Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Samoyed: Introduction

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

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

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 Samoyed.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed

Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed: Overview

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

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

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Samoyed
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 50 to 60 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1100 $2460
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1500 – $3000
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 80.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 1 year
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (X-L PRA) DNA Test
  • RD/OSD
  • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 46 33

    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 Samoyed. 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 Samoyed is 71 out of 125.

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

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed

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

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Samoyeds do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Samoyed

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

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

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

    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, Samoyeds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Samoyeds are 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed

    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 Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 years.

    Samoyeds live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed

    Temperament of the Samoyed Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Samoyed is 80.3 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 80.3 percent, the Samoyed has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Samoyed by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 294 Samoyeds.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Samoyed

    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 Samoyed puppy is $2460. The price of the Samoyed typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Samoyed can be as low as $800 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Samoyed puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Samoyed is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Samoyed
    Average Price $1100 $2460
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1500 to $3000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Samoyeds

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

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Samoyed

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Samoyeds 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, Samoyeds are also available for adoption. For example, We Have No Dogs Available At This Time. is a Male Samoyed that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Samoyeds like We Have No Dogs Available At This Time. that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Samoyed
    Intelligence Rank 46 out of 130 dog breeds 33 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 Samoyed has an obedience intelligence rank of 33 out of 130 dog breeds. The Samoyed belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Samoyeds tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Samoyed 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 Samoyed

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

    Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Samoyeds?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

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

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

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

    Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyed?

    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.

    Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds?

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

    Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Samoyed

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Samoyeds?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • English Setter (75 percent match with Samoyed). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs English Setter.
  • Siberian Husky (75 percent match with Samoyed). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Siberian Husky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Chow     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Berger Picard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shihpoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cockalier     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Borzoi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pomeranian     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Jack Russell Terrier versus Beaglier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Jack Russell Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Hovawart     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Jack Russell Terrier versus Boerboel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

    Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Samoyed versus Australian Kelpie     Samoyed versus Mastiff     Samoyed versus Boston Terrier     Samoyed versus Akita     Samoyed versus Pharaoh Hound     Samoyed versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Samoyed versus Newfoundland     Samoyed versus Bich Poo     Samoyed versus Shih Tzu     Samoyed versus Mal Shi     Samoyed versus Silky Terrier     Samoyed versus Miniature Schnauzer     Samoyed versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Samoyed versus Shichon     Samoyed versus Sealyham Terrier     Samoyed versus Chinese Crested     Samoyed versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Samoyed versus Mountain Cur     Samoyed versus Azawakh     Samoyed versus Welsh Terrier     Samoyed versus Airedale Terrier     Samoyed versus American Eskimo Dog     Samoyed versus Cesky Terrier     Samoyed versus Yorkipoo     Samoyed versus Redbone Coonhound     

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