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Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Comparison - Dog breed selector: Borders or Jack or African Barkless Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji" Compare Border Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier. Which is better: Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji?
 
 
 
Name Border Terrier Jack Russell Terrier Basenji
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland England flagEngland Democratic Republic of the Congo flagDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank927884
Reviews122
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji breeds.
Borders Jack
Russell Terrier
African Barkless Dog
African Bush Dog
Ango Angari
Congo Terrier
Zande Dog
Congo Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji? Compare adult weight ranges.
Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) 11-18 pounds (5-8 kg) Male: 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg), Female: 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) Male: 24 pounds (11 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji? Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji height comparison:
Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) Male: 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), Female: 15-16 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) 11.5 inches (29 cm) Male: 16.5 inches (42 cm), Female: 15.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $700-$1000 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji?
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Jack Russell Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Basenji is quite easy to get.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent dog breed.
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Low: The Basenji is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is easiest to train?
Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Jack Russell Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Basenji dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most alert?
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Basenji dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most protective?
Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Jack Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Basenji dogs are average defenders.
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Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Stubborn
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Cheerful
Curious
Playful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Basenji dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji?
High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Jack Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Basenji dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji social needs comparison:
Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Jack Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Basenji dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Jack Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Basenji dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Basenji dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Jack Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Low: The Basenji barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Jack Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Basenjis, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Jack Russell Terrier breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Basenji breed in the home.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Basenji dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Basenji dogs handle alone time quite well.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Jack Russell Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Basenji has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Basenji dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Jack Russell Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Basenji bite force: Ordinary.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier: 14 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Basenji: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Basenji is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Jack Russell Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Basenji should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Glaucoma
Lens Luxation
Eye Problems
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Kidney Issues

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most active?
Border Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Basenji dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
Basenji dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji?
Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Basenji dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Jack Russell Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Basenji has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. What colors are available?
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
White
Black
Tan
Red
White
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Jack Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Basenji requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which drools least?
The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Jack Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Basenji is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Jack Russell Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Basenji has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Rough Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji? Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Jack Russell Terrier dogs are heavy shedders.
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Basenji dogs shed none to minimal.
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Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best with kids?
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Basenji dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Basenji dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Basenji dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Basenji dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Basenji dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji?
Yes
Border Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Basenji dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Border Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Jack Russell Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Basenji is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Jack Russell Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.
Basenjis are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Jack Russell Terrier breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Basenji breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has most puppies?
2-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Border Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Basenji. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Irish Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
Jack Russell Terrier Club Of America
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Pet Registry, Inc.

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