Introduction to Parson Russell Terriers
Parson Russell terriers are friendly, clever, fast, and fearless dogs. These small dogs have big personalities and make wonderful household pets. If you are looking for a playful pup to join you on adventures, a Parson Russell terrier might be the perfect dog for you.
In this Healthy Paws breed guide, we explore everything you need to know about Parson Rusell terriers before purchasing or adopting one and integrating a new pet into your home.
Size of Parson Russell Terriers
A Parson Russell terrier will weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. They typically stop gaining weight before their first birthdays. There are only minimal differences between the weights of males and females.
On average, females stand about 13 inches tall, and males are 14 inches tall. However, these terriers can be as short as 12 inches and as tall as 15 inches.
Here’s how big you can expect your Parson Russell terrier to get as the dog grows from puppyhood to adulthood:
| Weight Chart | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months |
| Average male and female Parson Russell terriers | 11.5 lbs. | 15 lbs. | 15 lbs. |
Characteristics of Parson Russell Terriers
The most identifiable characteristics of a Parson Russell terrier are energetic, active, intelligent, confident, and bold. These dogs require substantial exercise and mental stimulation daily. They are smart dogs that are quite trainable; however, they can also be stubborn and independent. Because they were initially bred for hunting, Parson Russell terriers are fearless dogs that may challenge larger dogs and get themselves into trouble.
As you get to know a Parson Russell terrier’s personality, here’s what you can expect based on the breed characteristics:
| Breed Characteristic | Level (High, Medium, Low) |
| Affectionate with People | High |
| Good with Kids | High |
| Good with Pets | High |
| Need for Exercise | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence Level | High |
| Able to Be Trained | Medium |
| Amount of Barking | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of Parson Russell Terriers
The breed is named after a pastor, Reverend John “The Sporting Parson” Russell. He was passionate about his ministry and breeding dogs in the 1800s in South England.
His goal was to create a breed that excelled at fox hunting above and below ground. He wanted the dogs to be excellent problem-solvers and independent-minded to outsmart the witty foxes. At that time in history, fox hunting was the sport of kings and a beloved local tradition.
In 1914, Arthur Heinemann created the Parson Jack Russell Terrier Club after writing the first breed standard for the dogs a decade earlier. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1997. In 2003, the AKC changed the breed’s official name from Jack Russell terrier to Parson Russell terrier to more accurately describe the breed’s characteristics according to its lineage.
Parson Russell Terrier Standard Information
According to the official standard of the Parson Russell Terrier, this dog has a ready attitude, balanced size, medium bone structure, and a weatherproof coat. In a show ring, these dogs are not prejudiced for scars and injuries that result from hunting and honorable work.
Here is an overview of the breed standard information for Parson Russell terriers:
Head:
- Keen and intelligent expression
- Almond-shaped, dark eyes
- Small, V-shaped ears of moderate thickness
- Flat skull with muzzle and back skull parallel
- Strong and rectangular muzzle
- Black, fully pigmented nose
- Perfect scissor bite for teeth
Neck, Topline, Body:
- Clean and muscular neck that’s moderately arched
- Strong, straight, and level topline
- Square and balanced body
- Docked tail so tip is level with skull
Forequarters:
- Shoulders are long and sloping
- Elbows are perpendicular to the body
- Legs and strong and straight
- Pasterns are firm and nearly straight
- Feet are round, compact, and cat-like
- Pads are thick and tough
Hindquarters:
- Hocks are near the ground and parallel
- Hindquarters have good angulation and stifle bend
- Feet are the same as in the front
Coat:
- Smooth or broken coat
- Double coat with a good sheen
- Naturally harsh and dense
- Show in natural appearance, not excessively groomed
- No sculptured furnishings
Color:
- White, white with tan or black markings, or a tri-color combination
- Body markings are not faulted as long as the dog is mostly white
- Grizzle is acceptable, but not brindle markings
Gait:
- Tireless, ground-covering trot
- Good reach in front and plenty of drive in the back
- Straight action in front and rear
Caring for Parson Russell Terriers
Bringing a Parson Russell terrier into your home requires substantial time and commitment. These dogs have nonstop energy and are always on the go. They do well in households with kids and other pets to entertain them.
