Parson Russell Terrier
Introduction
The Parson Russell Terrier is a true working foxhunter, possessing a ready attitude, alertness, confidence, and great strength and endurance. Today, many Parsons are also found working in stables and exhibiting at agility and obedience trials. The breed’s weatherproof coat can be broken (wire-haired) or smooth and is white, white with black or tan markings or tri-color.
Parson Russell Terrier breed facts
Named for the respected huntsman Rev. John Russell, the Parson Russell Terrier was first bred in the south of England in the mid-1800s to hunt red fox. Traditionally, the Parson followed the fox underground to flush him out for the hunter. Authorities claim that after Rev. Russell’s death some of his bloodlines were crossed with the Welsh Corgi and other terrier breeds, creating a different type dog, the "Jack Russell Terrier." The parent club for the breed requested a name change from Jack Russell to Parson Russell Terrier.
Information you should know before owning a Parson Russell Terrier
Outgoing and friendly, the Parson is tenacious in the field and affectionate in the home. No matter the venue, the breed is filled with energy, so he requires regular exercise and attention.
Although good with children, he does not tolerate rough handling from toddlers. The Parson is a clean breed and does not need frequent bathing, but the broken coat may need to be hand stripped.
History
The Parson Russell Terrier is a fox-hunting breed developed in southern England nearly 200 years ago. As is true of many early white fox terriers, he is in all likelihood the result of a cross between the Old English White Terrier, now extinct, and a black-and-tan terrier similar in type to the early Manchester.
The Parson Russell has been bred to possess several distinct characteristics: sound trotting gait and length of leg to follow the hounds, compact flexible chest and length of body to go to ground on fox, and strong head and muzzle and the will to hold the fox at bay.
Parson Russells were known in this country as early as the 1930s, and perhaps before. The Parson Russell is a terrier among terriers, buoyant and intelligent, determined and relentless. He is endowed with an inability to quit and no capacity to feel fear, regardless of the odds or consequences. Natural in attitude and appearance, he is tolerant of the show ring, hoping it is just the last stop before fox and field.
Right Breed For You?
| Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No | No |
| What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large | Medium |
| How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day | 1 hour a day |
| How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long | Short |
| How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day | Once a week |
| Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed | Does shed |
| What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either | Either |
| What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House | Small House |
| What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden | Small garden |
Breed Standard
 | General Appearance Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honourable scars permissible. |
| Characteristics Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds. |
| Temperament Bold and friendly. |
| Eyes Almond-shaped, fairly deep-set, dark, keen expression. |
| Mouth Jaws strong, muscular. Teeth with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. |
| Neck Clean, muscular, of good length, gradually widening to shoulders. |
| Forequarters Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back, cleanly cut at withers. Legs strong, must be straight with joints turning neither in nor out. Elbows close to body, working free of the sides. |
| Body Ribs not over-sprung. Chest of moderate depth, not to come below point of elbow, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average size hands. Back strong and straight. Loin slightly arched. Well balanced. Overall length slightly longer than height from withers to ground. |
| Hindquarters Strong, muscular with good angulation and bend of stifle. Hocks set low and rear pasterns parallel giving plenty of drive. |
| Feet Compact with firm pads, turning neither in nor out. |
| Tail Customarily docked. Docked: Length complimenting the body while providing a good handhold. Strong, straight, moderately high set, carried well up on the move. Undocked: Of moderate length and as straight as possible, giving a general balance to the dog, thick at the root and tapering towards the end. Moderately high set, carried well up on the move. |
| Gait / Movement Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honourable scars permissible. |
| Coat Naturally harsh, close and dense, whether rough or smooth. Belly and undersides coated. Skin must be thick and loose. |
| Colour Entirely white or predominantly white with tan, lemon or black markings, or any combination of these colours, preferably confined to the head and/or root of tail. |
| Size Ideal height: at withers: Dogs: 36 cms (14 ins); Bitches: 33 cms (13 ins). 2.5 cms (1 in) above or below is acceptable. |
Breed Photos
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