Mary Allen
The Parson Russell Terrier has a natural affinity for horses. The art of moving between the particularly large four-legged friends was practically put into his cradle when he was little. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, education, and care of the Parson Russell Terrier dog breed in the profile.
The founder of the breed, John (Jack) Russell, was a pastor and a passionate hunter and rider who dedicated himself to terrier breeding. In 1873 he was one of the founding members of the Kennel Club. While studying at Oxford, he crossed a white, wire-haired terrier bitch with solid and spotted terriers. His breeding goal was to improve work performance. The dogs quickly found many fans among hunters and riders, but this breed was only “provisionally” recognized by the FCI in 1990, and the final recognition came in 2001.
General Appearance
This terrier is extremely lively, persistent, and willing to work – and you can tell by looking at him. The body is harmoniously built and very agile, the facial expression is alert, the eyes are bright. The coat is smooth or wire-haired, entirely white or predominantly white with tan, yellow, or black markings.
Behavior and temperament
His courage, his temperament, his endurance, his ability to run and jump, and his easy-going nature make the Parson Russell Terrier an extraordinary dog. One of his greatest qualities is his gentle and friendly nature, this dog rarely gets in a bad mood. He is particularly fond of small children. He particularly likes to romp and frolic and takes almost nothing amiss. The Parson Russell Terrier has its origins in hunting. His tendency to confront the fox rather than attack it earned him the reputation of a “gentleman” here as well.
Need for employment and physical activity
The Parson Russell is built for speed and endurance. Whether dog sport or hunting work, whether riding companion or mountain companion, there is nothing that this dog cannot do – and would not like to do. This dog has more power than some larger conspecifics. And it is essential for people to ensure that they can live out their temperament and let off steam – if you don’t feel like going for a ride, play with your terrier ball, he’s guaranteed to be crazy about it. If the terrier is not physically challenged, it tends to become aggressive.
Upbringing
Fun, intelligent, and playful, this dog will win you over very quickly with these traits. Even if the Parson Russell Terrier is short, his self-confidence is gigantic and he will always put you to the test to find out whether you can really still fill the leading role – otherwise, he will gladly take over. This dog needs clear rules that must be demanded by the entire family! He’s too smart not to notice parenting flaws and too cheeky not to take advantage of them.
Maintenance
The Parson Russell Terrier’s coat requires minimal maintenance: regular brushing to remove dirt and dead hair is all that is needed. It should also be trimmed two to three times a year.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
The Parson Russell Terrier is gradually becoming a fashion dog, which is noticeable: mass-bred dogs are more likely to have PL (loose knee joints) and eye diseases.
Did you know?
The Parson Russell Terrier has a natural affinity for horses. The art of moving between the particularly large four-legged friends was practically put into his cradle when he was little. This innate talent makes him particularly interesting for riders.