# Parson Russell Terrier

Also known as: Parson Jack Russell Terrier
- **Group:** Terrier (FCI group 3)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** United Kingdom
- **Height:** 33–36 cm
- **Weight:** 5.9–7.7 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 13–14 years
- **Temperament:** Feisty, Energetic, Playful, Tenacious, Affectionate
- **FCI standard:** No. 339

A leggy, mostly white English terrier descended from the Reverend Jack Russell's fox-hunting dogs, bred to a tighter size standard than the Jack Russell and full of lively, bold energy.

## Overview

The Parson Russell Terrier is a small, square-built white terrier and the show-ring version of the Jack Russell type. It carries the long legs and clear outline that once let it keep pace with hounds.

It is a bright, busy companion that thrives on activity and sports, and it does best with owners who can match its drive and give it plenty to do.

## History

The breed traces back to the Reverend John Russell, who in 1819 bought a small white and tan terrier bitch called Trump and built a breeding programme around her. By the 1850s these dogs were seen as a distinct kind of fox terrier.

A breed club formed in 1894 wrote the first standard, and the dogs shared a history with the Jack Russell until the 1980s. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1990, renamed it Parson Russell Terrier in 1999, and the FCI followed in 2001.

## Appearance

This is a square, balanced dog with a flat skull, a black nose and small V-shaped drop ears folded forward. The chest is deep enough that two hands can span it behind the elbows, which judges check in the show ring.

It stands about 33 to 36 cm tall and weighs roughly 6 to 8 kg. The coat is mostly white with black, tan or tricolour markings and may be smooth, rough or broken.

## Temperament

Parsons are feisty, tenacious and brave, yet exuberant, playful and affectionate at home. They love a job and shine in flyball and agility.

They usually get along with children who handle them kindly and with other dogs and horses, though they will not put up with rough treatment and show typical terrier determination.

## Care and exercise

Plan on vigorous daily exercise and mental work, because a bored Parson can become noisy and destructive. A secure garden fence is wise, as they love to dig and chase.

The weather-resistant coat is easy to look after with regular brushing and an occasional hand-strip for rough coats. Early socialisation and consistent, positive training keep their strong will in check.

## Health

Eye problems are the main concern, notably primary lens luxation, juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy. Deafness, patella luxation and an inherited ataxia seen in Russell terriers also occur. DNA and eye testing of breeding stock is advised.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 5
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/parson-russell-terrier
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parson_Russell_Terrier · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38880
Photo: Alephalpha (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:05052881_PRT_braun_rau.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.