Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better than the Spinone Italiano as a Pet? Answer…

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

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

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

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 Spinone Italiano.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-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 Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Spinone Italiano
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 28 inches
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 61 to 86 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
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 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
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 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1100 $1180
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1000 – $1000
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 50.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Spinone Italianos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Spinone Italiano

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

    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, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Spinone Italiano

    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 Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Spinone Italianos.

    Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Spinone Italiano

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 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 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 6 Spinone Italianos.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Spinone Italiano

    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 Spinone Italiano puppy is $1180. The price of the Spinone Italiano typically ranges from $1000 – $1000. However, the price of the Spinone Italiano can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Spinone Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Spinone Italiano is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Spinone Italiano
    Average Price $1100 $1180
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1000 to $1000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

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

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

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Spinone Italianos?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Spinone Italiano

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

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?

    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.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Spinone Italiano

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

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Spinone Italianos 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:

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

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

  • Collie (75 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Collie.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Jack Russell Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Schipperke     Jack Russell Terrier versus Afador     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bich Poo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sloughi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Jack Russell Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Setter     Jack Russell Terrier versus Westiepoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bull Terrier     

    Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spinone Italiano versus Boston Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Norwegian Lundehund     Spinone Italiano versus Boykin Spaniel     Spinone Italiano versus American Water Spaniel     Spinone Italiano versus Akbash     Spinone Italiano versus Pug     Spinone Italiano versus Portuguese Pointer     Spinone Italiano versus Whippet     Spinone Italiano versus Affenpinscher     Spinone Italiano versus Whoodle     Spinone Italiano versus Manchester Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Chorkie     Spinone Italiano versus Bluetick Coonhound     Spinone Italiano versus Lhasapoo     Spinone Italiano versus Lhasa Apso     Spinone Italiano versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Spinone Italiano versus Chi-Poo     Spinone Italiano versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Spinone Italiano versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Spinone Italiano versus Peek A Poo     Spinone Italiano versus Cockapoo     Spinone Italiano versus Puli     Spinone Italiano versus Basset Hound     Spinone Italiano versus Catahoula Bulldog     Spinone Italiano versus Cockapoo     

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