Jack Russell Vs Bichon Frise – What Is The Best Breed For You
The Jack Russell and the Bichon Frise are little dogs with great personalities. These dogs are affectionate and friendly.
Key Similarities
The Jack Russell both have pretty long-life spans of between 10 to 15 years. Both these breeds are purebred and relative in height. They are extremely intelligent dogs. Both breeds have a temperature tolerance within 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Differences
A Jack Russell is prone to excessive howling and barking of being left alone for long periods of time. On the other hand, the Bichon Frise will bark or howl not more than average.
The coat maintenance of a Bichon Frise is high maintenance with frequent trips to the groomers. The Jack Russell has a short coat that can be brushed once or twice a week.
The Jack Russell has a prey drive and will pretty much chase anything that moves. On the other hand, the Bichon Frise has an average prey drive.
The Jack Russell has low allergy issues. Unfortunately, the Bichon Frise has high allergy issues.
Pro of Owning a Jack Russell
Jack Russell is a high-energy dog that needs frequent exercise. However, he’s an excellent dog for active people. Jack Russell does well around people, but he can be a little territorial, which means he’ll bark when someone is on his turf.
Pros of Owning a Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a better choice for first-time owners. If you have children, this breed is a better match. These are affectionate little dogs that are family-oriented. The dander is low, so people with allergies would tolerate this breed better than a Jack Russell.
Who Should Own a Jack Russell?
People who live in houses with yards or are active should own a Jack Russell. These dogs aren’t really recommended to older people because of their high exercise needs. But these dogs love to run, play and fetch with their owners. They develop a strong bond with their owners but don’t like being alone too long.
Who Should Own a Bichon Frise?
These dogs will make adaptations to apartment living. As long as they are walked a couple of times a day, this breed is ideal for senior living. They are affectionate, love attention, and snuggle. They are also good dogs for people with children as long as they are taught to respect the dog’s small size.
All About the Jack Russell
History
The Jack Russell terrier has been bred for hunting since the early 1880s. He is a baying terrier which means his bay is to flush out a fox but not kill it. The breed acquired their name from the Reverend John Russell. The Reverend bred the finest working terriers for chasing down foxes in England.
There are two types of Jack Russell terriers. The longer-legged dogs are called Parson Jack Russell terriers, and the shorter-legged dogs are just called Jack Russell terriers.
Size & Appearance
These are fairly small dogs between 13 and 17 pounds, with an average weight of about 14 ½ pounds. The male is 14 inches at the withers, and the female is 13 inches at the withers. The breed has a compact and muscular body.
The coat is a short, double coat that is flat and hard. The colors are white with black markings, tan markings, or all white. All the coats tend to shed.
Lifespan
The life span of a Jack Russell terrier is between 13 to 16 years.
Guard dog or Family
A Jack Russell is a family dog, but he will also guard his family. They are good watchdogs and will protect his family. But if there is a strange dog around and it minds its manners, your Jack Russell will mind his. But if your dog thinks the other dog is a danger, a Jack Russell is so fearless he will even take on a Rottweiler if your dog doesn’t like the attitude of the other dog.
Shedding, grooming, and maintenance
This dog sheds continuously and year-round. They are to be bathed about every 4-6 weeks and taken to the groomer occasionally for cutting nails.
Brushing daily will help to keep ahead of the dog hair issue.
All About the Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are an adorable breed suited only to a loving home environment where it can be a companion dog or family pet.
First Impressions & History
The very first thing you’ll notice about a Bichon Frise is that it looks as if it were created in a toy factory. They are incredibly cute and affectionate.
The exact history of their genealogy is a bit of a mystery, but, believe it or not, they’ve existed naturally from as early as the 14th century.
Size & Appearance
They only grow to be between 9 and 11 inches tall and 7 to 12 pounds in weight.
They have soft, fluffy, white coats which are usually groomed and styled in their recognizable, teddy-like fashion.
Grooming & Shedding
Bichon Frises do shed, but the hair they shed get stuck in the rest of their coats and need to be removed by brushing regularly to prevent mats and tangles.
