Jack Russell
Border terrierSide by side
A tick marks the better of the two on each line.
| Jack Russell | Border terrier | |
| First year | £2,905 | £2,869✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,120 | £1,084✓ |
| A month | £93 | £90✓ |
| Food a month | £20 | £17✓ |
| Insurance, a month | £28 | £28 |
| Adult weight | 6 to 8kg | 5 to 7kg |
| Lifespan | About 14 years | About 14 years |
| Grooming | At home | At home |
| Breed health problems | Fewer than most | Fewer than most |
| Over its life | £17,465 | £16,961 |
Which should you pick?
Pick the Jack Russell if…
- You’ve met one you love. On the numbers they’re very close.
Pick the border terrier if…
- You want the cheaper dog to run: about £36 a year less
Health problems to know about
Jack Russell
- Slipping kneecaps
- Eye lens problems
- Deafness
Border terrier
- A seizure-like condition (canine epileptoid cramping syndrome)
- Hip problems
- Eye problems
Whichever you choose, ask the breeder for health test results for both parents, and look for lifetime insurance with at least £4,000 a year for vet fees.
Compare insurance for either breed
Look for lifetime cover. Quotes for the same puppy can vary a lot between insurers.
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Questions
Which is cheaper, a Jack Russell or a border terrier?
The border terrier is cheaper to run, by about £36 a year. On the numbers they’re very close, so pick the one whose personality suits you.
Which lives longer, a Jack Russell or a border terrier?
Jack Russells live about 14 years and border terriers about 14 years on average.
Which is bigger, a Jack Russell or a border terrier?
Jack Russells usually weigh 6 to 8kg and border terriers 5 to 7kg as adults.
More comparisons
These use the same starting figures as our breed pages: a girl puppy at £1,000, mid-range food for the adult weight, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. Put in your own figures.