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Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Jack or African Barkless Dog or Nihon Supittsu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Jack Russell Terrier and Basenji. Which is better: Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name Jack Russell Terrier Basenji Japanese Spitz
OriginsEngland flagEngland Democratic Republic of the Congo flagDemocratic Republic of the Congo Japan flagJapan
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank7884229
Reviews229
User Ratings

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

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.
11-18 pounds (5-8 kg) Male: 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg), Female: 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) Male: 24 pounds (11 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or Japanese Spitz? Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz height comparison:
8-15 inches (20-38 cm) Male: 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), Female: 15-16 inches (38-41 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
11.5 inches (29 cm) Male: 16.5 inches (42 cm), Female: 15.5 inches (39.5 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $1000-$1200 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or Japanese Spitz?
Very frequent: The Jack Russell Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Basenji is quite easy to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed ranks highest?
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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which is easiest to train?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Basenji dogs are easy to train.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most alert?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Basenji dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most protective?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Basenji dogs are average defenders.
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Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz? Compare temperaments.
Stubborn
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Cheerful
Curious
Playful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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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Japanese Spitz 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: Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz?
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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High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
Jack Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Basenji dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
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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Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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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Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?
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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A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most playful?
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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The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Jack Russell Terrier breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Basenji breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or Japanese Spitz?
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.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Basenji has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Jack Russell Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Basenji bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier: 14 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Basenji: 11 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which has fewer health issues?
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.
The Japanese Spitz 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 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.
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Glaucoma
Lens Luxation
Eye Problems
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Kidney Issues
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which breed is most active?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Basenji dogs are high-energy dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
Basenji dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or Japanese Spitz?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Basenji dogs don't need too much sleep.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which is most prone to obesity?
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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Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which needs most food?
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. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
White
Black
Tan
Red
White
Brindle
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which requires most maintenance?
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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Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which drools least?
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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The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

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

Low 🔽

The Basenji has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Fine Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. 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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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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or Japanese Spitz? Jack Russell Terrier or Basenji or {name3 shedding:
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are heavy shedders.
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Basenji dogs shed none to minimal.
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Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

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

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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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Not really

Japanese Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. 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 Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 4-5 puppies 1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. 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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Jack Russell Terrier vs Basenji vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944 as a Hound breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Jack Russell Terrier, Basenji, and Japanese Spitz. Which has most recognition?
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.
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

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