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Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Jack or Decker Giant or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie" Compare Jack Russell Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Jack Russell Terrier Rat Terrier Border Collie
OriginsEngland flagEngland United States flagUnited States England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank789738
Reviews3213
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie breeds.
Jack
Russell Terrier
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie? Compare adult weight ranges.
11-18 pounds (5-8 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie height comparison:
8-15 inches (20-38 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
11.5 inches (29 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $300-$500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Jack Russell Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie? Compare temperaments.
Stubborn
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Cheerful
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie?
High: Jack Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Jack Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Border Collie 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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The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Jack Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which breed is most playful?
The Jack Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Jack Russell Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which breed is most flexible?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Border Collie 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 Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Jack Russell Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie 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, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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 Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie 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 Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie 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 Rat Terrier vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Glaucoma
Lens Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which breed is most active?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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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Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which needs most food?
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
White
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Jack Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which drools least?
The Jack Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

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

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Dense
Shiny
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are heavy shedders.
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Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which is best with kids?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie 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.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie?
Yes
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie 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
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Collie 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.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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.
See more.

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, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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.

Not really

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

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 5-7 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Border Collie. 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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

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