The Parson Russell terrier is a small dog breed from England with a short double coat and a big personality. Originally bred to hunt foxes, these terriers have instant appeal thanks to their petite size and lively expressions. They make excellent pets—if you can stay one step ahead of these clever little dogs who can be independent thinkers and strong-willed.
Learn more about the playful and spirited Parson Russell terrier and decide if this is the dog for you.
Group: Terrier
Height: 13 to 14 inches
Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
Coat: Smooth or rough short double coat
Coat Color: Solid white or white with markings in black, tan, or both (known as tri-color)
Life Span: 15 to 18 years
Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, bold, playful, lively
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: England
If you're a big personality looking for a pet that can say the same, the Parson Russell terrier might be a great match. Small in stature but big on energy, they'll bring a lively enthusiasm to any activity you involve them in, from tug of war to a day in the dog park. They're affectionate towards family members but often have too much energy to cuddle for long. And although they're not known as excessive barkers, they'll probably bark to alert you to any activity outside the house.
The history of the Parson Russell terrier traces back to England in the 1800s. Parson John Russell, a minister and avid English sportsman, began a selective breeding program to create a smaller foxhound that could keep up with foxes on the hunt and easily "go to ground" to pursue the swift creatures into their underground burrows and flush them out. These dogs had sufficient stature to run with larger foxhounds across the English countryside but a flexible frame and slight enough build to squeeze into foxholes and bay the fox from its hiding place.
Russell died in 1883, but the legacy of his small but mighty hunters would live on. People began to use the term 'Jack Russell terrier' to describe a wide range of small working terriers and hounds. However, some breed enthusiasts felt that the term Jack Russell terrier was being applied too liberally to an increasingly diverse pool of terriers, many of which had shorter legs and a longer back than the standard to which Russell developed his breed.
Arthur Heinemann created the first breed standard for the Jack Russell terrier in 1904. A decade later, he would found the Parson Jack Russell Terrier Club in England which aimed to keep the breed true to the type and vision that Parson John Russell worked so hard to develop. In 1985, the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America was founded. Then in 1990, England’s Kennel Club recognized the Parson Jack Russell terrier as a variant of the fox terrier and adopted a 14-inch standard for the breed. Later, the AKC gave the Jack Russell terrier registration status in 1997.
Today, you won’t find Jack Russell terriers in the list of AKC-recognized breeds. Why not? In 2003, the AKC changed the breed’s official name to Parson Russell terrier to better identify the breed's specific characteristics. The Jack Russell Terrier Association of America changed its identity to match, becoming the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. This change wasn’t unanimous among the small working terrier community who felt strongly that the breed's intent and emphasis should be on working ability. They kept the original name and The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America maintains its own breed standard and registry.
Today, the Parson Russell terrier is known as a long-legged and sturdy hunter. Some say that this strain of working terrier has a higher drive and intensity than the Jack Russell terrier. Advocates for both Parson Russell terriers and Jack Russell terriers claim that their type is a truer representation of what Parson John Russell intended for his dogs—a small but mighty hunter.
When it comes to caring for a Parson Russell terrier, make no mistake about it—these small dogs involve a big commitment. Equipped with seemingly endless energy and an inquisitive, intelligent nature, this dog breed is always on the go. For this reason, they often make good pets in homes with children, since they’ll gladly play for hours. However, it’s important to teach kids how to treat the dog with respect. Fortunately, the Parson Russell terrier's grooming needs are fairly routine.
Parson Russell terriers are high-energy dogs who need plenty of exercise—several solid walks or a run daily. Once they’ve reached adulthood, this long-legged dog makes a compact jogging partner. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, Parson Russell terriers can be high-strung and may resort to destructive behavior.
These pint-sized canines excel in several types of canine competitions. Aside from plenty of success in the show ring, Parson Russell terriers have enjoyed top honors in canine agility, dock diving, go-to-ground trials, and barn hunts. Such activities are a great way to bond with your dog while also giving this breed an outlet for his intensity and drive.
Though the training and care of this dog breed are anything but low maintenance, the grooming routine is. Parson Russells are moderate shedders but may shed more seasonally. This dog’s short, coarse coat just needs an occasional rub with a grooming mitt to keep it in order. Occasional baths will keep dander in check and odors away, but it’s not needed on a routine basis. Trim your dog's nails as needed, brush their teeth regularly, and be sure to keep the ears clean.
The Parson Russell terrier is not generally recommended for first-time dog owners or families who cannot dedicate the time and attention to detailed training. In addition to the breed’s abundant energy, the terrier personality often manifests itself in a stubborn or independent streak. Pet parents should use consistent positive reinforcement training to provide structure and guidance. The Parson Russell terrier is not known for being overly shy or timid but still benefits from a positive, firm approach.
Keeping in mind the breed’s origin helps shed more light on its personality, although each individual dog is different. Initially bred to work with a pack, the Parson Russell terrier is usually compatible with other dogs. Aggressiveness or a quarrelsome nature were viewed as undesirable traits and were avoided in the early breeding program.
The Parson Russell terrier generally enjoys a long life—up to 15 or more years, with few major health concerns. However, to help ensure the heartiness of the breed, responsible breeders screen for hereditary health issues such as eye problems, deafness, and more.
Some of the most common health problems affecting this breed include:
The Parson Russell terrier is an active dog breed that will do best on a quality high-protein dog food. Don’t let these little dogs become overweight; limit meals to twice a day and keep treats in check. Remember, too, that this agile breed is capable of jumping up to surprising heights, so don’t leave your dinner table or any snacks unattended.
If you’re looking for a Parson Russell terrier, you might want to begin your search with rescue groups. The energy and enthusiasm of the breed sometimes results in unprepared owners surrendering these dogs. However, if you know what to expect from a Parson Russell terrier, you might find your new best friend waiting at a rescue.
There are also a number of breeders of Parson Russell terriers throughout the United States. Both the breed club and the AKC are good resources to identify potential breeders.
The Parson Russell terrier is small yet mighty, clever, and extremely active. These dogs thrive in active households where they have plenty of opportunity to run, play, and explore.
The Parson Russell terrier is an energetic breed that requires considerable time and training, but rewards you with abundant love and a long lifespan. If you're considering a Parson Russell terrier, do your research to ensure that you have what it takes to keep this small and spunky dog happy and healthy.
If you're interested in similar breeds, check out:
There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!
The Parson Russell terrier shares a common origin and many similarities with the Jack Russell terrier, but today they are considered two distinct breeds. The Parson Russell terrier conforms to a more specific body type and breed standard, while the Jack Russell terrier includes a broader range of possibilities. However, the personality and drive of both breeds remain similar.
With this breed’s energy requirements in mind, it’s important to note that their small size may seem well-suited to apartment life, but their exercise needs are supersized by comparison. Of course, there are happy, healthy PRTs that are city dwellers, but you need to be prepared to give this type of dog a regular, active outlet if you plan to keep him in an apartment.
Yes! As long as your family understands the care and needs of owning a Parson Russell terrier, they can be great family dogs. They are a high-energy and playful breed, so owners with young children will keep them busy and entertained. As with any dog, it's important to teach children how to safely and carefully handle your Parson Russel terrier for the safety of both humans and animals.
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