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Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Jack or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?

"Find similarities and differences between Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Jack Russell Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Jack Russell Terrier Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank7824
Reviews26
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Jack
Russell Terrier
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shetland Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?
11-18 pounds (5-8 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Jack Russell Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Is a Jack Russell Terrier taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?
8-15 inches (20-38 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
11.5 inches (29 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed costs more?
$700-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Jack Russell Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Jack Russell Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?
Stubborn
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Cheerful
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Jack Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Jack Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
The wanderlust potential of the Jack Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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.
See more.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Jack Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Jack Russell Terrier breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Jack Russell Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier: 14 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier?
The Jack Russell Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog 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: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Average
The Jack Russell Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Glaucoma
Lens Luxation
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.
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 Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
White
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Jack Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

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

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types.
Rough Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Jack Russell Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Do Jack Russell Terrier dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are heavy shedders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are 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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Jack Russell Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog? Can a Jack Russell Terrier and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do Jack Russell Terrier dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs?
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog 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
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.

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
Which is better for therapy work: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

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

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Jack Russell Terrier or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has stronger military background?

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 Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Jack Russell Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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