Is the Russell Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Russell Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?

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

Which is easier to train, the Russell Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?

The Tenterfield Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Russell Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier bigger?

Russell Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Russell Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Russell Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?

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

Russell Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier: Which Trains Easier?

Russell Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Russell Terrier	Tenterfield Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	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 small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Tenterfield Terrier is a small 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 demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Tenterfield Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. 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 loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Tenterfield Terrier needs only light grooming, a 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 Russell Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. The Tenterfield Terrier learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Russell Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Tenterfield Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Russell Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Russell Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Tenterfield Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Russell Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Russell Terrier and Tenterfield 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 Tenterfield Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Tenterfield Terrier if you want an easier dog to train.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Russell Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Russell Terrier and the Tenterfield Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Russell Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?: The Russell Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Russell Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?: The Tenterfield Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Russell Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier bigger?: Russell Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Russell Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Russell Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Russell Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Russell Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier