Berger Picard vs Russell Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Berger Picard
Herding Group
Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Berger Picards are less energetic than Russell Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Berger Picards require less grooming attention compared to Russell Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Berger Picards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Russell Terriers.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russell Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Berger Picards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Berger Picard and Russell Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Berger Picard | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Berger Picard | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Berger Picard | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Berger Picard | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is known for being loyal, good-natured, observant, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is characterized by being alert, inquisitive, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Berger Picard and Russell Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
Pros & Cons
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Berger Picard and Russell Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.