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Bear in mind that whilst the extra ground clearance does help with speed bumps, it isn't by any means the thing that makes the most difference, apart from when you are looking at a proper performance car. A longer wheel base, higher profile tyres and a more forgiving suspension make far more of a difference to occupants (as does a good seat design, though that won't help a dog!).
As such, the sub-model will make as much of a difference as the model itself - running a (so-called) luxury, flashing looking or higher performance model will mean it comes with low profile tyres and firm suspension, not good over the humps or poorly surfaced roads, leaving the driver to either put up with a terrible ride and large bills to replace tyres/fix suspension parts regularly, or having to ensure slow cars overtake you when driving over speed humps at 5mph, similar to the pimped-up BMWs, Golfs and Saxos of this world.
Of the two you're currently looking at, the (current shape) Vitara is, in my view, the better buy, with the make having much better reliability than Nissan, though the 1.4T is still quite new, so it would be difficult to say if any longer term problems will develop. It also says in HJ's review that the Vitara only comes with the 'tube of goo' instead of a spare tyre - I would check to see if one can be fitted and the price, both at new or an aftermarket one. Quite a few do this (the Mazda CX-3 being one, and a spare costs a staggering £395 from Mazda). Personally speaking, I think the Juke is a 'today's fashion' item which could easily and quickly go out of fashion, given its very odd looks and poor reliability, and with many other makes recently entering the market with better looking, driving and reliable alternatives.
I think also it depends upon what budget you are going to have and how long (PCP terms aside) your wife would LIKE to keep the car. It would also be useful for you to tell us which other cars she's looked at and said no, plus the reason(s) why, as this would be a good indicator as to what she wants in the car other than the info you've already given. There's also quite a bit of variance in performance, handling and practicality in this type of car: The Mazda CX-3 and new SEAT Arona on the sportier side (ride dependent on model/tyre choice, especially the CX-3), the Honda Jazz slow and average at handling (new 1.5 coming along soon which, according to HJ, is faster) but very practical and reliable, with others in between.
The CX-3 is expensive (even in the best value/most comfortable SE-L Nav spec) with little discounts via brokers (the only decent deals force you to take PCP contracts), the SEAT much better value as you can get better discounts (after the initial few months on sale - its only just come out) via brokers. The Jazz also won't attract much of a discount due to its (and Honda's) long term good reputation for reliability.
I would also suggest (presumably you put your dog in the boot with the parcel shelf removed and possibly a dog guard installed in between that and the back seats) you may wish to measure up the boot space of any car you look at, or if the dealership allows, put the dog in the boot in the showroom to see how much space it has, boot lip height (higher ones not so good for smaller or older dogs who can't jump up). As usual, a decent length test drive over several types of roads and speeds is essential to ascertain driving comfort and whether it meets minimum levels of handling and performance.
Only when those more 'tangible' criteria are met, then styling can come in. If you really like something and can't afford it, find out how long it would take to save up enough to afford it (and run it, if its more expensive for maintenance, insurance etc), as this may be better than getting a car that currently fits your budget but is a significant compromise. If you can, its always better to wait a bit/save up a bit more if the car you really want is only a few months saving up away.
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