Parson Russell Terrier

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Size: Small
Other Names: Parson, Parsons
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
The Kennel Club (KC): Terrier
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is a small, predominately white dog, with black, tan, or black and tan markings. His body is slightly longer than it is tall, and he moves quickly and with agility, even in rough terrain. His moderately broad head has a flat skull, with a powerful muzzle that is slightly shorter than the skull. His V-shaped ears are set at the outside edges of his skull, drop forward, and are carried close. His tail is straight and set high.

A longer-legged earth dog who can live in a house if given a job; short or broken coat, a sharp voice, and energy that outruns a still apartment day.

The Parson Russell Terrier is a working dog, a hunting terrier, built to go to ground after fox. He was named for the Reverend John Russell (1795-1883), a parson with a passion for hunting who developed a well-known strain of fox terriers. The Parson Russell Terrier today is virtually unchanged from its origins, and breeders are striving to keep it that way. Both the Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier were named after Reverend John (Jack) Russell, and there is controversy whether the two dogs are the same breed or two different breeds. In some circles, the taller type of Russell is a Parson Russell (over 12") and the shorter version is a Jack Russell (10-12").

Height: 10-15 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Color: Predominantly white with black, tan, black and tan, or no markings; with or without ticking in the white areas
Coat: All coat types are dense, hard, and weather-resistant, and cover the entire dog, including the belly and underside of the thighs; rough coat consists of a double coat, with a short, dense undercoat and very dense, wiry outer coat, and hair over the eyes and on the muzzle that form eyebrows and a beard; broken coat consists of any intermediate coat between a rough and smooth coat, with the broken coat lying closer to the body than a rough coat and with longer guard hairs than a smooth coat, and with or without face furnishings; smooth coat consists of a short, flat coat
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Litter size: 4–6 puppies

Temperament

The Parson Russell Terrier is bold, friendly, active, and alert. He is very intelligent and eager to please, as well as fearless, requiring little encouragement to go to ground. He is a high-energy breed, happiest in an environment where there is a lot of regular activity. Many Parsons excel in activities such as obedience, agility, conformation, and earthdog. He does best with people who are friendly, active, and energetic, and who have patience and a sense of humor. Although generally good with children, many Parsons do not tolerate being handled roughly, so they should not be left alone with very young children. Parsons are very social creatures, and do well with other dogs and people, and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. Because they need space to exercise, Parsons generally do not do well in apartments. The Parson Russell terrier has a strong prey drive, and it can be difficult for him to live with some pets such as small rodents.

Training

Since the Parson Russell Terrier is a hunting dog, he has a strong prey drive. Early training and socialization is required for the Parson to live safely with other small animals. Aggression towards anything other than legitimate quarry should be discouraged.

Care and grooming

All coat types are easy to groom by combing and brushing regularly with a firm bristle brush. The Parson should be bathed only when necessary. The Parson Russell Terrier is a high-energy breed, and requires much and consistent exercise.

Shedding

Low to moderate; rough coats hold more loose hair than smooth coats.

Health

Parson Russell Terriers may develop lens luxation, patellar luxation, and deafness in some lines. Keep this working terrier lean and give it enough activity.

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