Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is the longer-legged working fox terrier bred by the Reverend John Russell, and a separate breed from the Jack Russell.

History

Russell, a Devon parson and hunting man, bred terriers from the 1810s that could run with the hounds and then go to ground — which required leg length the shorter working terriers lacked. The taller type was recognised as the Parson Russell; the shorter, longer-backed dogs kept the Jack Russell name. The distinction is about proportion, not pedigree.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bold, tireless and clever, affectionate with its people and utterly focused on anything that runs or burrows.

Care and training

It needs far more exercise and occupation than its size suggests, and secure fencing, because it digs and hunts. Training needs variety and consistency. Coats come in smooth, rough and broken, and all need little.

Health

Generally robust and long-lived, with lens luxation, patellar luxation and deafness in some heavily white lines among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.