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.
Quick Summary
- Owner Experience - Both the Rat Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier are good for new owners, but the Rat Terrier is a slightly better choice.
- Children - Both breeds are child friendly, but the Rat Terrier is the most friendly between the breeds.
- Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Rat Terrier is easier to groom.
- Barking - The Jack Russell Terrier bark/howls frequently. The Rat Terrier rarely barks.
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| Breed Name | Rat Terrier | Jack Russell Terrier |
| General Details | ||
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Is Hypoallergenic | No | Maybe |
| Lifespan | 12-18 yrs. | 10-15 yrs. |
| Height | 10-18 in. | 10-15 in. |
| Weight | 10-24 lb | 13-17 lb |
| Intelligence | High | High |
| History | ||
| Origin Country | United States | United Kingdom |
| Origin Year | 1800 AD | 1819 AD |
| Temperament | ||
| Overall Friendliness | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Kid Friendly | ||
| Pet Friendly | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Personality | ||
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| Living Environment | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor | Yes | Yes |
| Small Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Medium Yard | Yes | No |
| Large Yard | No | No |
| Temperature Tolerance ¹ | 45°F to 80°F | 55°F to 80°F |
| Barks/Howls | ||
| Exercise Needs | ||
| Energy Level | Medium | Very High |
| Exercise Required | Medium | Medium-High |
| Top Running Speed | 27 mph | 20 mph |
| Strength | Low-Medium | Medium |
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Coat Maintenance | Low-Medium | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Low |
| Dander | Medium | Low |
| Drool Amount | None | None |
¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
| Breed Name | Rat Terrier | Jack Russell Terrier |
| Breed Mentality | ||
| Dominant/Alpha | No | No |
| Family/Pack | Yes | Yes |
| Independent | No | No |
| Breed Focus | ||
| Distracted Easily | No | No |
| Average | No | Yes |
| Focused & Patient | Yes | No |
| Breed Instincts | ||
| Aggression | Below Average | Below Average |
| Burrow/Digging | Average | Average |
| Chasing | High | High |
| Follow Commands | High | Average |
| Fighting | Below Average | Below Average |
| Guarding | Below Average | Below Average |
| Herding | Very Low | Below Average |
| Hunting | High | High |
| Protection | Below Average | Very Low |
| Remove Vermin | High | Very Low |
| Sledding | Very Low | Very Low |
| Watch | Average | Average |
| Breed Name | Rat Terrier | Jack Russell Terrier |
| Lifespan | ||
| Lifespan | 12-18 yrs. | 10-15 yrs. |
| Common Health Issues | ||
| Deafness | No | Yes |
| Eye Problems | Yes | No |
| Glaucoma | No | Yes |
| Heart Problems | Yes | No |
| Hip Dysplasia | Yes | No |
| Legg-perthes Disease | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Luxation | No | Yes |
| Patellar Luxation | Yes | Yes |
| Breed Name | Rat Terrier | Jack Russell Terrier |
| Coat | ||
| Fur | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Type | ||
| Single Coat | Yes | No |
| Double Coat | No | Yes |
| Smooth Coat | No | Yes |
| Coat Texture | ||
| Straight | Yes | No |
| Rough | No | Yes |
| Coat Length(s) | ||
| Short | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Color(s) | ||
| Black & White | Yes | No |
| Black, Tan, & White | Yes | No |
| Blue, White, & Tan | Yes | No |
| Red, White, & Sable | Yes | No |
| White | Yes | No |
| White & Apricot | Yes | No |
| White & Blue | Yes | No |
| White & Chocolate | Yes | No |
| White & Fawn | Yes | No |
| White & Lemon | Yes | No |
| White & Red | Yes | No |
| White & Silver | Yes | No |
| White & Tan | Yes | Yes |
| White, Blue, & Fawn | Yes | No |
| White, Chocolate, & Tan | Yes | No |
| Tri-color | No | Yes |
| White & Black | No | Yes |
| White & Brown | No | Yes |
| White & Cream | No | Yes |