Rat Terrier vs. Jack Russell Terrier: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Both the Rat Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier are natural predators. They were created and designed to hunt vermin and other small animals. They were originally popular on farms, where they worked all day and relaxed all night. These clever dogs have plenty of energy and personality. Both are relatively small in size too. However, there are a few differences of note between the Rat Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. The best way to learn about these is to find out more about each breed individually and then compare them. We have got all the details for you here!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Rat Terrier Overview

Rat Terriers are small dogs with big attitudes. They come in a few different sizes and can range in weight from between 10 and 25 pounds when fully grown. These dogs hail from the United States, where they were specifically bred for hunting pests on farms and homesteads throughout the country. President Teddy Roosevelt is said to have coined this breed’s name. Lovingly referred to as exterminators, Rat Terriers were common in the 1920s and 1930s but are now considered rare.

Personality / Character

The typical Rat Terrier is intelligent and loyal, but they can be wary or even aloof when it comes to interacting with strangers. However, they can warm up to people, so with proper socialization training, they can be social both inside and outside of the house. These fearless dogs tend to use their intuition to guide their actions.

They are always eager to please and thrive off positive reinforcement. These active dogs can get along well with kids if they are taught to do so through socialization at a young age. They are protective and can make good watchdogs too.

Exercise

Rat Terriers are energetic little pups that require at least 40 minutes of exercise each day in the form of activities like walking, jogging, and playing in the dog park. They must have an outlet for their energy, or they will turn to destructive measures, like chewing up pillows, to relieve their feelings of frustration. They can benefit from a fenced yard to run around and play in, but this isn’t necessary if they get out for daily exercise, even if that’s simply taking walks around the neighborhood.

Training

Training is essential for pet Rat Terriers for various reasons. First, they are high-energy dogs, and obedience training can help them maintain control even in high-energy situations and environments. This type of training will also help ensure that your Rat Terrier gets along well with everyone in the household, even young kids who can become rambunctious.

Luckily, these dogs are intelligent and take well to training when positive reinforcement is in place. That said, they can be stubborn, so training should take place in a quiet and controlled environment like a room where no distractions are present. These mighty little dogs can benefit from agility training too, if for no other reason than to get rid of pent-up energy.

Health & Care

Rat Terriers are generally healthy dogs, with an expected lifespan of between 15 and 18 years. However, there are a few health conditions that the breed can be susceptible to depending on breeding practices. These conditions include:

Suitable For:

The Rat Terrier can get along in various household situations. They would love living in a house with a fenced backyard, but they can be just as happy living in an apartment if they can get outside often. They do well with kids if they are socialized from a young age, and they can be great companions for singles and healthy, active seniors too.

Jack Russell Terrier Overview

Jack Russell Terriers have been around since the 1800s, when they were bred strictly for hunting purposes. They never were and still are not bred to true type, meaning that they have a broad genetic makeup and aren’t “purebred” like so many other breeds. Jack Russell Terriers have a history of inbreeding and extensive outcrossing.

Overall, these dogs are a type of terrier bred to be versatile and hardworking. They were named after Reverend John Russell, who bred dogs in Devonshire, England, that were thought to be from the finest strains of terriers out there. It’s said that his first terrier, named Trump, acted as the foundation of his strain of Jack Russell Terriers.

Personality / Character

Jack Russell Terriers are lively little dogs with big personalities. They enjoy being the center of attention and want nothing more than to stay by their human companion’s side. This highly intelligent breed loves spending time outdoors where they can run and explore. These dogs tend to have a mind of their own, however, which can make things like training and socialization a bit challenging.

These dogs are usually friendly to humans of all ages, but they can be aggressive to other animals, especially smaller ones (like cats) that they think of as prey. Like the Rat Terrier, socialization is vital for Jack Russell Terriers to ensure proper behavior in social settings. However, these dogs are typically more open-minded to meeting new people than Rat Terriers are.

Exercise

While Rat Terriers are energetic dogs, Jack Russells are even more so. They require at least 1 1/2 hours of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy throughout their life. They enjoy taking brisk walks, hiking through the woods, running on the beach, and hanging out at the dog park. They can also get exercise through interactive play like fetch in the yard. Indoor activities like hide-and-seek, interacting with treat toys, and practicing tricks are essential when the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor activities.

Training

Jack Russell Terriers should start obedience training as puppies, soon after they go to their forever homes. These smart dogs like to do things their way, so training takes patience and a firm yet loving hand. If you have never trained a dog before, it’s a good idea to work with a professional trainer until you’re comfortable doing it yourself. Socialization is just as important for these dogs as it is for Rat Terriers, if not more so because they tend to be more aloof around strangers.

Health & Care

These dogs are hardy but susceptible to a few health conditions that every current and potential owner should know about. These are:

 Suitable For:

Jack Russell Terriers are suitable for families and single adults, though they are not ideal for households that already have pets living there. Since they have so much energy and need a great deal of exercise, they are also best suited for homes with fenced yards. However, they can do fine in apartment settings if their family members like to spend time outdoors adventuring.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

There are many similarities between the Rat Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier to consider, but there are also a few differences to take note of. If you’re looking for an active dog that gets along well with kids and doesn’t need much daily exercise, the Rat Terrier might be the right fit. If you’re looking for a more adventurous dog to spend your hiking weekends with, the Jack Russell Terrier may be a great option. Take the time to get to know each breed before deciding which one to bring home as a permanent household pet.

See also:

• My Dog Ate a Candle: Here’s What to Do (Vet Answer)
• Common Airedale Terrier Health Issues (Vet Answer)

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Featured Image Credit: Left (Rat Terrier) Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock , Right(Jack Russell Terrier) Maryshot, Shutterstock