Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Decker Giant or Jack or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd" Compare Rat Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Rat Terrier	Jack Russell Terrier	German Shepherd
Origins	United States	England	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	97	78	2
Reviews	2	2	19
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier	Jack Russell Terrier	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Small	Small	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd weight comparison:	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)	11-18 pounds (5-8 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)	14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd height comparison:	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?	$300-$500	$700-$1000	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Jack Russell Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd intelligence:	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Very smart: Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive	Stubborn Independent Energetic Alert Courageous Cheerful	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd?	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Jack Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Jack Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Jack Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd?	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Jack Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Jack Russell Terrier breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Rat 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.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	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.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Jack Russell Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Jack Russell Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd?	The Rat 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.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems	Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Glaucoma Lens Luxation	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Rat 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.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Rat Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier: 14 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	No data available	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Jack Russell Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd coat comparison:	Dense Shiny	Rough	Fuzzy
Colors What are the original Rat Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier and German Shepherd color?	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor	Black Tan White	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Jack Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or {name3 shedding:	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	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.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd?	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Jack Russell Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Jack Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd?	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Jack Russell Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd?	Yes Rat 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 German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Jack Russell Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Jack Russell Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd?	Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Jack Russell Terrier breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Rat Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier and German Shepherd have?	5-7 puppies	4-8 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	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.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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