Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Australian Shepherd
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Jack Russell Terrier
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier? 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 Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Australian Shepherd and for the Jack Russell Terrier. 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 Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier.
Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, 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.
Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Jack Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $700 – $1250 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 85.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Jack Russell Terrier. 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Jack Russell Terrier, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier
The Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Jack Russell Terrier weighs 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. The Jack Russell Terrier is 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier
Australian Shepherd Colors
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Black
- Merle (Red)
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Harlequin
- Merle (Blue)
- White / Cream
- Apricot / Beige
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Black
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Merle (Blue)
Jack Russell Terrier Colors
The Jack Russell Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Black
- Bicolor
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Apricot / Beige
The Jack Russell Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Apricot / Beige
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Brown / Chocolate
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Golden
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Jack Russell Terrier is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Jack Russell Terrier is 12.5 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Jack Russell Terrier.
Temperament of the Jack Russell Terrier Versus the Australian Shepherd
The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 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 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.
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 the Jack Russell Terrier can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.
| Australian Shepherd | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $700 to $1250 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Jack Russell Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Jack Russell Terriers 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 Australian Shepherd named Blue that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like Blue on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Gucci is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Gucci that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Pepperjack is the name of another Australian Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Cooper is an adorable Male Jack Russell Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Australian Shepherds 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.
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.
Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Jack Russell Terrier
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Jack Russell Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Jack Russell Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle Australian Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Havanese Australian Shepherd versus Doberman Pinscher Australian Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear Australian Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Puggle Australian Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger Australian Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Irish Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Vizsla Australian Shepherd versus Pug
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier. 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 Australian Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.