Parson Russell Terrier

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Parson Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terrier Characteristics

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Parson Russell Terrier Breed Information

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 13-17 lbs

Height: Male: 14; Female: 13 inches

Color(s): White; White with black or tan markings; may be tri-color.

Overview

The Parson Russell Terrier was formally known as the Jack Russell Terrier. Originating in 19th century England, the Parson Russell Terrier was used to hunt small game, particularly fox.

Character

The Parson Russell Terrier is squarely built, agile, active, and independent. This breed is small, muscular, and well-suited for going to ground.

Temperament

The Parson Russell Terrier breed is not recommended for first time dog owners. The Parson Russell Terrier is intensely energetic, spirited, and demanding. They are loving, devoted, and fearless. They will become destructive if bored or restless. They do best in a home with older considerate children. This breed is typically dog aggressive and does not do well with other household pets.

Care

Regular brushing and combing is recommended. Bathing should only be done when necessary. Professional stripping of the coat is required twice a year. Parson Russell Terrier's are prone to such health issues as Legg-Perthes, eye disease, and deafness.

Coat

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.

Training

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. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, and consistency.

Activity

A highly active breed, the Parson Russell Terrier requires an inordinate amount of exercise and activity. This breed does not do well in an apartment if left alone for extended periods of time. They do best with a securely fenced yard, provided the fencing is buried into the ground and of sufficient height to contain these diggers and jumpers. They thrive on and enjoy family activity, tracking, hunting, agility, and performing tricks.

Ask a Question Parson Russell Terrier Questions & Answers

QUESTION: I have recently been looking for a Jack Russell, and there are breeders in my area that advertise Irish Jack Russells, is this the same as a Parson or Jack Russell?

Anonymous - 4/25/2011 9:39:47 AM

Respond to Question

They are the same but are Jack Russell's originating in Ireland rather than England where the Jack Russell got their start. The Irish Jack Russell is of the shorter legged version. The Parson Russell is the longer legged version.

xsallyx - 7/19/2011 4:28:11 PM

QUESTION: What do I feed a Parson Russell Terrier? I found one and I have no idea what to feed her. I have bought so many different types of food she does not like any of them

Anonymous - 12/28/2010 6:54:16 PM

Respond to Question

All my Parson Russell Terrier's love Meat and Veg, chubbs, tinned dog food and biscuits. You should not deprive any dog of Vegetables! The best time to give them roughage such as broccoli, carrots, various peas in the pod ect; and fruit too, apples pealed and cored, pears are ok whole, shy away from citrus fruit and do more research on what is good and not good as simple things like grapes can be toxic to your dog... In the wild they would eat grass' and other forms of roughage to get the essential vitamins the require. This idea that dogs are strict carnivores is unhealthy.

Anonymous - 3/16/2011 11:17:51 AM

you should try feeding your Parson Russell Terrier meat....not raw but cooked

Anonymous - 1/1/2011 5:41:36 PM

QUESTION: What is the difference of the parson and jack Russell?

Anonymous - 12/26/2010 10:59:32 PM

Respond to Question

The difference between a Parson Russell Terrier and a Jack Russell Terrier is in height. The Jack Russell Terrier is typically between 10-12 inches tall - see the JRTCA website for their breed standards. The Parson Russell Terrier standard is 12-15 inches tall. Standards can be found at the PRTAA website. The breed was originally one but split in April 2002. The JRTCA claimed the Jack Russell and the AKC claimed the now called Parson Russell Terrier. They both have three colors - Black White, Tan White, or Tri. They both have three coat types - smooth, broken, or rough. They JRTCA felt that the sporting and/or hunting characteristics may be compromised as the AKC was more pointed toward conformation, show, and domesticated type. Either way, they are unbelievable dogs. Once you have one it is hard to have any other!

xsallyx - 7/19/2011 4:37:01 PM

The Parsons is bigger for a start, longer legs and bred for high endurance game and fox hunting, and generally more intelligent. The stubby Jack is better adapted for rabbiting and ratting which is what it was used for. IMO, thinking zoologically, Parsons are a gun dog and the Jack is a Terrier.

Anonymous - 3/16/2011 11:12:02 AM

Nothing, just that AKC has come to recognize the Jack Russell and named them Parson's Jack Russell. The reason is that historically Parson (Pastor) Jack Russell created the breed.

Anonymous - 2/28/2011 5:53:23 PM

If you are looking for Parson Russell Terrier puppies for sale from reputable Parson Russell Terrier breeders or to adopt a Parson Russell Terrier from a Parson Russell Terrier rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Parson Russell Terrier puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Parson Russell Terrier puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.