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

The Treeing Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist?

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

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

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

Is Jack Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist bigger?

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

Which barks more, Jack Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist?

Treeing Feist tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Jack Russell Terrier is the quieter choice.

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

For apartment or apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Treeing Feist: Which Is Quieter?

Jack Russell Terrier vs Treeing Feist: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Treeing Feist is a small 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 Treeing Feist 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 loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Treeing Feist asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Jack Russell Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Treeing Feist picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Jack Russell Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Treeing Feist will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Treeing Feist has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Treeing Feist has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Jack Russell Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Jack Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Jack Russell Terrier if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Treeing Feist if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more adaptable dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Jack Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist better for families with children?: The Treeing Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist?: The Jack Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Jack Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist bigger?: Jack Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Jack Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist?: Treeing Feist tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Jack Russell Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist?: For apartment or apartment living, Jack Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Jack Russell Terrier vs Treeing Feist