A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier is an athletic working terrier developed to follow horses and flush quarry. Secure exercise space and engaging training are essential considerations for this energetic problem-solver.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Parson Russell Terrier questions
Is a Parson Russell Terrier the same as a Jack Russell Terrier?
The Parson is the breed once registered in the United States as the Jack Russell Terrier. It was accepted under that name in 1997 and renamed Parson Russell Terrier on April 1, 2003. The change was meant to separate this longer-legged type from the many small terriers loosely called Jack Russells.
What is the difference between a Parson Russell Terrier and a Russell Terrier?
Mostly leg length and outline. The Parson stands 13 to 14 inches tall and weighs 13 to 17 pounds, with a body that looks roughly square. The Russell Terrier, a separate breed recognized in 2012, stands 10 to 12 inches and weighs 9 to 15 pounds, with a more rectangular body.
How big does a full-grown Parson Russell Terrier get?
Males stand about 14 inches tall and females about 13 inches, with a weight of 13 to 17 pounds. Those heights are the ideals for the breed. Dogs under 12 inches or over 15 inches are disqualified from the show ring.
Do Parson Russell Terriers shed?
A little. Shedding is light. The coat comes in two types, smooth and broken, and both need regular brushing. The rougher coat also needs plucking or clipping so the longer hairs do not mat.
What were Parson Russell Terriers bred for?
Foxhunting. The breed is named for the Reverend John Russell, a 19th-century English clergyman and huntsman who wanted a terrier with enough leg to keep up with horses and hounds and a chest narrow enough to follow a fox underground. The dog's job was to bay and bolt the fox, not to kill it.
How much exercise does a Parson Russell Terrier need?
Plenty. This is a very high-energy breed, and a good day is a long walk with time to explore, plus play at home. Keep a Parson on leash on outings, because the urge to chase can be hard to call off. This is not a dog that is content to be left alone in a corner.
Are Parson Russell Terriers good with children?
They can be. A well-socialized Parson does very well with children but has no patience for rough handling. Supervise play and teach kids to handle the dog gently.
How long do Parson Russell Terriers live?
Parson Russell Terriers usually live 13 to 15 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
