Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier
- Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Jack Russell Terrier
- Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
- Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
- The Intelligence of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Jack Russell Terriers?
- Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Jack Russell Terrier
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Jack Russell Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the German Shorthaired Pointer and for the Jack Russell Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
On the other hand, the Jack Russell Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the Jack Russell Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier
| Factor | German Shorthaired Pointer | Jack Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 70 pounds | 13 to 17 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | $700 – $1250 |
| Temperament Score | 78.1 percent | 85.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 17 | 46 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shorthaired Pointer in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Jack Russell Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Jack Russell Terrier, we still believe that the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Jack Russell Terrier.
This is because German Shorthaired Pointers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the German Shorthaired Pointer will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the German Shorthaired Pointer :-). We are for the German Shorthaired Pointer. So get a German Shorthaired Pointer!
The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier
The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier.
The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Jack Russell Terrier weighs 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. The Jack Russell Terrier is 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier
German Shorthaired Pointer Colors
The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- White / Cream
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
Jack Russell Terrier Colors
The Jack Russell Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Black
- Bicolor
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Apricot / Beige
The Jack Russell Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Apricot / Beige
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Brown / Chocolate
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Golden
Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier
The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Jack Russell Terrier is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Jack Russell Terrier is 12.5 years.
The German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the Jack Russell Terrier.
Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 78.1 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 78.1 percent, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 69 Jack Russell Terriers.
Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Jack Russell Terrier
The average price of the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is $1140. The price of the German Shorthaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a German Shorthaired Pointer can be as low as $350 and as high as $2695. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 453 German Shorthaired Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Jack Russell Terrier puppy is $1100. The price of the Jack Russell Terrier typically ranges from $700 – $1250. However, the price of the Jack Russell Terrier can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1140 | $1100 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1300 | $700 to $1250 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shorthaired Pointer and Jack Russell Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shorthaired Pointer puppies or how many Jack Russell Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy or the Jack Russell Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shorthaired Pointers and many Jack Russell Terriers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male German Shorthaired Pointer named Blue that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers like Blue on pefinder.com.
Also, like German Shorthaired Pointers, Jack Russell Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Randy is a Male Jack Russell Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Jack Russell Terriers like Randy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Rodney is the name of another German Shorthaired Pointer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Zeus is an adorable Male Jack Russell Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more German Shorthaired Pointers and Jack Russell Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Jack Russell Terrier
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Jack Russell Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 17 out of 130 dog breeds | 46 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the German Shorthaired Pointer has an obedience intelligence rank of 17 out of 130 dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that German Shorthaired Pointers tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Jack Russell Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 46 out of 130 dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Jack Russell Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is more intelligent than the Jack Russell Terrier.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier
German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier
German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Jack Russell Terriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Jack Russell Terrier
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Jack Russell Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Jack Russell Terrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Jack Russell Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to other breeds aside from the Jack Russell Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Aussiedoodle German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Bulldog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pomeranian German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bull Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Dachshund German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer German Shorthaired Pointer versus Morkie German Shorthaired Pointer versus Dutch Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi German Shorthaired Pointer versus Afador German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bulldog
Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Jack Russell Terrier better suits you and your family.