Ava Williams
Shoulder height: 33 – 36 cm
Weight: 6 – 9 kg
Age: 13 – 15 years
Color: predominantly white with black, brown, or tan markings
Use: hunting dog, companion dog
The Parson Russell Terrier is the original form of the Fox Terrier. It is a family companion and hunting dog that is still used today specifically for fox hunting. It is considered to be very intelligent, persistent, and docile, but it also needs a lot of work and good training. For lazy people, this very active breed of dog is not suitable.
Origin and history
This dog breed is named after John (Jack) Russell (1795 to 1883) – an English pastor and passionate hunter. It wanted to breed a special breed of Fox Terriers. Two variants developed that were essentially similar, differing primarily in size and proportions. The larger, more square-built dog is known as the ” Parson Russell Terrier “, and the smaller, slightly longer proportioned dog is the ” Jack Russell Terrier “.
Appearance
The Parson Russell Terrier is one of the long-legged terriers, its ideal size is given as 36 cm for males and 33 cm for females. The length of the body is only slightly greater than the height – measured from the withers to the ground. It is predominantly white with black, brown, or tan markings, or any combination of these colors. Its fur is smooth, rough, or stock haired.
Nature
The Parson Russell Terrier is still widely used today as a hunting dog. Its main field of work is the burrow hunt for foxes and badgers. But it is also very popular as a family companion dog. It is considered to be extremely spirited, persistent, intelligent, and docile. it is very friendly to people but occasionally aggressive towards other dogs.
The Parson Russell Terrier needs a very consistent and loving upbringing and clear leadership, which he will test again and again. It requires a lot of activity and exercise, especially if it is kept purely as a family dog. It remains very playful into old age. Puppies should come into contact with other dogs at a very early age to also learn to subordinate themselves.
Due to their great enthusiasm for work, intelligence, mobility, and endurance, Parson Russell Terriers are suitable for many dog sports such as e.g. B. agility, obedience, or tournament dog sport.
The lively and spirited terrier is not suitable for very relaxed or nervous people.