Parson Russell Terrier

Developed by Reverend John “Jack” Russell in the early 1800s in England, the Parson Russell Terrier was bred to bolt foxes for mounted hunts—fast, brave, and narrow enough to follow quarry underground. Over time, longer-legged, squarely built dogs were standardized for work above and below ground. Modern registries distinguish the Parson Russell Terrier (longer-legged, square) from the shorter-legged Russell Terrier and the broader “Jack Russell” type found in various working registries. Today, Parsons excel in performance sports and remain lively companions.

‍

A square, athletic terrier with keen expression and springy movement.

• Weight: ~13–17 lb (6–8 kg) typical
• Height: 12–15 in (30–38 cm) at the withers
• Coat Type: Double coat—smooth or broken (harsh, with light furnishings)
• Coat Colors: Predominantly white with black, tan, or tricolour markings; lemon/tan shading possible
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Long legs, narrow chest, V-shaped button ears, strong jaw, flexible body suited for going to ground, high tail carriage

‍

Low to moderate upkeep; broken coats need occasional hand-stripping.

• Brushing: Weekly (smooth) / 1–2× weekly (broken) to the skin
• Hand-Stripping: Broken coats every 8–12 weeks to maintain harsh texture and reduce shedding
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed (rinse after muddy adventures)
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Shedding: Moderate year-round (heavier if undercoat neglected)

‍

A high-drive, game little athlete that needs real outlets.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes (split walks + off-leash zooms in secure areas)
• Ideal Activities: Agility, flyball, earthdog/Go-to-Ground, scent/nose work, hiking, fetch
• Suitability: Great for active families; apartment life works with robust daily exercise and enrichment

‍

Smart, speedy, and independent—make it positive and purposeful.

• Approach: Reward-based training; short, varied sessions; channel chase instincts into games
• Focus Areas: Reliable recall around wildlife, impulse control (“leave it,” door manners), loose-leash walking, “quiet” on cue
• Management: Provide dig pits or sandbox; rotate puzzle feeders; crate/settle training for an off-switch
• Socialization: Early exposure to people, dogs, surfaces/sounds to balance boldness with manners

‍

Keep them lean to protect joints and maximize stamina.

• Food Type: High-quality small/medium-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~1–2 cups total, split into two meals (adjust to age/workload)
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; count training treats toward daily calories

‍

Choose health-tested lines and clear temperament support—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Prefer CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide DNA results (PLL/SCA), hip/patella/eye clearances, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Terrier and sport-dog rescues; breed clubs may run rehoming programs
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder directory; regional agility/earthdog clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training and networking

‍

Generally robust, but terrier-typical issues warrant screening.

• Common Issues: Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), late-onset ataxia (SCA), patellar luxation, hip dysplasia (occasional), cataracts, deafness (some lines), dental tartar
• Life Expectancy: 13–15 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): DNA for PLL and SCA, hips/patellas (OFA/FCI), ophthalmologist exams (CAER), hearing where indicated

‍

Are Parson Russell Terriers good apartment dogs?
With 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, enrichment, and bark training, yes.

Do Parson Russell Terriers shed?
Yes—moderate shedding. Broken coats shed less visibly when hand-stripped.

Are Parson Russell Terriers hypoallergenic?
No.

How much exercise do they need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily plus brain work (nose games, trick chains, agility).

Parson Russell vs Jack Russell vs Russell Terrier—what’s the difference?
Parson = longer-legged, square; Russell Terrier = shorter-legged; “Jack Russell” varies by working registry. Meet dogs and breeders to compare.

Do they bark or dig a lot?
They can—both are natural terrier outlets. Teach “quiet,” provide dig zones, and meet exercise needs.

Good with kids and other pets?
Affectionate with family; supervise with small pets due to prey drive and teach polite manners with young children.

How do I get a reliable recall?
Start on a long line, reward big, proof against wildlife gradually; integrate scent games to keep engagement high.

‍