A Detailed Comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

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 Spanish Mastiff.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Spanish Mastiff 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 Spanish Mastiff

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Spanish Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
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 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
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 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1100 $1050
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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 Spanish Mastiff. 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 Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spanish Mastiff is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Spanish Mastiff!

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 Spanish Mastiff 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 Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Spanish Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff 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 Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    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, Spanish Mastiffs weigh 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Spanish Mastiffs are 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff

    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 Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    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 Spanish Mastiff puppy is $1050. The price of the Spanish Mastiff typically ranges from $1000 – $1050. However, the price of the Spanish Mastiff can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Spanish Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Jack Russell Terrier is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Jack Russell Terrier Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1100 $1050
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1000 to $1050

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff

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

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    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.

    Spanish Mastiffs 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 Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Spanish Mastiff

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

    Spanish Mastiffs 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 Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs 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 Spanish Mastiff?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Akbash (78 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Schnoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Jack Russell Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lowchen     Jack Russell Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Basset Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Jack Russell Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Berger Picard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Jack Russell Terrier versus French Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Cockalier     Spanish Mastiff versus Patterdale Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Poodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Cockalier     Spanish Mastiff versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Australian Kelpie     Spanish Mastiff versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Spanish Mastiff versus Lhasapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Akita Chow     Spanish Mastiff versus Black Mouth Cur     Spanish Mastiff versus Labrador Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Poodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Leonberger     Spanish Mastiff versus Afador     Spanish Mastiff versus Pharaoh Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus Havanese     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Spanish Mastiff versus Field Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Cockalier     Spanish Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Spanish Mastiff versus Akita     Spanish Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     

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