Dog Breeds - Parson Russell Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
Some dog breeds display a reserved nature offering their affection primarily to their owner, whereas others act as if every familiar face is their closest ally. While certain breeds may seem distant only showing warmth towards their particular human, there are breeds that exude enthusiasm and friendliness towards all acquaintances.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of a dog breed's patience with the antics of children and its congeniality as a family pet can range widely. Regardless of a breed’s known tolerance adult oversight is critical when dogs interact with young children or any child not accustomed to being around dogs to ensure safety and positive experiences for both the dog and the children.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a dog breed towards other dogs can vary significantly. While supervision during canine meetings is always wise, some breeds naturally exhibit a more amicable disposition when mingling with their peers, whether during casual encounters in the park or within the home environment.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of shedding one can anticipate from a dog breed plays a big role in grooming needs. High shedding breeds typically demand more frequent brushing to manage their loose fur, may be more likely to aggravate allergies and often necessitate more regular house cleaning routines, including vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep their fur in check.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming demands of a dog breed, encompassing bathing, brushing, trimming and additional coat care, can vary substantially. When assessing the level of grooming effort necessary, it's essential to take into account your availability, patience and grooming budget. Keep in mind that regardless of breed, regular nail trims are a must for all dogs to maintain their health and comfort.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
A breed's propensity to drool can be an important consideration particularly if you prefer a tidier living environment. For those who cringe at the thought of slobber trails on their arms or damp patches on clothing, opting for a breed with a lower inclination to drool might be more in line with your lifestyle and preference for cleanliness.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
A breed's inherent disposition towards strangers can range from cautious and reserved to effusively welcoming. While certain breeds may consistently exhibit restraint or wariness in the presence of unfamiliar people, regardless of the setting, others might demonstrate boundless enthusiasm and friendliness upon encountering a new person delighting in the opportunity to make a new human acquaintance.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds possess a heightened instinct to alert their owners about the presence of strangers responding to any perceived disturbance, whether it's a postal worker or a squirrel scampering near the window. These vigilant breeds often warm up quickly to newcomers once they observe their family welcoming the stranger into their home, indicating that there is no threat.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
A breed's adaptability to change can greatly vary. Some dogs are remarkably flexible, adjusting with ease to shifts in living situations, noise levels, weather and alterations in their daily routines. Conversely, other breeds might require a more consistent environment and could exhibit stress or discomfort when confronted with significant changes to their accustomed way of life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Training your dog can be a smooth process and their openness to learning new tricks varies across breeds. Some are naturally inclined to please their owners, while others march to the beat of their own drum, showing independence in their actions anytime, anywhere.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Different breeds demand varying levels of physical activity and mental challenge. High-energy dogs are always on the move eagerly anticipating their next quest and actively engaging in running, jumping and playing all day long. On the flip side, lower-energy breeds are the epitome of relaxation perfectly satisfied to sprawl out and drift into sleep.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
This breed's tendency to vocalize, whether through barks or howls can range significantly. Some are quick to sound off with each passer-by or bird at the window, while others are more selective barking only in distinct circumstances. Even the breeds known for not barking have their unique ways of being vocally expressive.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental engagement necessary for a dog breed to maintain its joy and well-being can vary significantly. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles may need tasks that involve making choices, solving puzzles, focusing intently, among other cognitive activities. If these intelligent canines don't get sufficient mental stimulation, they'll inevitably find ways to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, the activities they come up with on their own might not exactly align with what you'd consider ideal or desirable.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

Some dog breeds display a reserved nature offering their affection primarily to their owner, whereas others act as if every familiar face is their closest ally. While certain breeds may seem distant only showing warmth towards their particular human, there are breeds that exude enthusiasm and friendliness towards all acquaintances.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree of a dog breed's patience with the antics of children and its congeniality as a family pet can range widely. Regardless of a breed’s known tolerance adult oversight is critical when dogs interact with young children or any child not accustomed to being around dogs to ensure safety and positive experiences for both the dog and the children.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent sociability of a dog breed towards other dogs can vary significantly. While supervision during canine meetings is always wise, some breeds naturally exhibit a more amicable disposition when mingling with their peers, whether during casual encounters in the park or within the home environment.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of shedding one can anticipate from a dog breed plays a big role in grooming needs. High shedding breeds typically demand more frequent brushing to manage their loose fur, may be more likely to aggravate allergies and often necessitate more regular house cleaning routines, including vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep their fur in check.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming demands of a dog breed, encompassing bathing, brushing, trimming and additional coat care, can vary substantially. When assessing the level of grooming effort necessary, it's essential to take into account your availability, patience and grooming budget. Keep in mind that regardless of breed, regular nail trims are a must for all dogs to maintain their health and comfort.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

A breed's propensity to drool can be an important consideration particularly if you prefer a tidier living environment. For those who cringe at the thought of slobber trails on their arms or damp patches on clothing, opting for a breed with a lower inclination to drool might be more in line with your lifestyle and preference for cleanliness.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

A breed's inherent disposition towards strangers can range from cautious and reserved to effusively welcoming. While certain breeds may consistently exhibit restraint or wariness in the presence of unfamiliar people, regardless of the setting, others might demonstrate boundless enthusiasm and friendliness upon encountering a new person delighting in the opportunity to make a new human acquaintance.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds possess a heightened instinct to alert their owners about the presence of strangers responding to any perceived disturbance, whether it's a postal worker or a squirrel scampering near the window. These vigilant breeds often warm up quickly to newcomers once they observe their family welcoming the stranger into their home, indicating that there is no threat.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