Grooming is relatively straightforward, and obedience and agility training go well with consistency and positive reinforcement. Parson Russell terriers are adaptable dogs but do best with active families and plenty of time to play and exercise.
Here are some general tips for taking the best care of a Parson Russell terrier:
Best Living Environments:
- Homes with fenced yards for playtime
- Households with kids and other pets
- Active families that spend plenty of time with pets
Type of Exercise:
- Several long walks or runs daily
- Jogging with family members
- Hiking on trails
- About 75 minutes of activity daily
Mental Enrichment:
- Canine agility training
- Go-to-ground trials
- Barn hunts
- Dock diving
- Dog shows and competitions
Training Strategies:
- Early socialization and training needed
- Not the best breed for first-time pet parents
- Use positive reinforcement training
- Bred to be compatible with other dogs and work in a pack
Grooming Tips:
- Moderate shedders
- Shed more seasonally
- Only occasional baths needed
- Rub the short coat with a grooming mitt
- Brush teeth daily
- Trim nails as needed
- Check and clean ears regularly
Common Health Problems of Parson Russell Terriers
Parson Russell terriers are generally healthy dogs with a long life span of 13 to 15 years. Responsible breeders check their dogs for common health conditions, including loose kneecaps, eye disorders, congenital deafness, and late-onset ataxia (incoordination). The national breed club recommends that these dogs undergo Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response testing for hearing, patella (knee) evaluations, and ophthalmologist evaluations.
These are some of the most common health issues that arise with Parson Russell terriers:
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (hereditary hip joint deformity)
- Lens luxation (eye lens deterioration)
- Ataxia (impacts the brain, spine, and inner ear)
- Patellar luxation (slipped kneecap)
Diet and Nutrition for Parson Russell Terriers
The average Parson Russell terrier needs about one cup of dry dog food daily. Very active adult dogs may need up to 1.75 cups daily. The average cost of feeding this dog is a dollar or less daily.
Select a diet that is formulated specifically for small-breed dogs. Diets for small-breed dogs are dense in calories to account for these dogs’ high metabolism.
Split food into two daily meals and limit treats to keep your dog’s weight in check. These agile dogs are excellent jumpers, so you won’t want to leave human food sitting out on the countertops for them to access.
Where to Adopt or Purchase Parson Russell Terriers
If you are interested in a pure Parson Russell Terrier and want to purchase one from a reputable breeder, the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America is a good place to start. The organization offers a breeder directory and puppy-buying guide.
If you would rather adopt a Parson Russell terrier from a shelter, various online resources are available. Adopt a Pet, Rescue Pledge, and Petfinder are resources to check if your area has adoptable dogs.
Related Breeds
If you love what you’ve been learning about Parson Russell terriers based on their breed characteristics and temperament, you might also want to consider similar and related dog breeds.
Here are some other types of dogs that might remind you of the Parson Russell terrier:
- Jagdterrier
- Danish-Swedish farmdog
- Smooth fox terrier
Pet Insurance for Parson Russell Terriers
Once you bring a lovable Parson Russell terrier into your life, you’ll surely want to take the very best care of your pup during all phases and stages. One of the most proactive things you can do as a new pet parent is to sign your dog up for pet health insurance with Healthy Paws.
Our Parson Russell terrier insurance helps you pay high-cost vet bills if your pup is involved in an accident or becomes sick. Our easy-to-understand dog insurance plan covers hereditary and congenital conditions, chronic conditions, cancer, emergency and specialty hospitals, alternative care, and more. You can learn more dog care tips on our Healthy Paws blog.
If you’re ready to see your rates for Parson Russell terrier insurance, please enter a few basic details about your pet on our quote page.
