13-17 lbs
12-15"
England
The Parson Russell Terrier is a small, sturdy dog with an intense personality and a fierce prey drive. They tend to be longer in the leg than their closest ancestor, the Jack Russell Terrier, and have a slightly higher energy level that requires at least an hour to an hour and a half of vigorous activity each day. These dogs can be stubborn and have very independent minds, but are at the same time extremely trainable if the proper positive training methods are utilized. This breed is typically too active and noisy for apartment living unless they have several hours of additional activity per day.
In 1819, a man by the name of John Russell bought an adorable female Terrier from a passing milkman and named her Trump. Trump was mostly white with patches of darker fur on her head and rump areas and while she closely resembled the Wire-haired Fox Terrier of the time, she was said to have shorter legs and a broader head. John, also known as Jack by some, was so enamored with his new dog that when he returned home from studying in Oxford to be a reverend he used her as a foundation for a new breed of fox hunting dogs, a dog with long enough legs to keep up with the hounds and a more aggressive nature, yet small enough to flush a fox from their bolt holes. These dogs were known as Jack Russell Terriers. After the death of Reverend John “Jack” Russell, breeders of these dogs differed on their priorities and preferences and two distinct varieties became available: one bred to specific physical standards and the other bred for temperament and ability. The group that preferred governance by physical standards became the Parson “Jack” Russell Terrier, later shortened to just the Parson Russell or Parson Terrier. The result is that the Parson Russell Terrier is a square dog that is longer-legged than the Jack Russell Terrier. Neither the Parson Russell Terrier nor the Jack Russell Terrier should be confused with the Russell Terrier, a third variation with even shorter legs that was developed mainly in Australia. While the Parson Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier breeds are both recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Jack Russell Terrier, the most commonly known of the three, is not. The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America has resisted having the breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in favor of retaining its working dog status.
The Parson Russell Terrier is a square-shaped dog that stands between twelve and fifteen inches tall at the shoulder, unlike both the Jack Russell and Russell Terriers who are both longer than they are tall. Although the Parson Russell Terrier has a shorter back in relation to their legs, their backs are still particularly flexible, much like that of the other two breeds. The undocked tail of the Parson Russell Terrier is fairly long and strong, and it may curl up at the end, but the tails are often docked to about two-thirds their original length. They have strong, well-proportioned heads with a flat skull and muzzles that are just slightly shorter than the length of the skull. Their almond-shaped dark eyes typically have dark rims, although pink rims are still acceptable, and they have small V-shaped ears that fold forward and hang down with the tip often falling near to the corner of the eye. Both the smooth and broken coated varieties have similar coloration, a white coat with black, tan, or tricolor markings.
The Parson Russell Terrier typically has an uncomplicated grooming routine. They generally only require bathing a few times each year as they have very little doggy odor and have coats that are fairly dirt resistant. Brushing is required a few times each week to help remove any remaining dust as well as any shed fur for either the smooth or broken coated varieties. Those Parson Russell Terriers with a broken coat will also need to have their coat stripped either by hand or with a special stripping comb two to three times a year in order to ensure that the coat maintains the proper texture. Trimming the nails once a month is advised in order to avoid breaks and tears. The teeth of this spunky canine should be brushed several times a week.
These dogs are both extremely active and highly intelligent, with an extremely high prey drive. While all interactions between dogs and small children should be supervised, Parson Russell Terriers can be good with babies, toddlers, and even other animals if socialized with them, particularly if socialization takes place as a puppy. Parson Russell Terriers that are not socialized or become startled may nip at younger children or knock them over in excitement, but are unlikely to be aggressive unless they are negatively conditioned. A great deal of socialization is required to suppress this breed’s instinct to chase small furry or feathered family members, and for some individuals, it may remain irresistible. When outdoors these Parson Terriers should be supervised, even in a fenced yard; it does not take a Terrier long to dig under a fence in pursuit of perceived prey. These dogs tend to be very trainable as long as positive methods are used and the routine doesn’t become too boring. Harsh training methods or overly simple training routines without enough variety may result in mischievous, stubborn, or even destructive behaviors.
While this breed is not particularly large, they do require a great deal of vigorous activity each day, typically at least an hour to an hour an a half per day. Activities that engage the Parson Russell Terrier’s mind, as well as their body, are the most effective way to expend this animal’s considerable energy. This dog should remain on lead at all times outside of a fenced yard or other secured area as their prey drive is often too strong to resist. Along with walks, jogs, and endless games of fetch, this breed often excels at earth dog trials, tracking, agility sports, and competitive obedience training. This is not typically a good choice for apartment dwellers unless the dog is given several hours of activity a day outside of the home.
Written by a Irish Setter lover Penny Sebring
Published: 05/04/2018, edited: 08/18/2021
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