Parsons Russell Terrier Dog Breed

Other Names: Parson

Country of origin: Great Britain

Dog Group Kennel Club: Terrier

General appearance:

The Parson Russell Terrier has two varieties of coat: Broken and Smooth. Either coat is a double coat that is harsh, close, dense, glossy, and straight. This breed sheds little to no hair. The Parson is a relatively small active and lively mainly white coloured terrier. They have long legs, which were ideal for keeping up with the horses; but their body is shaped to allow them to be able to get into small spaces. They are sturdy and muscular, well adapted to work hard.

Colours: White; White with black or tan markings; may be tri-color.

Size:

Bitch  33cm (13") 33cm (13")  

Dog    36cm (14") 36cm (14")

Weight:

Bitch 5kg (11lbs) 8kg (18lbs)

Dog  5kg (11lbs) 8kg (18lbs)

Temperament:

The Parson Russell Terrier breed is not recommended for first time dog owners. They intensely energetic, spirited, and demanding. They are loving, devoted, and fearless but will become destructive if bored or restless. They get on well with children and make good pets for the active family. Parsons have to be socialised from an early age especially with cats and any other household pets. Gardeners will soon discover that this dog digs up the garden indiscriminately as digging is one of their favourite pastimes.

Movement: Should be free, lively and well coordinated with straight action in front and behind.

Care and training:

Regular brushing and combing is recommended. Bathing should only be done when necessary. The Parson Jack Russell can be rough or smooth coated; both have a dense double coat. The rough coated Parson requires to be hand stripped. This will be necessary at least twice a year. The smooth coated Parson is much easier to groom, a rubber-grooming mitt will remove the dead and shedding hairs.

Early firm training is necessary to prevent a hyperactive dog. The Parson Russell Terrier is intelligent and obedient. However, they are determined and willful. Early intense socialization and obedience training are crucial. This breed requires a dominant handler. They do have a tendency to turn a deaf ear when on the scent of something and so must be trained to return to you on command.

Overall Exercise:60 - 80 minutes per day.
This dog, being an active little terrier, should have lots of exercise. They like nothing better than a long walk where they can get off the lead and can pick up a scent.

Feeding requirements: As a breed the Parson Jack Russell Terrier is easy to please, they are not fussy eaters.

Exercise: Med

Grooming: Med

Noise: Med 

Personal Protection: Medium

Suitability As Guard Dog: Low

Level of Aggression: Low

Compatibility With Other Animals: Low

Suitablity for Children: Medium

Often docked: Yes

Average litter: 4 - 8

Life expectancy (yrs):  13 - 15

Health issues: Jack Russell Terrier can suffer from dislocated kneecaps (luxating patellas), eye problems, deafness, and Legg-Perthes disease, a disease of the hip joints.

History: In 1819 a fox runner and member of the British Kennel Club by the name of Reverend John Russell came across a terrier who he developed into the Jack Russell Terrier over the course of sixty years until his death at the age of 88. He owned a crossbred terrier by the name of "Trump", which he bred with bull-and-terrier breeds that were used for bull baiting to increase tenacity and aggression towards prey. He then bred in foxhounds, as well as "pocket beagles", which helped in evening out the temper of the breed. John Russell wanted a breed that was small enough to go to ground after a fox, but wouldn't kill the prey.