Parson russell terrier

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog parson russell terrier!

Here, you will find all the useful information about parson russell terrier. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

Originating in the United Kingdom, more specifically in Dartmouth in the county of Devon in England, he made his first official appearance in 1975. Like its companion and close cousin, the Jack Russell, it takes its name from the breed's creator, the Reverend John (Jack) Russell.

The two breeds, which are almost identical, are both descended from the Fox Terrier, but differ in height at the withers, the Reverend's terrier being taller than the Jack Russell, which is smaller. The Reverend, a keen hunter and experienced horseman, created the breed with the aim of developing a lively, fast dog that could follow him anywhere, adapted to the rapid exploration of burrows.

Official recognition of the breed by the FCI came relatively late, on 4 June 2001, and its current standard was published on 22 August 2017.

Although small in stature, they have a relatively voluminous build and a well-proportioned, even body. The head is powerful, with a flat skull, moderately long muzzle and faint stop.

The body is as long as it is high, forming a square, with a deep chest, developed bust and solid lower legs, making it a powerful, determined little hound. Their bright, oval eyes are dark, reflecting their keen intelligence. Their medium-sized ears fall gracefully in a neat fold to the sides of their head.

His tail, which used to be docked, is now carried straight down the line of his back. Its coat is dense, relatively close and thick, offering excellent protection against harsh weather conditions. The basic colour of the coat is white, often spotted with black or red.

The Parson Russell Terrier has been bred primarily for hunting for decades. Enduring and devoted to their owners, Parson Russell Terriers are hardy, lively dogs that need a firm hand because of their stubborn nature. For their well-being, they need regular, intense physical activity. Without this daily expenditure of energy, they could become aggressive or destructive.

They enjoy long walks, extended play or work sessions, and are always willing to track or hunt small game. A little stubborn, positive training is essential for this intrepid dog to ensure they live harmoniously with their family.

They generally get on well with other dogs and are very attached to their owners. However, they have difficulty tolerating solitude, so it's advisable to gradually get them used to being left alone from an early age. Loyal and endearing, Parson Russell Terriers are remarkably affectionate companions that are particularly pleasant to live with on a daily basis.

Adult Parson Russell Terriers generally weigh between 6 and 9 kg (13 à 20 lb), and range in height from 32 to 38 cm (12,5" à 15") for males and 30 to 36 cm (12" à 14") for females.

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Origins

The Parson Russell Terrier, originally from England, was developed in the 19th century by Reverend John Russell. He wanted a dog capable of hunting foxes, both tenacious and agile. The Parson Russell Terrier is a close cousin of the Jack Russell Terrier but with slightly different proportions, adapted to its fox hunting needs. It was bred to have great endurance and a quick mind, able to follow foxes into their burrows without hesitation. This breed is the result of a cross between various British terrier lines.

History

The Parson Russell Terrier breed was officially recognized in 1990 by the Kennel Club in the UK, and in 2001 by the American Kennel Club. John Russell, also known as "Jack," selected these dogs for their ability to hunt and flush out foxes. The Parson Russell Terrier has gained popularity over the years, thanks to its versatility and cheerful temperament. Its official recognition has helped clarify the distinctions between this breed and the Jack Russell Terrier, although both share common roots and similar physical traits.

Standard

The Parson Russell Terrier is a compact, well-proportioned and athletic dog. The breed standard requires a height at the withers of 33 to 36 cm for males and 31 to 34 cm for females. It should have a flat skull, a well-defined muzzle, and almond-shaped, dark and expressive eyes. The ears are V-shaped and fall forward. The body is muscular with a deep chest, but not too wide. The tail is usually docked to stand straight when on alert. The coat can be smooth or rough, always weather-resistant.

Physical characteristics

The Parson Russell Terrier measures between 31 and 36 cm at the withers and weighs 6 to 8 kg. Its coat can be smooth, rough, or broken, but must always be dense and weather-resistant. Accepted colors are mainly white, with black, tan, or brown markings. Its eyes are dark and expressive, its ears fall forward forming a V. It has a deep chest, a muscular and compact body. The tail is often docked and carried straight. Its overall appearance should reflect agility and energy.

Character

The Parson Russell Terrier is known for its energetic, courageous, and intelligent temperament. It is a lively, curious, and full of life dog. It is very loyal to its family and loves to be involved in all family activities. Although it is independent and sometimes stubborn, it is also affectionate and loves to play. Its energetic nature and hunting instinct can make it somewhat dominant, but with proper socialization, it can get along well with other animals. It requires constant mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Parson Russell Terrier is generally 13 to 15 years, which is quite long for a dog of this size. With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular visits to the veterinarian, some may even live longer. The longevity of this breed also depends on their regular physical activity and overall environment. Despite being robust, these dogs can be prone to certain genetic diseases, so it is crucial to choose a reputable breeder and provide quality veterinary care throughout their life.

