Is the Jack Russell Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier?

The Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier bigger?

Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier: Compared

Jack Russell Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Jack Russell Terrier	Parson Russell Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	16 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Jack Russell Terrier is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Parson Russell Terrier is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Jack Russell Terrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Parson Russell Terrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Jack Russell Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Parson Russell Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Jack Russell Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and gets on with children when raised around them. The Parson Russell Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Jack Russell Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Parson Russell Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Jack Russell Terrier if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Parson Russell Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Jack Russell Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Jack Russell Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier?: The Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier bigger?: Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier