Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier

Compare the Rat Terrier to the Jack Russell Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Rat Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
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General Details
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Maybe
Lifespan
12-18 Years
10-15 Years
Height
10-18 Inches
10-15 Inches
Weight
10-24 Pounds
13-17 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Origin Country
United States
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1800 AD
1819 AD
Temperament
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Average
Personality
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
45-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Energy Level
Medium
Very High
Exercise Required
Medium
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
27 MPH
20 MPH
Strength
Low to Medium
Medium
Grooming Needs
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Low to Medium
Low
Shedding
Medium
Low
Dander
Medium
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Above Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
None
Below Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
None
Remove Vermin
Above Average
None
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Average Lifespan
12-18 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Heart problems
Eye problems
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Glaucoma
Deafness
Lens luxation
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Single
Double
Smooth
Coat Texture
Straight
Rough
Coat Length
Short
Short
Coat Coloring
Rat Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Breed Colors
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