $700 – $1250 No Data
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Jack Russell Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

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

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

    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, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    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 Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

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

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Rottweiler     Jack Russell Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus French Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Foxhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Hovawart     Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saluki     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Leonberger     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chihuahua     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shihpoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chinook     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Carolina Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Wolfhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sloughi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lhasapoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Schipperke     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Westiepoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Leonberger     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Papillon     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cane Corso     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Afghan Hound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pekingese     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinese Crested     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pomsky     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Airedale Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bolognese     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Eskimo Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     

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