Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Jack Russell Terrier Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard: Overview
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard
- The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard
- Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard
- Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Saint Bernard
- Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Saint Bernard
- Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Saint Bernard
- The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Saint Bernard
- Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard
- Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Saint Bernards?
- Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Saint Bernard
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Saint Bernard?
- Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?
- Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Saint Bernard
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Saint Bernard?
- Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
- How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Saint Bernards?
- Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard. Which One is a Better Pet?
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard? 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard.
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 Saint Bernard.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard: Overview
A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard
| Factor | Jack Russell Terrier | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 8 to 10 years |
| Weight | 13 to 17 pounds | 120 to 180 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 9.0 years |
| Average Price | $1100 | $1320 |
| Price Range | $700 – $1250 | $875 – $1525 |
| Temperament Score | 85.5 percent | 84.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 46 | 65 |
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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Saint Bernard is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Saint Bernard!
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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard
Below is a list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard are most different:
The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard
The Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard.
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, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.
Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard
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 Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.
Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Saint Bernards.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Saint Bernard
The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.
This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Saint Bernard is 84.9 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 84.9 percent, the Saint Bernard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 53 Saint Bernards.
Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Saint Bernard
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 Saint Bernard puppy is $1320. The price of the Saint Bernard typically ranges from $875 – $1525. However, the price of the Saint Bernard can be as low as $200 and as high as $3550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 163 Saint Bernard puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Saint Bernard is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.
| Jack Russell Terrier | Saint Bernard | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1100 | $1320 |
| Price Range | $700 to $1250 | $875 to $1525 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Jack Russell Terrier and Saint Bernard. For different price points, the charts show how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies or how many Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernards
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Jack Russell Terrier puppy or the Saint Bernard 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.
Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Saint Bernard
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Saint Bernards 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, Saint Bernards are also available for adoption. For example, Big Teddy is a Male Saint Bernard that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Saint Bernards like Big Teddy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Kai is an adorable Male Saint Bernard on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Jack Russell Terriers and Saint Bernards that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Saint Bernard
| Jack Russell Terrier | Saint Bernard | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 46 out of 130 dog breeds | 65 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 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 Saint Bernard has an obedience intelligence rank of 65 out of 130 dog breeds. The Saint Bernard belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Saint Bernards tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Jack Russell Terrier is more intelligent than the Saint Bernard.
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 Saint Bernard
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.
Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Saint Bernards?
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Saint Bernard
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Saint Bernard?
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard?
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.
Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?
Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Saint Bernard
Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Saint Bernard?
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.
Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Saint Bernards?
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Saint Bernards are not easy to train.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Saint Bernard?
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Jack Russell Terrier and how the Saint Bernard compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and of the Saint Bernard to other breeds:
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Collie Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Schnoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Labradoodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavachon Jack Russell Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund Jack Russell Terrier versus Labrador Retriever Jack Russell Terrier versus Standard Poodle Jack Russell Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Cockalier Jack Russell Terrier versus Cairn Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi Jack Russell Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Toy Poodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Shihpoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Papipoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Collie
Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds
Saint Bernard versus Cairn Terrier Saint Bernard versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Maltese Saint Bernard versus Finnish Spitz Saint Bernard versus German Pinscher Saint Bernard versus Shiloh Shepherd Saint Bernard versus Maltipoo Saint Bernard versus Field Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Afghan Hound Saint Bernard versus Cockapoo Saint Bernard versus Sealyham Terrier Saint Bernard versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Saint Bernard versus Jack Russell Terrier Saint Bernard versus Irish Wolfhound Saint Bernard versus Weimaraner Saint Bernard versus Basenji Saint Bernard versus Estrela Mountain Dog Saint Bernard versus Schipperke Saint Bernard versus Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard versus Korean Jindo Dog Saint Bernard versus Mudi Saint Bernard versus Newfoundland Saint Bernard versus Rottweiler Saint Bernard versus Irish Wolfhound Saint Bernard versus Tibetan Spaniel
Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.