A breed's adaptability to change can greatly vary. Some dogs are remarkably flexible, adjusting with ease to shifts in living situations, noise levels, weather and alterations in their daily routines. Conversely, other breeds might require a more consistent environment and could exhibit stress or discomfort when confronted with significant changes to their accustomed way of life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Training your dog can be a smooth process and their openness to learning new tricks varies across breeds. Some are naturally inclined to please their owners, while others march to the beat of their own drum, showing independence in their actions anytime, anywhere.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Different breeds demand varying levels of physical activity and mental challenge. High-energy dogs are always on the move eagerly anticipating their next quest and actively engaging in running, jumping and playing all day long. On the flip side, lower-energy breeds are the epitome of relaxation perfectly satisfied to sprawl out and drift into sleep.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental engagement necessary for a dog breed to maintain its joy and well-being can vary significantly. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles may need tasks that involve making choices, solving puzzles, focusing intently, among other cognitive activities. If these intelligent canines don't get sufficient mental stimulation, they'll inevitably find ways to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, the activities they come up with on their own might not exactly align with what you'd consider ideal or desirable.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Markings	002
Brown Markings	022
Cream Markings	044
Tri Color Markings	024
Tan Markings	012

About The Breed

The Parson Russell Terrier is an audacious and quick-witted breed, agile enough to keep pace with horses and brave enough to burrow into dens to drive a fox out of hiding. Known for their independent nature and penchant for creative problem-solving, Parson Russell Terriers sometimes follow their own unique strategies in situations. These terriers stand tall at 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and tip the scales at 13 to 17 pounds when they're in top-notch condition. With their predominantly white coats and a well-proportioned physique, they possess the delightful charm of a live-action plush toy. Yet, their sweet appearance is deceiving, these are sturdy terriers bred for the rigorous demands of traditional English foxhunting. Parson Russell Terriers are nimble-footed companions capable of keeping up with hounds and unreservedly ready to excavate terrains to flush out a fox from its burrow.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Parson Russell Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The vast majority of Parson Russell Terriers are the picture of health with conscientious breeders diligently checking their breeding dogs for health issues. These can include patellar luxation (which is a condition where the kneecaps can become dislocated), inherited deafness, late onset ataxia, as well as spinocerebellar ataxia and a variety of eye conditions. When considering a puppy, prospective owners should not hesitate to request proof of health clearances for both the pup's mother and father. This certification is a key indicator of the breeder's commitment to the breed's wellbeing and prospective puppy health. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation BAER Testing Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Parson Russell Terrier comes in two distinct coat varieties, the sleek smooth type and the textured broken or rough coat. Each type needs regular grooming, the smooth benefits from the use of a dense brush or a hound glove, while the rough coat is best maintained with a pin or slicker brush. For rough coats, occasional plucking or trimming is necessary to prevent the longer hairs from tangling and matting. Generally, a monthly bath will suffice for these spirited dogs but if your Parson gives in to his natural instincts and takes to a bit of mud-larking, more frequent washing may be in order. As part of his grooming routine, this terrier's nails should be clipped monthly to keep them at a healthy length and his ears should receive weekly attention to check for and remove any accumulated dirt or wax buildup, cleaning them as appropriate.

Exercise

	Parson Russell Terriers embody the essence of lively and warm companionship, brimming with an infectious enthusiasm for life and a constant readiness to be part of any game or adventure. These terriers pack a lot of energy and are driven by innate hunting urges thanks to their intense prey drive, it's wise to keep them on a leash during walks to prevent them from giving in to their chasing instincts. For a Parson, the perfect day might include an invigorating trek through the forest, indulging their curiosity in every nook and cranny and savoring the scents around every tree. Back at home, playtime in the yard serves as another excellent way to channel their vitality. Parsons are best matched with individuals who lead an active lifestyle and seek a canine friend to share in their daily activities. Without regular interaction and exercise, a Parson Russell Terrier is not one to be content with solitude or inactivity for extended periods.

Training

	Educating a Parson Russell Terrier demands steady guidance, a gentle tone and a healthy dose of good humor. These bright and spirited pups exude a vivacious cheer but can lose interest swiftly, hence it's crucial to make training engaging and dynamic. Utilizing positive reinforcement techniques that emphasize praise and treats to reward good behavior often leads to the most successful outcomes. With their innate agility, briskness and smarts, Parson Russells excel in dog sports that harness these traits. Moreover, when introduced to various social situations from a young age, they can be delightful companions for children, although it's important to note that they have their limits and won't stand for rough treatment.

Nutrition

	A Parson Russell Terrier thrives on a diet of high-quality dog food, whether it's a commercial brand or a home-cooked meal crafted under the guidance and endorsement of your vet. It's essential to choose a diet tailored to the life stage of your dog, be it a puppy, an adult or a senior. These terriers may have a tendency to gain excess weight, so it's crucial to keep an eye on their calorie intake and overall weight condition. While treats are incredibly useful for training, moderation is key to prevent the potential for weight gain. Becoming familiar with which human foods are safe for canine consumption and which are not is also beneficial. If you're ever in doubt about your Parson Russell Terrier's dietary needs or weight management, consulting your veterinarian is always a good move. And, of course ensure that your dog has access to clean fresh water at all times.

Historiography

In the verdant landscapes of southern England during the 19th century, the Parson Russell Terrier came into existence, bred specifically for the sport of fox hunting both on the surface and in subterranean realms. This dog breed inherited its name from the enthusiastic Reverend John 'The Sporting Parson' Russell, whose twin devotions were his ecclesiastical duties and his fervent passion for developing a line of exceptional hunting canines. His terriers were outstanding for their teamwork with the foxhounds ingeniously trailing the elusive fox. Reverend Russell instilled in them a knack for autonomy and on-the-spot thinking, a trait that is still prevalent in today's Parson Russell Terriers, often leading them to adopt their unique methods in various scenarios.