Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is a breed that was developed in the early 19th century to flush the red fox out of its den during the hunt. It was bred specifically to follow along with the hunt behind the Fox Hounds, whose job it was to pick up a scent and track the fox. The little white Parson Russell Terriers then went into the den to flush or "bolt"� the quarry so that the hunt could continue. These dogs were not expected to ever kill a fox and thus end the day's sport, but to flush it without harming it. The Parson Russell of today exhibits many of the same traits. It is intelligent, eager, and energetic. It is a small dog, standing 13 to 14 inches at the shoulder. It is very sturdy and of medium bone. Its coat, which may be either smooth, broken or rough, is double and coarse. It is white or grizzle, with areas of tan and/or black. The eyes are bright, dark and almond-shaped, and the nose is always black. Ears are of medium length and droop. The Reverend John Russell was an Englishman of noble birth who gained considerable fame in his own time as a huntsman. Born in the southern English county of Devonshire in 1795, "Parson"� Jack was reared in a fox-hunting family and grew accomplished in the sport. He took the habit of training many small white fox terriers during the hunt for bolting the fox. Over time, he worked to breed the perfect fox hunting terrier, possessing the precise conformation to go speedily underground after the fox, the temperament to do the job with enthusiasm and fearlessness, the endurance to chase all day long, a coat to deflect wet weather, and the color to make it easily to spot in the excitement of the hunt. In 1819 he acquired a terrier called "Trump"� who fit the bill and became the ancestor for his signature terrier type, which during his lifetime became known as the Parson Russell Terrier. After Russell's death in 1883, fanciers of the Parson Russell Terriers began to experiment further with their breeding. Some lines were crossed with Corgis and other terrier breeds, resulting in working terriers that, while able to perform well in the hunt, sometimes bore little physical resemblance to the dog envisioned and so carefully developed by their namesake. Regardless, they were also known as Jack Russell Terriers. (A third fox terrier of the time developed into the Fox Terrier that we know today.) Controversy over which variant of the dog was better continued for a century, and finally both the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club came to recognize the Jack Russell Terrier as a breed separate from the Parson Russell Terrier. Today the American dog show community considers the Jack Russell Terrier to be bred for work, and the Parson Russell Terrier bred for show. Fanciers of the Parson Russell Terrier point out that the breed type they have worked so hard to preserve is in fact the one that most closely matches descriptions of the unique terrier type developed by Russell himself. And they are different, not only in appearance but in temperament. The Parson Russell Terrier is a few inches taller, has longer legs, and a slightly different body type. The Parson Russell Terrier was officially recognized by name by the AKC in 1997. The Parson Russell Terrier is not a dog for the faint of heart. It is the most energetic of terriers a tiny fireball of energy that must be expended with the help of a patient and creative owner. Its quick little mind works as fast as its body, and must be given something to chew on. The Parson Russell will not do well in an apartment. This breed will need daily walks or other vigorous workout. A fenced back yard must be very secure: the Parson Russell will climb, and will also dig under the fence. The coat of the Parson Russell requires little care. This dog, when it has a smooth coat, is a moderate shedder; the dog in a broken or coarse coat is a minimal shedder. It will rarely need bathing, since its coat sheds dirt and water easily. A strong terrier brush should be used a few times a week to pull out dead hair and keep shedding in the house to a minimum. The Parson Russell Terrier is a relatively healthy breed. Occasionally, deafness will appear and so breeding stock should be tested and certified as having been tested, with the BAER evaluation. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can also show up in this breed, another condition which can be tested for and avoided with careful breeding programs. Some individuals present with patellar luxation. This breed is very intelligent and needs to learn regularly to remain content and balanced in temperament. The owner is advised to engage the dog in obedience training early to establish good manners and establish control as a handler. The Parson Russell Terrier is strong-willed and bold, and can be susceptible to Small Dog Syndrome without proper training, in which the dog develops behavioral problems due to the owner's failure to enforce consistent boundaries as a leader. Training for the young Parson Russell Terrier should involve frequent and consistent socialization through exposing the dog to many different people of many ages, and to other dogs, to create early good experiences that will help the individual develop into a friendly dog. The Parson Russell Terrier is not recommended for households with cats, as some individuals can be quite aggressive with cats. In the event that there is a household cat in residence, owners should take care to never leave the two alone together without supervision. The Parson Russell can be very good with household children with which it is brought up, but very small children may try its patience too much. The Parson Russell excels in agility, flyball, earthdog, obedience, and any other rough and tumble activity the owner can find.

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