Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Border Terrier | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Small |
| Adult weight | 5.2 to 7 kg | 4.1 to 6.8 kg |
| In pounds | 11 to 15 lb | 9 to 15 lb |
| Adult height | 30 to 38 cm | 25 to 30 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | Very high |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Short wiry | Short wiry and smooth |
| Shedding | Low | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | Great Britain | Great Britain |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Border Terrier is 5.2 to 7 kg and the Jack Russell Terrier 4.1 to 6.8 kg.
- The Jack Russell Terrier needs more exercise: very high energy against moderate for the Border Terrier.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- Life expectancy is similar: 12 to 15 years for the Border Terrier and 12 to 14 years for the Jack Russell Terrier.
- With children, the Border Terrier is rated reliably good and the Jack Russell Terrier fine with supervision.
Temperament
Border Terrier: Alert, curious and affectionate, the Border Terrier was bred to run with hounds and go to ground after foxes, so they are game and hardy rather than delicate. They tolerate hot weather less well than many breeds.
Jack Russell Terrier: Bold, busy and full of nerve, the Russell Terrier is a small English working terrier bred to go to ground, and they stay lively and vocal in a pet home.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Border Terrier
- Patellar luxation, graded by a veterinary orthopaedic exam
- Hip dysplasia, screened by a hip evaluation of breeding stock
- Spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM), also called shaking puppy syndrome, detectable by DNA test
- Juvenile cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, screened by an ophthalmologist evaluation
- Heart disease, screened by a cardiac exam
Jack Russell Terrier
- Patellar luxation, graded by a veterinary orthopaedic exam
- Congenital deafness, detectable by BAER testing
- Primary lens luxation, detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Inherited eye disease, screened by an ophthalmologist evaluation
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Border Terrier or the Jack Russell Terrier?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 5.2 to 7 kg for the Border Terrier and 4.1 to 6.8 kg for the Jack Russell Terrier, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Border Terrier or the Jack Russell Terrier?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 15 years for the Border Terrier and 12 to 14 years for the Jack Russell Terrier. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Border Terrier or the Jack Russell Terrier better with children?
The Border Terrier scores higher for children (5 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin