Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Jack Russell Terrier Versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Introduction
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Overview
- Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Welsh Springer Spaniel
- The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Welsh Springer Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
- Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
- Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Springer Spaniels?
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
- Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Welsh Springer Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Welsh Springer Spaniels?
- Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel? 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel. 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel.
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 Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier to the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel
| Factor | Jack Russell Terrier | Welsh Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Weight | 13 to 17 pounds | 35 to 55 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 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1100 | No Data |
| Price Range | $700 – $1250 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 46 | 31 |
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 Welsh Springer Spaniel. 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel is 79 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier. So, you should get the Welsh Springer Spaniel!
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 Welsh Springer Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel.
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, Welsh Springer Spaniels weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Springer Spaniels are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel
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 Welsh Springer Spaniels is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Springer Spaniels is 12.5 years.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a better temperament than the Jack Russell Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Welsh Springer Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 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 100.0 percent, the Welsh Springer Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 6 Welsh Springer Spaniels.
Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Welsh Springer Spaniel
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Welsh Springer Spaniels 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, Welsh Springer Spaniels are also available for adoption. For example, Sage is a Male Welsh Springer Spaniel that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Welsh Springer Spaniels like Sage that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
You can find more Jack Russell Terriers and Welsh Springer Spaniels that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Welsh Springer Spaniel
| Jack Russell Terrier | Welsh Springer Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 46 out of 130 dog breeds | 31 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:
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 Welsh Springer Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 31 out of 130 dog breeds. The Welsh Springer Spaniel belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Welsh Springer Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Welsh Springer Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Welsh Springer Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Welsh Springer Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Welsh Springer Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
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.
Welsh Springer Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Springer Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Welsh Springer Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Welsh Springer Spaniel
Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Welsh Springer Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Welsh Springer Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Welsh Springer Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Welsh Springer Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Welsh Springer Spaniels?
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Welsh Springer Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Welsh Springer Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Welsh Springer Spaniels 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Jack Russell Terrier and how the Welsh Springer Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and of the Welsh Springer Spaniel to other breeds:
Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier versus Briard Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Jack Russell Terrier versus Manchester Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Beagle Jack Russell Terrier versus French Bulldog Jack Russell Terrier versus Dogo Argentino Jack Russell Terrier versus Puli Jack Russell Terrier versus Peek A Poo Jack Russell Terrier versus Bullmastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkipoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Skye Terrier Jack Russell Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Jack Russell Terrier versus Stabyhoun Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Spitz Jack Russell Terrier versus Italian Greyhound Jack Russell Terrier versus Westiepoo Jack Russell Terrier versus Field Spaniel Jack Russell Terrier versus Chinese Crested Jack Russell Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer Jack Russell Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff Jack Russell Terrier versus Saluki
Welsh Springer Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Puli Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Silky Terrier Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Pug Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Basenji Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Azawakh Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Schnoodle Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Silky Terrier Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Greyhound Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Shiba Inu Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Morkie Welsh Springer Spaniel versus Afador
Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel. 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel better suits you and your family.