The Parson Russell Terrier is a lively and spirited dog with a friendly nature, commonly found in many American families. Here’s everything you need to know about its history, care, and maintenance.

History of the Parson Russell Terrier

The British parson John Russell was a passionate hunter and dog breeder. Despite the enormous costs, he kept a pack of Foxhounds. He placed great importance on breeding dogs that could flush out the fox from its den and keep up with the horse. In Australia, thanks solely to these intelligent dogs, a fox plague was brought under control. Initially, the dogs were known as “Working Terriers,” but later, in honor of their breeder, they were named “Jack Russell Terrier.” The male Carlisle Tack was a particularly successful descendant of his dogs, who is now considered the progenitor of the Parson Russells.

Since the Terrier was bred purely for performance, there was no uniform appearance for a long time, and the dogs were rarely seen at shows. There was a broad size spectrum, from short-legged to tall-legged. Today, the FCI distinguishes between the two breeds, with the smaller one still called the Jack Russell Terrier and the larger one referred to as the Parson Russell Terrier. Since 2001, this larger type has been recognized as a separate breed and classified in FCI Group 3, Section 1 “Tall Terriers.” The Parson is hardly found as a hunting dog in the United States today and is popular among families.

Nature and Characteristics

The Parson Russell Terrier is a lively and spirited dog with great self-confidence. Like a typical Terrier, he is brave and independent. The dogs do not shy away from scuffles and tend to overestimate themselves, especially in disputes with larger counterparts. Generally, these small Terriers have a low threshold and react quickly, becoming agitated and loud.

With good socialization, Parsons get along with other dogs and animals without problems. They feel most comfortable in nature. They can be very stubborn and headstrong. Most Parsons have a pronounced hunting instinct, but you can manage it with enough consistency. Nevertheless, a typical Parson Terrier is very playful and gets along great with children.

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Acquiring a Parson Russell Terrier

What should I consider when buying?

Even though Terriers look so cute and are always friendly, don’t be fooled by their appearance. Before getting a Parson Russell Terrier, you must be aware that it is anything but a lap dog. The agile dog, with a life expectancy of up to 15 years, remains active throughout its life and needs activity. The dog needs a sporty person who can physically and mentally challenge it. A house with a large garden would be ideal; with sufficient exercise, an apartment is also okay.

For a purebred puppy from a breeder, you can expect to pay around $1,000. A great alternative is to adopt a poor Parson or mix from the animal shelter. However, a bit more experience with dogs may be beneficial here, as the dogs are usually already fully grown. For a small fee, you can give a new chance to an innocent animal in need.

Development and Training of the Puppy

The Parson Russell is very trainable and requires consistent training, especially in its early years. These spirited dogs test their boundaries, particularly during puppyhood, and need strict rules. If the dog doesn’t know who the pack leader is, it can quickly become dominant. Through rewards and loving treatment, you can show the puppy from the beginning what is allowed and what is not. The puppy appreciates any form of attention and enjoys working with its human companion. With dedication and time, even a novice can master this task, but some prior experience with dogs would be beneficial.

How to Care for a Parson Russell Terrier?

Activities with the Parson Russell Terrier:

The Parson Russell Terrier is a companion dog suitable for a wide range of activities. These dogs need plenty of exercise and enjoy going for walks in nature every day. You can easily take the Terrier hiking, jogging, or horseback riding with good training. It would be ideal to engage in dog sports where it can really let off steam. Activities like agility, as well as regular ball and search games, are suitable. In bad weather, you can keep the Parson entertained with intelligence toys or small tricks. Generally, make sure your dog is well-exercised and receives neither too much nor too little stimulation.

Health and Grooming

Generally, grooming the Terrier’s coat is not very problematic. Regular brushing and cleaning of dirt are sufficient. For wire-haired representatives of the breed, you should regularly trim them due to their three-layered coat. It’s best to pluck the excess hair gently by hand and avoid using clippers, as this can damage the coat’s structure. It’s also a good idea to accustom your dog early to regular checks of teeth, claws, and eyes.

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Interesting and Worth Knowing

Parson Russell Terrier in Film and Television:

The most well-known German Parson Russell Terrier is the male Kalle from the ZDF series “Da kommt Kalle” (Here Comes Kalle). The dog assists the Flensburg police in their investigations with its animal instincts. Throughout the series, seven dogs shared the role and enthralled a multitude of viewers from 2006 to 2011. In the Netherlands, the Parson became famous thanks to a particularly funny VW commercial. Here, a dog tries to imitate a car in a cute way.

Do you also have a Parson Russell Terrier or are you planning to get one soon? Tell me more in the comments!