Parsons Russell Terrier

Reverend John “Jack” Russell of Devon, England crafted the original breed of Parson Russell Terrier to be his hunting partner. Foxhunts were able to use this determined pup for its ability to flush out foxes from their burrows. With a greater requirement for canines with longer legs that could navigate tumultuous terrain, an evolved version emerged known as the Parson Russell Terrier.

After Rev. Russell’s passing, two distinct breeds emerged from the original terrier breed: the Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier. Hunts that ran over hilly landscapes required dogs with longer legs to keep up with the hunting party; conversely, shorter-legged breeds remained at home as rat catchers, watchdogs and pets. These longer legged varieties grew into what we now know as Parson Russell Terriers while their counterparts became known by us today as Jack Russells!

In 1990, the Parson Russell Terrier was identified as a subset of the Fox Terrier. This categorization lumped together their longer-legged counterparts with those having stubbier legs. It wasn’t until much later that these two terriers were finally accepted as different breeds – although some debate and controversy still persist regarding breed standards and classifications!

If you’re an adventurous soul looking for a loyal companion, the Parson Russell is your ideal pup. These furry friends crave stimulating new places to explore and have no shortage of energy! They may not be compatible with other species due to their strong prey drive, but when properly socialized they make excellent playmates for both children and other dogs alike. While these pups naturally thrive in the great outdoors, it’s possible to keep them in city living provided they get plenty of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation.

Parson Russell Terriers are characterized by their flat, dense coats that must be free of curls and waves. The breed has two coat types: smooth and broken – the latter being slightly longer with more distinct eyebrows and beard. These canines display a mostly white basecoat accompanied by patches of black, tan or lemon coloring for added variation in hue.

Parson Russells are exceptionally smart and thus highly trainable, but if your training sessions lack fun and rewarding reinforcements, their intelligence can quickly become stubbornness. Like all puppies, use praise instead of scolding when teaching – particularly with these willful terriers! Positive reinforcement is the essential element for successful training for any breed but especially so for these lively little dogs.

Parson Russells are full of life and love to run around wooded areas, investigating every nook and cranny. They enjoy an energetic lifestyle with lots of playing, so if you’re keeping them in smaller spaces like apartments, it’s important that they get outside for stimulating walks or some other form of mental stimulation. With the right amount of exercise and playtime, your Parson Russell will keep their spirits high!

Parson Russells are not only easy to groom, but also require a weekly brushing session to reduce shedding. In addition, their fast-growing nails will likely need trimming if they do not get sufficient exercise and it is important to check their ears regularly for wax build-up which can lead to infections.