As we know, dogs are the most loyal friends of homo-sapiens. Their delightful appearances and giddy mentalities fill our lives with such euphoria. Right?
In this aspect, an extraordinary breed of dog can be a suitable prospect for you. And in case of popular breeds of dogs, the Jack Russell and Rat Terrier are right up there as loyal and athletic canines. Why?
Both Jack Russell and Rat terriers are little to medium size canines with slim yet solid physical make-ups. Both have some numerous capacities, yet they have some differences in their characteristics.
Well, you may feel curious about what’s the difference between a jack Russell terrier and a rat terrier. Do you? Then follow this guide for better understanding.
If you are a pet lover and like to have a perfect breed of dogs, you are in the right place. Scroll down and know the unknows!
Before diving into the head-to-head comparison between these two dogs, let’s briefly look at them:
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russel, a little terrier, was first discovered in England for foxhunting. People usually adopt this breed for their funny behavior. Interestingly, it is a white shaded short type of dog.
They have a harsh layer by which they are hiding their dark patches. In terms of the size and weight, they are not tall and powerful, yet the stature at the shrinks is around 25 to 38 centimeters, and the weight ranges approximately 5.9 – 7.7 kilograms.
Their head is adjusted and proportionate to the body. The skull is level and limited towards the eyes and winds up with nostrils. Besides, their ears are V-formed and fluttered advances as in fox terriers.
This breed of dogs are sensitive & you need to know how to take care of a Jack Russell Terrier before adopting it as a pet.
The most important fact is that they are lively canines and require substantial activities and incitements for better well-being.
Jack Russell terriers can carry on with a long life going around 13 – 15 years max, which is a pretty good lifespan. Isn’t it?
Rat Terrier
The other popular breeds of Terrier brand is “Rat Terrier.” This fantastic canine has a great variety in terms of nature.
Why? Because they are delightful, small, smart, fiery, energetic, vermin-pursuing, and unequipped for exhausting. If you plan to have a sweet little pet, then Rat terrier personality will suit your requirements.
Even though these are pure-bred canines, you may discover them under the watchful eye of safe houses or salvage gatherings. Rat Terrier’s temperament is standard, and it is an ideal pet canine for a short family.
This American originated dog simply like a crusty fruit-filled treat, yet watch your plate, or you may discover you’re missing pastry.
Indeed, numerous Rat Terriers need to play with different canines, so you should be more careful about this breed. Got it, right?
When a forceful canine incites a battle, these terriers return the feeling. Shockingly, they are size-daze and couldn’t care less if the attacker exceeds them multiple times over.
Difference Between A Jack Russell Terrier And A Rat Terrier
What’s the difference between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Rat Terrier? Let’s find the answers from the following discussions:
⦁ Origin & History Of Both Terrier
As you may know, the Jack Russell terrier is a genuine working terrier. This particular variety takes its name from the Reverend John Russell.
The Jack Russell is a baying terrier, which means the canine should flush out the fox with his consistent woofing yet is never to murder his prey.
On the other hand, another little breed Terrier called ” Rat Terrier” originated in the USA. The AKC recognizes it in 2013 as a Terrier breed. The AKC stands for American Kennel Club.
Got the primary difference, right? Now, let’s have an in-depth look at it:
⦁ Terrier’s Temperament
Jack is a fun-loving creature & an active dog. They are playful & if you show love to them, they can easily make friendship with you.
One of the worst sides of this canine is digging a hole. It can be digging up a hole here and there around your home’s yard. Hunting is one of the by the born temperament of this breed.
On the contrary, Rat Terrier is a reliable, dynamic, and energetic variety of dogs. This is more suitable for a small family, as it barks a lot, most often by seeing passer-by.
Rat is wise and teachable; many Rat Terriers exceed expectations in Agility and Obedience. In a word, an enthusiastic variety for petting.
⦁ Looks & Size
The Rat Terrier comes in two sizes, Miniature and Standard, and is commonly 10 to 25 pounds. Durable and minimal, the Rat Terrier is a multipurpose friend canine giving style and physicality.
Interestingly, this short, smooth coat comes in various pied designing (enormous patches of shading with white).
On the other side, Jack Russell is 10-12 inches tall and about 9-15 pounds in weight. As a result, It is a lightweight dog and, of course, a child-friendly one.
Well, let’s be precise; Both are beautiful dogs in looks, but Jack Russell is more attractive than the Rat Terrier in this aspect!
⦁ Barking & Behavior
In terms of barking, the JRT is far ahead. JRT most often bark, and on the other hand, Rat terrier rarely barks. In this way, the Rat Terrier is a far better option if you are a peace-loving person and don’t like more noise.
The most Rat Terriers are brilliantly persistent with kids than JRT, even children who aren’t a piece of the family.
They are incredibly attached to their family kids. Guardians who provide less care for their children can buy this dog as a pet dog.
⦁ Maintenance Cost
Both of the dogs are awesome. But the grooming cost is different for both. The Russell Terrier is costly to maintain. But the Rat Terrier is more comfortable to groom, and maintenance cost is lower than the JRT.
Still, confused about the differences? Let’s have a look at this comparison chart to be more precise:
Comparison At A Glance
| Topic | Jack Russell | Rat Terrier |
| Origin From | England | USA |
| Height | 10-15 inches tall | 10-18 inches tall |
| Weight | 13-17 lb | 10-24 lb |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 11-18 years |
| Energy level | Very high | Medium |
| Grooming cost | Medium | Low |
| Exercise Required | Medium | Low |
| Athletic | High | Medium-Low |
FAQs Time! (What’s the difference between a Jack Russell terrier and a Rat terrier.)
Is a female or male Jack Russell better as a pet?
The male JRT is more dynamic, athletic, and amiable. They are also active, more forceful, particularly to canines of a similar sex. Females are more delicate and warm to proprietors, calm, dutiful, littler.
Do Jack Russell Terriers and Rat Terriers kill rats?
The Jack Russell Terrier & Rat Terriers are known as one of the best ratters or rat killer. It discovers from a fox-chasing breed that getting little creatures, for example, rodents and mice is one of its essential impulses.
Do Jack Russell Terriers bark more than Rat Terriers?
Jack Russells frequently bark when disappointed, and they baffle effectively. Try not to permit Jack Russells to run to and fro in the yard yapping at different canines out yonder.
Although Jack Russells are known for running continually, there is no compelling reason to allow them to bark while they run.
But The Rat Terriers are the kind of dog that barks a lot. They love the human company a lot, and without their company, they started to bark.
Is Rat Terrier prone to medical problems?
Rat Terriers are commonly reliable, yet they face some specific health issues. They are injury-prone compare to the JRT. JRT is more energetic and less injury-prone.
Do you need medical clearance before buying a Terrier?
If you are going to buy a decent puppy for your children, identify a suitable breed first. Health clearance is the priority in the buying list.
A health clearance paper represents the dog’s medical condition and ensures your home’s safety.
Is Rat Terriers are more sensitive?
Food habit is a vital issue for a pure-breed dog. Rat Terrier has some health sensitivities, having problems with allergic foods.
Therefore, you need to avoid those for your Rat Terrier. A good food routine can be a great solution to this problem.
Final Verdict!
Now then, we have come to the end of this guide. As you have come so far, we hope you understand what’s the difference between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Have you?
Let us help: If you are looking for the best Terrier breed, don’t look further and decide on the Jack Russell without any shade of doubt!