Find a Parson Russell Terrier Breeder
Place an Ad

Rescue a Parson Russell Terrier
List Your Rescue

Pronunciation

Description

Formally known as the Jack Russell Terrier in the USA, the Parson Russell name is now recognized by the American Kennel Club. The strong head is in good portion to the rest of the body. The muzzle is strong and rectangular. The stop is well defined but not prominent. The nose is black. The dark, almond shaped, moderate sized eyes have dark or pink rims. The V-shaped ears fold forward. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The chest is narrow with a moderate depth. The legs are strong and straight. The tail is somewhat set high and docked so the tip is approximately level to the skull. The feet are round and catlike. The harsh double coat comes in both smooth and wirehaired. The coat color is predominantly white, with black, tan, or grizzle markings or a tricolor combination. Brindle markings are a disqualification in the show ring.

Temperament

The Parson Russell Terrier is a cheerful, merry, devoted, and loving dog.  Spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless.  Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and playing with toys.  Stable Parson's are friendly and generally kind to children. Children should be taught not to tease or hit the dog.  They are intelligent, and if you let them take an inch, they can become willful and determined to take a mile. It is paramount that you are this dogs pack leader. He needs to be given rules to follow, and limitations as to what he is and is not allowed to do. Do not let this little dog fall into Small Dog Syndrome, where he believes he is pack leader to all humans. This is where varying degrees of behavior problems will arise, including, but not limited to guarding, snapping, separation anxiety, and obsessive barking. They are highly trainable, able to perform impressive tricks. They have been used on TV and in the movies. However, if you do not show authority towards the dog , they can be difficult to train. They need a firm, experienced trainer.  Parsons who have been allowed to take over can be aggressive with other dogs. Some have killed or been killed in dog fights.  Be sure to socialize the Parson. They have strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average terrier) and should not be trusted with other small animals. They like to chase and explore. Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well-trained.  Parson Russells like to bark and dig. They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised.  Parson Russells climb, which means they can climb over a fence, they also jump. A Parson that stands 12 inches high can easily jump five feet. JRTs are not the breed for a inexperienced dog owner. The owner needs to be as strong-willed as they are, or this little guy will take over.  With the right owner the Parson can really excel, but is not recommended for those who do not understand what it means to be a dogs true pack leader. Parsons who are mentally stable, with all of their canine instincts met, will not display these negative behaviors. They are not traits of the Parson Russell, but rather human brought on behaviors, which are a result of inefficient leadership, along with a lack of mental and physical stimulation. They will thrive with a job to do. The Parson Russell Terrier must present a lively, active and alert appearance. It should impress with its fearless and happy disposition. It should be remembered that the Parson Russell is a working terrier and should retain these instincts. Nervousness, cowardice or over-aggressiveness should be discouraged and it should always appear confident.

Height, Weight

Health Problems

Living Conditions

The Parson Russell Terrier is a pleasant companion when it is sufficiently exercised; however if they do not get enough, they may become a nuisance. They need to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk. In addition, he will be in his glory with space to run, hunt and play.

If the Parson is left alone during the day be it in an appartment or a house, they should be well exercised before the human leaves for work by taking them on a long pack walk or jog, and then taken out again when they return home.

Life Expectancy

Grooming

Origin

The Parson Russell Terrier was formally known as the Jack Russell Terrier in the USA. The breed was named after a clergyman named Rev. John Russell. They were used as a small game hunting dog particularly for red fox, digging the quarry out of its den in the mid-1800s. On English hunts, the dogs needed to be long-legged enough to keep up with the hounds.  The breed used to have a strong emphasis on its working ability, so the standard was very broad, allowing a wide range of accepted body types. When show breeders wanted to make the look of the dogs more strict they decided to change the name to separate the show types from the working types. Effective April 1, 2003 the name Jack Russell Terrier was changed to the Parson Russell Terrier as requested by the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America, which was changed to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. Some of the Parson Russell's talents include: hunting, tracking, agility, and performing tricks.

Group

Recognition

AKC, CKC, NKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR

At one time the AKC called the Parson Russell Terrier a Jack Russel Terrier. However in April of 2003, they changed the name to Parson Russel Terrier and the breeds split forming two different breeds, the Jack Russel and the Parson Russell Terrier. The Parson's name change is in great part to a lawsuit from the JRTCA to the AKC, when the breed was first allowed registration. The former Jack Russell Terrier Association of America decided to change their Jack Russell Terriers to Parson Russell Terrier effective April 1, 2003 They changed their own name to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. FCI, ANKC, IKC, recognize the shorts as Jack Russell Terriers and the UKC recognized the shorts as Russell Terriers. The Parsons are the long legged Jack Russell Terriers named officially Parsons Russell Terriers. The Jack Russell Terrier and the Russell Terrier are the same breed but are entirely a separate breed from the Parsons Russell Terrier. In England The Jack Russel and the Parson Russel have always been two distinct breeds. The Jack Russell is usually smaller and is bred to catch rats. The Parsons works with the hounds.

AKC = American Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

The Material contained herein may not be reproduced without the prior written approval of the author. Contents & Graphics Copyright © Dog Breed Info Center® (C) 1998-. All Rights Reserved. Our work is not Public Domain.