Behavior
Which is the calmer dog day to day?
The Newfoundland -- despite its size, it rates just 3 out of 5 for exercise need and 2 out of 5 for barking, versus the Jack Russell's 5s on both.
Jack Russell Terrier vs Newfoundland: Which Suits Your Home?
Jack Russell Terrier or Newfoundland? On paper they differ most on energy level, and on the scales Newfoundland is the heavier at 100–150 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Jack Russell Terrier and Newfoundland and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on energy level and barking, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Jack Russell Terrier rates 2/5 against 1/5. Breed history is left out; what follows is what you will actually live with.
Quick verdict
Between Jack Russell Terrier and Newfoundland, energy level is what separates them, and Newfoundland is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose jack russell terrier if...
Choose Jack Russell Terrier if you do not want a standing grooming appointment, shedding is a problem in your house and a smaller dog suits your car, your home or your back.
Choose newfoundland if...
Choose Newfoundland if this is your first dog, your walking routine is modest and the dog will be alone during the working day.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | jack russell terrier | newfoundland | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | small | giant | Equal |
| Weight | 13–17 lbs | 100–150 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 10–15 in | 26–28 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 13–16 years | 9–10 years | jack russell terrier |
| Exercise need | Very high (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) | newfoundland |
| Grooming need | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | jack russell terrier |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | Very high (5/5) | jack russell terrier |
| Energy level | Very high (5/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Very high (5/5) | Low (2/5) | newfoundland |
| Apartment suitability | Low (2/5) | Very low (1/5) | jack russell terrier |
| Good for first-time owners | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | newfoundland |
| Tolerates being alone | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | newfoundland |
| Trainability | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | newfoundland |
| Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very high (5/5) | newfoundland |
| Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | newfoundland |
| Friendly to strangers | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | newfoundland |
| Cost level | Low (2/5) | Very high (5/5) | jack russell terrier |
| Coat | Short, dense | Heavy water-resistant double coat | Equal |
| Origin | England | Various | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $70–$140 | $150–$310 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,100–$2,000 | $2,200–$4,200 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
Another giant-versus-tiny matchup: the Newfoundland runs 100 to 150 lbs and 26 to 28 inches, against the Jack Russell's 13 to 17 lbs and 10 to 15 inches. A Newfoundland can weigh close to ten times what a Jack Russell does, with a heavy, water-resistant double coat built for cold-water rescue work rather than a terrier's short, practical one.
Energy and exercise
For its size, the Newfoundland is surprisingly low-key: exercise need rates a moderate 3 out of 5, well under the Jack Russell's very high 5 out of 5. Energy level ties at a low-to-moderate rating for both. This is a breed known for calm, steady presence rather than drive -- close to the opposite temperament of the Jack Russell.
Grooming and shedding
The Newfoundland needs considerably more grooming, 4 out of 5 against the Jack Russell's 2 out of 5, and sheds far more too -- 5 out of 5, the maximum on this scale, versus the terrier's moderate 3 out of 5. That heavy double coat is genuinely high-maintenance in a way the Jack Russell's short coat simply isn't.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
Neither breed is suited to apartment living, but the Jack Russell actually rates slightly better, 2 out of 5 against the Newfoundland's 1 out of 5 -- sheer bulk is a harder apartment problem than energy level. Barking favors the Newfoundland, though, rated a quiet 2 out of 5 against the Jack Russell's loud 5 out of 5, and it tolerates alone time better too, 3 out of 5 versus 2 out of 5.
Training and owner experience
The Newfoundland rates 4 out of 5 for trainability and 3 out of 5 for first-time owners, both ahead of the Jack Russell's 3 out of 5 and 2 out of 5. Its temperament profile -- sweet, patient, devoted, calm -- makes it a notably easier giant breed to raise than its size alone would suggest.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
The Newfoundland rates well ahead on every household measure: 5 out of 5 with kids against the Jack Russell's 3 out of 5, 4 out of 5 with other dogs against 2 out of 5, and 4 out of 5 with strangers against 3 out of 5. Newfoundlands have a long-standing reputation as gentle giants, and these numbers back that up.
Health and lifespan
The Jack Russell's 13-to-16-year lifespan is close to double the Newfoundland's 9 to 10 -- one of the largest lifespan gaps in this batch. Hip dysplasia is the only condition shared between the two health lists. The Newfoundland's remaining risks are cardiac-heavy: subaortic stenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and bloat, all serious giant-breed concerns.
Cost to keep
The Newfoundland is expensive to keep: a 5-out-of-5 cost rating, $150-$310 monthly, $2,200-$4,200 in year one. The Jack Russell rates 2 out of 5, running $70-$140 and $1,100-$2,000. Feeding and caring for a 100-plus-lb dog costs roughly double to triple what the terrier requires.
Jack Russell Terrier vs Newfoundland at a glance
Jack Russell Terrier weighs 13–17 lbs and lives 13–16 years; Newfoundland weighs 100–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. The two diverge most on energy level, barking and cost level and 5 other rated axes. Almost every rated axis separates them at least slightly. The comparison marks an easier option only where one exists. Facts like weight and country of origin are not scored. Both dogs are rated from the same dataset, which is what makes the numbers comparable with each other even though any individual dog sits somewhere inside its breed's range.
Frequently asked questions
How much bigger is the Newfoundland?
Enormously -- 100 to 150 lbs and 26 to 28 inches, against the Jack Russell's 13 to 17 lbs and 10 to 15 inches. It's close to ten times the weight at the upper end.
Which sheds more?
The Newfoundland, by a wide margin -- rated 5 out of 5, the maximum, versus the Jack Russell's 3 out of 5. Its heavy double coat sheds seasonally and substantially.
Which is better for a first-time owner?
The Newfoundland, rated 3 out of 5 versus the Jack Russell's 2 out of 5, and it also trains more easily, 4 out of 5 versus 3 out of 5. Its calm, patient temperament helps offset its intimidating size.
Does either suit an apartment?
Neither does well -- the Jack Russell rates 2 out of 5, the Newfoundland just 1 out of 5. The Newfoundland's sheer size is the harder problem to solve in a small space.
What's the cost gap?
Large -- the Newfoundland runs $150-$310 monthly and $2,200-$4,200 in year one, against the Jack Russell's $70-$140 and $1,100-$2,000, roughly double to triple across the board.
Do their health risks overlap?
Barely -- only hip dysplasia appears on both lists. The Newfoundland's remaining risks are notably cardiac-focused: subaortic stenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and bloat.
Which lives longer?
The Jack Russell, by a wide margin -- 13 to 16 years against the Newfoundland's 9 to 10, nearly double the expected lifespan.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
How much more does the Newfoundland cost?
Substantially more -- $150-$310 monthly versus the Jack Russell's $70-$140, roughly double to triple across the board.
Training
How much exercise does each need?
The Jack Russell needs a great deal, 5 out of 5. The Newfoundland needs moderate exercise, 3 out of 5, despite its much larger size.
Health
Which breed lives longer?
The Jack Russell, 13 to 16 years, nearly double the Newfoundland's 9 to 10 -- a stark gap even for a giant-versus-small comparison.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Jack Russell Terrier breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Jack Russell Terrier before deciding.
- Newfoundland breed guide – The same for Newfoundland, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Jack Russell Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier – American Pit Bull Terrier is the closest breed to Jack Russell Terrier on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
- Newfoundland vs Saint Bernard – Saint Bernard sits closest to Newfoundland, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
- What Jack Russell Terrier costs to keep – Anyone weighing these two is usually also pricing them, and the cost pages carry city-level figures.
- Newfoundland health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
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Important reminder
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
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