A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Russell Terrier
The Russell Terrier is a small, low-built working terrier with smooth, broken, or rough coat varieties. Keep energetic play and secure exploration in the plan, with grooming matched to the coat variety.
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.
Russell Terrier questions
Is a Russell Terrier the same as a Jack Russell or a Parson Russell Terrier?
They share a root but are not the same. The Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier both come from the fox-working terriers of the Rev. John Russell in the mid-1800s, and they are now two separate breeds. The Russell is the shorter one, at 10 to 12 inches against 13 to 14 inches for the Parson. "Jack Russell" has been used loosely for many kinds of working terrier, so ask which breed a dog is registered as.
How big does a full-grown Russell Terrier get?
Adults stand 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh 9 to 15 pounds. Size is strict, and a dog under 10 inches or over 12 inches is disqualified from the show ring. The body is a little longer than it is tall.
How long do Russell Terriers live?
Russell Terriers typically live 12 to 14 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Russell Terriers shed?
Yes, moderately. The coat can be smooth, broken or rough, and every type has an undercoat and a harsh outer coat, so expect some hair whichever one you choose. A weekly brushing is the usual routine.
Do Russell Terriers bark a lot?
They tend to be vocal. Barking is frequent, and the Russell is an alert, lively and keen terrier that makes a good watchdog. Ask a breeder or rescue how a particular dog behaves at home.
How much exercise does a Russell Terrier need?
More than the size suggests. The breed has very high energy and does not suit a sedentary household. Hikes, bike rides, long daily walks and games that work the brain as well as the body all help.
Are Russell Terriers good with kids?
They make a great companion for children who understand dogs, though they are only middling with very young children. The breed has also kept a strong prey drive and should be socialized well from early on.
What were Russell Terriers bred for?
Fox work. They were bred to be quick enough to run with the hounds and compact enough to go underground and bolt the fox. The breed originated in England and was developed in Australia, and it still has a body able to pass through narrow tunnels.
