Parson Russell Terrier:Key Characteristics of Parson Russell Terrier Dog Breed

Group: Terrier

Also Known As: Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Hunt Terrier

About Parson Russell Terrier

Origin The Parson Russell Terrier is descended from early white-bodied fox-working Terriers used in the hunt field. Once listed as Jack Russell Terrier but now is its own separate breed

Description

This breed is small, rugged, well-balanced, compact, flexible and athletic dog. White (at least 51%) with reddish black, tan, or brown markings, especially in the head and tail. The skull is flat between the ears, then tapering. The nose is black and the almond-shaped eyes are dark. The v-shaped button ears fold forward. The docked tail is carried gaily and set fairly high.

Coat

Comes in smooth, broken, and wire-haired varieties. The broken coat is a cross of rough and smooth coat - long body hair, a slightly fuzzy face and a smooth head.

Height: 12-14 inches (31-36 cm)

Weight: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg)

Temperament of the Breed

The Parson Russell Terrier is a perky, alert, bold, energetic, intelligent, willful, determined, spirited, careful, amusing, playful, obedient, fearless, merry, devoted, and loving dog. They are friendly and generally kind to children. The Parson Russell can be aggressive with other dogs if not well trained and socialized. They have strong hunting instincts and should not be trusted with other small animals. They like to chase, explore, bark, climb, jump and dig.

Living Conditions

The Parson Russell Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. If the Parson is kept in an apartment, the dog should have a person home with it during the day unless the dog is crate trained. If leaving the Parson home all day while one works, leaving a radio or TV on and/or having a playmate for your Terrier is suggested, as the Parsons are very social creatures.

Exercise & Training

They need to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk. In addition, he will be in his glory with space to run, hunt and play. The owner better expect to get some exercise or be pestered to death for belly rubs and tug of war games when he/she gets home. They can be slightly difficult to train and need a firm, experienced trainer. Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well trained. They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised. Many dogs of this breed excel in activities such as obedience, agility, conformation, and earthdog.

Grooming

Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. To show, owners must strip the coat. Like the rough coat, the broken coated Parson needs to be stripped out also.

Health Issues

Some are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, hereditary cataracts, primary lens luxation, congenital deafness, medial patellar luxation, cerebellar ataxia, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, myasthenia gravis, atopy, and von Willebrand's disease, deafness, Legg Perthes-a disease of the hip joints of small breeds of dogs.

Life Expectancy: 15 years and more

Breed Club: www.prtaa.org/

Rescue Link: www.prtaa.org/rescue.html