Mary Allen
Parson Russell Terriers are real whirlwinds. Anyone who brings such a jack of all trades into their home also gets a gentle and, above all, family-friendly super dog with the best health conditions. We are fans!
“Parson and Jack” – this could be a hip fashion label, but is the name of the two very similar terrier variants, which are officially defined by many dog clubs as two different dog breeds:
- Parson Russell Terriers
- Jack Russell Terrier.
The Parson Russell Terrier is one of the so-called high-legged terriers, while its little brother, Jack, is a short-legged terrier. Even if the two dog breeds are very similar in appearance, character, and nature, we would like to give the Parson Russell Terrier its own breed portrait, because it deserves it.
The little Parsons impress with their happy, intelligent, and lively disposition and are real bundles of energy despite their small size. Here you can find out everything about the appearance, care, training, and health of the Parson Russell Terrier.
What does a Parson Russell Terrier look like?
The appearance of the Parson Russell Terrier clearly shows its origin as a swift hunting dog: the body is compact and muscular, the back is straight and the chest is deep but narrow.
The Parsons is one of the dog breeds in which the chest circumference plays a major role in breeding. The terrier’s tenseness, referred to in technical jargon, must not become too great, otherwise, the dogs would no longer fit into a fox’s den. Even if the puppies are not supposed to pursue a hunting career later, the narrow chest size is still part of the breeding standard (<- links to PDF).
The breed’s typical coat color is all white or mostly white. The dogs often have black, yellow, or tan markings. All combinations of these colors are permitted in the standard. The coat texture of the terrier is also possible in three different variants:
- smooth-haired,
- rough-haired or
- prickly hair.
How big is a Parson Russell Terrier?
The breed reaches an average height at the withers of about 36 cm in males. Bitches are about 33 cm tall.
How heavy is a Parson Russell Terrier?
The agile, slim dog should weigh between five and six kilos with a balanced and healthy diet. Females are slightly lighter than males.
How old does a Parson Russell Terrier get?
Typical of many small dog breeds, the Parson Terrier also has a relatively high life expectancy. He will be around 12 to 14 years old. With good care and health, some dogs even live to a proud age of 15 years and more.
What character or nature does the Parson Russell Terrier have?
In general, most terrier breeds are characterized by a lively and confident temperament. It’s no different with the Parson Russell Terrier. The dogs are known to be tireless, confident, and fearless.
They are not intimidated by larger (and stronger) dogs, and they usually show it loudly and cheekily. Furthermore, the character of the terrier is characterized by intelligence, independence, and stubbornness.
Despite its dominant nature, the dog is very well suited as a family dog because it is basically very people-oriented and has a gentle character. Aggressiveness is completely foreign to a well-socialized Parson Russell Terrier and is not in its nature. And that’s true even if he wants to make up for his small size with a cheeky snout. Dogs thrive on people, especially children, and show a high level of playfulness, composure, and gentleness.
As the original hunting dog, the bold dog has a high urge to move and constantly needs busy activities. They should train and challenge his body, but also his mind. Intelligence games for dogs are perfect for this dog. He has a strong will to work and is happy when he can “do” tasks for his people. He always does it with skill and reliability.
Where does the Parson Russell Terrier come from?
The English pastor John “Jack” Russell is seen today as the “progenitor” of the breed. The pastor loved to spend his free time on horseback and hunting. For the fox hunt, he was looking for an ideal companion who was small, brave, and intelligent enough to disappear into fox dens and scare out their inhabitants. Already a big fan of foxhounds and other terrier breeds, Russell began acquiring terriers that he particularly liked in the early 1800s. He eventually crossed them and started breeding.
The appearance of the dogs played a subordinate role for the pastor, instead, he concentrated as a breeder on the work performance and skills in fox hunting. If he found new members of the terrier family whose performance inspired him, these were also used for breeding and crossed. This practice was continued by many breeders into the 20th century. As a result, the breed sometimes differed greatly in appearance: for example, there were short-legged and long-legged dogs.
Only around the turn of the millennium did more and more dog clubs begin to give the different Russell Terriers their own names. The FCI officially recognized the short-legged Jack Russell Terrier in 2000 and the long-legged Parson Terrier in 2001 as separate dog breeds: Jack, after the nickname of the breed’s founder, and Parson, the English term for the pastor.
Parson Russell Terrier: Proper Keeping and Training
Although the dogs basically have a very friendly disposition and usually have a high will to obey, they are not beginner dogs. The typically stubborn and self-confident head of the terrier requires an experienced and patient attitude and training.
The nimble four-legged friends have not lapped dogs. People have to show the dog with gentle consistency from the start that he is at the bottom of the hierarchy in his pack. If you are too soft in training or if you even put the dog on the same level, you quickly lose control over him, and in the end, it is the terrier who sets the tone in the pack (i.e. the family).
It is just as important to offer the energetic sports cannon enough sporting and mental exercise. And every day! A few leisurely laps through the park are definitely not enough. Instead, the dog needs head and body exercises. Dog sports such as agility, dog dancing, and anti-hunting training are almost mandatory.
If the dog gets this load, it reveals itself as a very playful, loyal, and the good-natured family dog. For him, family is the greatest thing in the world.
What Grooming Does the Parson Russell Terrier Need?
Despite the different coat textures of the terrier, grooming is relatively simple. Smooth-coated dogs should be brushed at least once a week. The rough and stock-haired types need more intensive and frequent care of the coat.
Appropriate nutrition is also part of comprehensive care. The food should always be adapted to the needs of the dog, which in the case of the small sports cannons above all requires a rich and protein-rich diet. In this way, the energy tanks can be quickly recharged.
What are the typical diseases of the Parson Russell Terrier?
The Englishman John Russell put the focus on the performance and not on the appearance of the dogs. Luckily, because that is the cornerstone for a robust and resilient breeding standard in terms of health. This has hardly changed to this day. Breed-specific diseases are rare and the breed is one of the very healthy and energetic dogs.
Rare health problems that may occur include, among others
- Cataract
- Lens luxation with subsequent glaucoma
- Patella luxation (displacement of the kneecap from its guide)
- Hereditary ataxia (neurological disease causing destruction of the spinal cord).
In addition, the small terriers, like many other dog breeds with white coats and piebalds, are prone to unilateral or bilateral deafness.
How much does a Parson Russell Terrier cost?
Small dogs have long been among the most popular family dogs. Puppies are therefore in demand. Prices from German breeders are in the low four-digit range.
If you would like to add a Parson Russell Terrier to your family, make sure you buy it from a reputable breeder – even if the waiting times here are probably long. With a recognized breeder with reputable breeding, you get insight into the health and temperament of the parent animals and the health of the puppies are strictly observed. In addition, a breeder can give you professional advice on the upbringing, keeping, and care of the spirited dogs and give you valuable tips so that your four-legged friend feels at home with you.
Alternatively, you should definitely take a look at the animal shelter to see if there is a Parson Russell Terrier or a similar cross-breed eagerly awaiting a new home. Trust us: You can also (or especially) be very happy with such a dog.