Dog Breeds > Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier

The energy packed Parson Russell Terrier is a breed that can mostly be found in stables, exercising their alertness and endurance as a working terrier. They have an insatiable hunger for adventure and have strength and beaming confidence that is very characteristic of terriers. Highly active people will love having this guy in their home.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

Parson Russell Terrier is most commonly known in some countries as the Jack Russell terrier when mixed with Corgi and other terrier breeds. They were widely popular for hunting red fox in the mid-1800s, diving right into fox holes to “flush” them out of their hiding places. The Parson Russell Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier had a build that was perfect for such an activity.

Physical Appearance

A fully grown Parson Russell Terrier can measure up to a height of 14 inches, and generally weigh about 13-17 lbs. They have medium build and bones, making them moderately sturdy dogs that can keep up with the speed their energy would naturally demand of them. Their coat color is generally white with a mix of black, grizzle and brown markings that is oftentimes a tri-color mix, and is double-coated like most terriers.

Grooming

Their hard, wiry coat should be brushed occasionally throughout the week to keep it from matting and from old hair building up and clumping. Since the Parson Russell Terrier is regularly the outdoorsy type, their grooming should not be much of a concern. If they are the stay in door types, however, they may be bathed when necessary.

Mood

The Parson Russell Terrier is one of the most courageous among the terrier breeds, and this always comes with a sense of adventure and spirit that can rarely be found in other dogs. Since diving in holes is in their genes, they tend to dig and go through passageways and consider this a type of sport. They are highly devoted to their masters and show affection without hesitation. You might find this merry little guy jumping and running around, greeting other dogs with their playfulness. They love toys and almost anything new that they consider something to hunt. Needless to say, smaller animals should be kept away from the Parson Russell Terrier.

With Children

The Parson Russell Terrier is generally very friendly with kids, and loves the prospect of having someone throw a ball and basically have someone to play with regularly. They are very loyal dogs and will not leave your child hanging when it comes to playing, unless something highly distracting comes up and the dog’s attention is gravitated to a chase.

Training & Exercise

The Parson Russell Terrier has energy levels that go through the roof, and need constant periods of exercise if they are not given freedom to go outside and look for amusement and adventure themselves. These terriers can fall under Small Dog Syndrome when it comes to training, and will need a constant stream of commands to follow when they are being taught. Being firm and gentle will catch this dog’s attention and, as they are very intelligent, they will no doubt be good trained dogs with dominant and gentle training.

Health & Life Expectancy

Parson Russell Terriers live up to about 15 years. A health concern that comes with age that should be watched out for would be blindness, as this breed can get glaucoma.

Dog Breeds by Grouping | Dog Breeds A - F | Dog Breeds G - N | Dog Breeds O - Z