Is the Russell Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Russell Terrier and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Russell Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

The Russell Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Russell Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

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

Is Russell Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier bigger?

Russell Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Russell Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Russell Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

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

Russell Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Easier to Groom?

Russell Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Russell Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 Russell Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Russell Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Russell Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Russell Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Teddy Roosevelt Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Russell Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier