A Detailed Comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Xoloitzcuintli: Introduction

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

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

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 Xoloitzcuintli.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli: Overview

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

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

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Xoloitzcuintli
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Life Span 10 to 15 years 14 to 20 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 10 to 50 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
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 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 17.0 years
Average Price $1100 $1890
Price Range $700 – $1250 $1000 – $2500
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Opthalmologist
  • OFA Hip Evaluation
  • 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 Xoloitzcuintli. 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 Xoloitzcuintli is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Xoloitzcuintlis are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Xoloitzcuintlis do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli

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

    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, Xoloitzcuintlis weigh 10 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Xoloitzcuintlis are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli

    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 Xoloitzcuintlis is between 14 to 20 years. The average lifespan of Xoloitzcuintlis is 17.0 years.

    Xoloitzcuintlis live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Xoloitzcuintli

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Xoloitzcuintli is 87.5 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 87.5 percent, the Xoloitzcuintli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 8 Xoloitzcuintlis.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Xoloitzcuintli

    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 Xoloitzcuintli puppy is $1890. The price of the Xoloitzcuintli typically ranges from $1000 – $2500. However, the price of the Xoloitzcuintli can be as low as $500 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Xoloitzcuintli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Xoloitzcuintli is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Xoloitzcuintli
    Average Price $1100 $1890
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $1000 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Xoloitzcuintlis

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

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers and many Xoloitzcuintlis 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, Xoloitzcuintlis are also available for adoption. For example, Vlad – Sanctuary – Sponsor My Care is a Male Xoloitzcuintli that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Xoloitzcuintlis like Vlad – Sanctuary – Sponsor My Care that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli

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

    Xoloitzcuintlis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Xoloitzcuintlis?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

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

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

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

    Xoloitzcuintlis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Xoloitzcuintlis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Xoloitzcuintlis 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 Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

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

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Xoloitzcuintlis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Xoloitzcuintli

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

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

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

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

    Xoloitzcuintlis 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 Xoloitzcuintli?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Jack Russell Terriers and Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

    Xoloitzcuintlis get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Xoloitzcuintlis are fairly easy to train.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Xoloitzcuintlis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Glen of Imaal Terrier (70 percent match with Xoloitzcuintli). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (70 percent match with Xoloitzcuintli). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Lhasapoo (71 percent match with Xoloitzcuintli). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Lhasapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Jack Russell Terrier versus Berger Picard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Jack Russell Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shichon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Jack Russell Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Havanese     Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Jack Russell Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Jack Russell Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cockapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Border Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Standard Poodle     

    Xoloitzcuintli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Xoloitzcuintli versus Barbet     Xoloitzcuintli versus Beaglier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Toy Poodle     Xoloitzcuintli versus Spinone Italiano     Xoloitzcuintli versus German Shepherd Dog     Xoloitzcuintli versus Boxer     Xoloitzcuintli versus Spanish Mastiff     Xoloitzcuintli versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Xoloitzcuintli versus Golden Retriever     Xoloitzcuintli versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Brittany     Xoloitzcuintli versus Portuguese Pointer     Xoloitzcuintli versus Norwegian Buhund     Xoloitzcuintli versus Tibetan Spaniel     Xoloitzcuintli versus Toy Fox Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Hovawart     Xoloitzcuintli versus Great Dane     Xoloitzcuintli versus Collie     Xoloitzcuintli versus Valley Bulldog     Xoloitzcuintli versus Berger Picard     Xoloitzcuintli versus Carolina Dog     Xoloitzcuintli versus Sealyham Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Giant Schnauzer     Xoloitzcuintli versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Xoloitzcuintli versus Saint Berdoodle     

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