Dog breed comparison
Jack Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Rat Terrier tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Jack Russell Terrier | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier Dogs | Terrier Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 13 to 17 pounds | 10 to 25 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 15 years | 13 to 18 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Jack Russell Terrier gets on better with other dogs than the Rat Terrier.
Easy to groom
The Rat Terrier is easier to groom than the Jack Russell Terrier.
Apartment living
The Rat Terrier copes better in an apartment than the Jack Russell Terrier.
Exercise needs
The Jack Russell Terrier needs more exercise than the Rat Terrier.
Easy to train
The Rat Terrier is easier to train than the Jack Russell Terrier.
Intelligence
The Jack Russell Terrier is quicker to learn than the Rat Terrier.
Which to choose
Jack Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier?
Choose the Jack Russell Terrier if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that sheds less
Choose the Rat Terrier if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Questions.
Is the Jack Russell Terrier or the Rat Terrier bigger, and which lives longer?
The Rat Terrier tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Rat Terrier?
The Rat Terrier is generally easier to train than the Jack Russell Terrier. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Rat Terrier?
The Rat Terrier is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Jack Russell Terrier can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Jack Russell Terrier sheds less than the Rat Terrier. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
