Comparator

Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier: which breed to choose?

Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are two dog breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Jack Russell Terrier

Small5–8 kg1,000–1,500 €

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Parson Russell Terrier

Small6–9 kg700–1,200 €

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Key takeaways

Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are similar in size (5–8 kg).
Parson Russell Terrier is cheaper to buy: 700–1,200 € vs 1,000–1,500 € for Jack Russell Terrier.
Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 86 € per month.
Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (5/5).
Jack Russell Terrier is rated higher for “Family & children”: 3/5 vs 2/5 for Parson Russell Terrier.
For “Apartment living”, both breeds are tied (3/5).
For “First-time owner”, both breeds are tied (2/5).
Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 13–16 years.

Our verdict

Choose Jack Russell Terrier if you’re looking for…

Active people : This breed is well suited to those who like to move around, go out often and offer activities.
Present families : The Jack Russell Terrier appreciates companionship and family life when it gets enough exercise.
Dog sports enthusiasts : Its energy, intelligence and love of play make it a good candidate for sporting activities.

Choose Parson Russell Terrier if you’re looking for…

Sporty owners : He thrives with people who can offer him outings, games and regular activities.
Country life : Natural and spacious environments are particularly well suited to this working terrier.
Active families : He can be a good family companion if the setting is consistent and he gets enough exercise.

Detailed comparison

	Jack Russell Terrier	Parson Russell Terrier
General information
Origin	Great Britain	United Kingdom
FCI group	3	3
Size	Small	Small
Height at withers	25–30 cm	30–38 cm
Weight	5–8 kg	6–9 kg
Coat	Short, smooth or rough, weather-resistant	Short or harsh, dense
Life expectancy	13–16 ans	13–15 ans
Average price	1,000–1,500 €	700–1,200 €
Monthly budget	≈ 86 €	≈ 86 €
Compatibility
Family & children	Good	Fairly good
Daily activity required	Very high	Very high
Apartment living	Good	Good
First-time owner	Fairly good	Fairly good
Other pets	Fairly good	Fairly good
Tolerance for being alone	Fairly good	Good
Guarding instinct	Fairly good	Fairly good
Pros & Cons
	Low escape risk Good health Easy grooming Drools little Not very obedient High exercise needs Not very adaptable Tends to destroy Barks a lot Sheds a lot	Obedient Low escape risk Good health Easy grooming Drools little High exercise needs Not very adaptable Tends to destroy Barks a lot Sheds a lot

Add a third breed Which dog to choose

Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier: which breed to choose?

Jack Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terrier

Key takeaways

Our verdict

Detailed comparison

Jack Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terrier

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