Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Jack Russell Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu
- Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Jack Russell Terrier | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Weight | 13 to 17 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1100 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $700 – $1250 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 85.5 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 46 | 70 |
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu
The Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Shih Tzu
The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.
| Jack Russell Terrier | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1100 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $700 to $1250 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies or how many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Jack Russell Terrier puppy or the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Shih Tzus 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, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Elliot is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Elliot that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Grant is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Jack Russell Terriers and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
| Jack Russell Terrier | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 46 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! |
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 Shih Tzu has an obedience intelligence rank of 70 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shih Tzu belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Shih Tzus tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Jack Russell Terrier is more intelligent than the Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Shih Tzus?
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Shih Tzu
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Shih Tzu
Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Shih Tzus?
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Shih Tzu?
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good 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 Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Jack Russell Terrier and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Samoyed Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Spitz Jack Russell Terrier versus Australian Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound Jack Russell Terrier versus Basenji Jack Russell Terrier versus Papillon Jack Russell Terrier versus Bolognese Jack Russell Terrier versus American Foxhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Retriever Jack Russell Terrier versus Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrier versus Papillon Jack Russell Terrier versus Havanese Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Jack Russell Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Cockalier Jack Russell Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita Chow Jack Russell Terrier versus English Setter Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Mal Shi
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Affenhuahua Shih Tzu versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shih Tzu versus Pharaoh Hound Shih Tzu versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo Shih Tzu versus Shihpoo Shih Tzu versus Irish Setter Shih Tzu versus Dogue de Bordeaux Shih Tzu versus Korean Jindo Dog Shih Tzu versus Alaskan Klee Kai Shih Tzu versus Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Lagotto Romagnolo Shih Tzu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Terrier Shih Tzu versus Black Mouth Cur Shih Tzu versus Shetland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Azawakh Shih Tzu versus Borzoi Shih Tzu versus Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus German Longhaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Bouvier des Flandres Shih Tzu versus Bichon Frise Shih Tzu versus Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Mudi
Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.