That won’t be the only grooming they need. Bichon Frises have an intense grooming schedule that involves a lot of brushing, bathing and trimming.
Lifespan
12-15 Years
Quick Facts
- They have an iconic and elegant look, but this look requires a lot of energy invested in grooming.
- They are known to be quite difficult to house train.
- Their living expenses are higher than other breeds’.
- They are frail, young children should not be allowed to interact with them without supervision.
What About?
Temperament & behavior
This is a happy, energetic dog as he has a strong desire to work. He’s happiest when he has a job to do and companionship. Digging is a normal part of this breed’s makeup, and his hunting instinct is strong. You will never overpower his hunting and need to dig instinct.
Because the breed is a baying terrier, your dog will love the sound of his own voice. A Jack Russell is an assertive breed and may not tolerate other animals or children in the home. He will pursue cats and small pet rodents.
These dogs are not suited for apartment living or living with an owner who works a lot. If your dog has too little companionship or mental stimulation, then his behavior will turn destructive.
Plus, if you keep two Jack Russell’s, they should never be left alone together. Something as innocent as the ownership of a chew toy can flare into deadly combat.
Training & obedience
A Jack Russell has a high prey drive, and you can’t eliminate it in training. They are highly intelligent dogs and will learn almost anything you want to teach them quickly. But the most challenging part of training is convincing your dog that he has to listen to you, even if he’s not in the mood to do so.
If you offer the right mixture of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and confident leadership, then your dog may oblige you. Of course, physical punishment won’t work on these dogs, but the reward method of training will.
Exercise needs
A Jack Russell needs a lot of exercise, and a fenced-in yard is perfect for them. Because the hunting instinct is so strong, your dog will wander off the first chance he gets. He will literally follow his nose and can end up in trouble.
These dogs enjoy long walks and a rousing game of fetch. If you plan on sitting on the couch all day, this isn’t the breed for you. Your Jack Russell will need vigorous daily play sessions. Play chasing a ball will be one of his favorite sports.
Health issues
Your Jack Russell can develop eye and heart disease, Neurological/neuromuscular diseases, Inherited deafness, Orthopedic diseases, and Miscellaneous health problems.
This is why it’s essential to check the health records of both parents before purchasing your dog. A professional breeder will have the medical records on hand.
Quick facts
- Jack Russell terriers are better in an only pet household. They don’t get along well with smaller animals and challenge other dogs.
- Jack Russell is one of the most intense, determined, and energetic of all dog breeds.
- They love to bark at anyone or anything that they consider an intruder on their turf.
Bichon Frise In More Detail
Temperament & Behaviour
They have a cheerful attitude. They enjoy getting attention and is playful and charming.
They can be independent and curious, but they won’t ever want to be separated from you. They are quite prone to separation anxiety and can this can cause them to be destructive.
Intelligence Levels & Affections Levels
They are both highly intelligent and extremely affectionate. A lapdog in a very literal sense, they want to be with you 24/7.
Training & Obedience
They are known to be quite difficult to housetrain and will benefit from being taken to puppy training classes. Because they are so intelligent, proper training often yields great success with them.
Exercise Needs
Though they are very energetic and playful, they are small enough to tire out by playing indoors or by going for a short walk. This makes them a favourite among apartment dwellers.
Guard Dog Or Family Pet
Because it is simply too small to pose any real threat to anything, it is more suited for a role as a family pet.
Gets On With Other Pets, Animals And Children?
They are very friendly towards other animals and children, because they are so small you should always supervise them to make sure they don’t get hurt by accident.
They also need to be the centre of attention and are prone to be jealous if they feel like they are being neglected.
Who Should Consider Buiyng
If you want a beautiful dog and are prepared to invest in the necessary grooming, there are few breeds with a more iconic look than Bichon Frises. They are also good options for people with limited space, but this is not a recommended breed for first-time dog owners.
Conclusion
The Bichon Frise is a wholly unique breed. As is often the case with any strange or exotic animal, they require quite a bit of maintenance, but if you are able to take care of them and give them the attention they need, you could find a beautiful, charming family pet in a Bichon Frise.
