Breed Comparison: Jack Russell Terrier Versus Vizsla

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Vizsla: Introduction

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

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

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 Vizsla.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla

Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla: Overview

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

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

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Vizsla
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1100 $1590
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1200 – $1800
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 85.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
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  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 46 25

    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 Vizsla. 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 Vizsla is 79 out of 125.

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

    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 Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla

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

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate cold weather. However, Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Vizslas have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla 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 Vizsla are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla

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

    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, Vizslas weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Vizslas are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla

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

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Vizslas.

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla

    Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Vizsla

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Vizsla is 85.2 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 85.2 percent, the Vizsla has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 54 Vizslas.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Vizsla

    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 Vizsla puppy is $1590. The price of the Vizsla typically ranges from $1200 – $1800. However, the price of the Vizsla can be as low as $350 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Vizsla puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Vizsla is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Vizsla
    Average Price $1100 $1590
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1200 to $1800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Vizslas

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

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Vizsla

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Vizslas 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, Vizslas are also available for adoption. For example, Scarlet'S Pup 1 is a Male Vizsla that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Vizslas like Scarlet'S Pup 1 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Vizsla
    Intelligence Rank 46 out of 130 dog breeds 25 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 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 Vizsla has an obedience intelligence rank of 25 out of 130 dog breeds. The Vizsla belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Vizslas tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.

    The Vizsla 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 Vizsla

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

    Vizslas do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Vizslas?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Vizslas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Vizslas are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Vizslas 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 Vizslas?

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

    Vizslas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Vizsla

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

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

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

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

    Vizslas can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Vizslas?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Vizslas are very easy to train.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (75 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (76 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Pointer (74 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Setter     Jack Russell Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kai Ken     Jack Russell Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Maltipoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sloughi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dalmatian     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Jack Russell Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saluki     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Maltese     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Boerboel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cane Corso     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     

    Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Vizsla versus Pyredoodle     Vizsla versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Vizsla versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Vizsla versus Saint Berdoodle     Vizsla versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Vizsla versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Vizsla versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Vizsla versus Dogo Argentino     Vizsla versus Irish Terrier     Vizsla versus Italian Greyhound     Vizsla versus Pharaoh Hound     Vizsla versus Doberman Pinscher     Vizsla versus Pomsky     Vizsla versus Canaan Dog     Vizsla versus Saint Bernard     Vizsla versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Vizsla versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Vizsla versus Norwich Terrier     Vizsla versus Bernedoodle     Vizsla versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Vizsla versus Goldador     Vizsla versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Vizsla versus Sheepadoodle     Vizsla versus Karelian Bear Dog     Vizsla versus Japanese Chin     

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