Exercise and activity needs

The Parson Russell Terrier is an extremely active breed that requires a lot of daily exercise. At least an hour of walking, playing, and stimulating activities is necessary to maintain its health and well-being. It enjoys games that challenge its intelligence, such as fetch and agility. Due to its hunting instinct, it particularly enjoys activities that allow it to run and track. Regular training sessions and interactive games are essential to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Recommended diet

The Parson Russell Terrier requires a high-quality diet, tailored to its size and activity level. A balanced diet rich in proteins and essential nutrients is crucial. On average, monthly costs to feed a Parson Russell Terrier range from 30 to 60 euros, depending on the quality of food chosen. It is important to avoid low-quality foods and monitor portions to prevent obesity, which can lead to health issues. Regular consultation with a veterinarian to adjust the diet according to the dog's specific needs is recommended.

Training and obedience

The Parson Russell Terrier is intelligent and receptive to training, but can also be independent and stubborn. Firm, consistent, and positive training is essential. Using rewards, such as treats and praise, works well to motivate this energetic dog. Early socialization is crucial to prevent aggressive behavior towards other animals and strangers. Short but frequent training sessions are more effective as they maintain his interest and engagement. Patience and perseverance are key to raising a well-trained Parson Russell.

Behavior with children

The Parson Russell Terrier can be an excellent companion for children, thanks to its playful and energetic temperament. He loves to participate in active games and can spend hours playing with children. However, due to his overflowing energy and sometimes stubborn character, it is important to supervise interactions, especially with young children. It is essential to teach children how to interact respectfully with the dog. With good socialization and proper training, the Parson Russell Terrier can become an affectionate and protective family member.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Parson Russell Terrier can coexist with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. However, due to its hunting instinct, it may tend to chase small animals such as cats or rodents. Gradual introduction and initial supervision are recommended to ensure harmonious cohabitation. With other dogs, it can be dominant, but generally friendly if well socialized. Compatibility with other animals largely depends on its education and training.

Grooming needs

The Parson Russell Terrier requires regular grooming to maintain its coat in good health. Weekly brushing is sufficient for smooth-coated varieties, while wire or broken-coated ones may require occasional plucking to remove dead hairs. Bathing should only be done when necessary to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. It is also important to regularly check and clean its ears to prevent infections, and to trim its nails to prevent any discomfort or injury. Weekly teeth brushing is also recommended for good oral hygiene.

Health

The Parson Russell Terrier is generally a healthy breed, but it can be prone to certain genetic conditions. Common health issues include luxating patella, deafness, and eye diseases such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary visits are essential for preventing and early detection of these problems. It is important to purchase puppies from reputable breeders who test their dogs for these conditions. Monitoring and preventive care greatly contribute to maintaining this breed's good health.

Average price

The price of a Parson Russell Terrier generally varies between 600 and 1200 euros, depending on the lineage, the breeder's reputation, and the quality of the puppy. Puppies from champion bloodlines or reputable breeders may cost more. It is crucial to ensure that the breeder adheres to ethical standards and provides necessary documents, including health tests of the parents. Initial costs often include vaccination, deworming, and sometimes microchipping. Prospective owners should be prepared to invest in a healthy and well-socialized puppy.

Expenses

Monthly expenses for a Parson Russell Terrier range from 50 to 100 euros. This includes high-quality food, regular veterinary care, grooming, and accessories such as toys and walking equipment. Veterinary costs may increase in case of illness or injury. It is also advisable to budget for training classes, especially during the first year. Pet insurance may also be an expense to consider to cover unexpected costs. Owners must be prepared to bear these costs to ensure the well-being of their dog.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for your Parson Russell Terrier can be fun. Here are some suggestions: Max, Bella, Jack, Daisy, Milo, Lucy, Charlie, Lola, Rocky, Molly, Oscar, Ruby, Leo, Mia, Finn. When selecting a name, it is important to choose a short and easy to pronounce name so that the dog can quickly recognize it. Names with one or two syllables are generally the most effective for training. The name should also reflect the lively and joyful personality of the breed. Try out several names to see which one gets the best response from your puppy.

Legislation and regulation

The Parson Russell Terrier is not classified as a dangerous breed in French legislation or in most countries. It is not subject to any specific regulations in terms of ownership. However, it is always recommended to check local regulations regarding dogs, especially regarding vaccination, registration, and microchipping requirements. Owners must also comply with leash laws and clean up after their dogs. In France, as in many countries, it is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash in public places and ensure that it does not cause any nuisance.

Official recognition

The Parson Russell Terrier is recognized by several cynological organizations around the world. In France, it is recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC). In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the breed. In the United Kingdom, it is recognized by the Kennel Club. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) also includes the Parson Russell Terrier in its registers. This official recognition allows dogs to participate in dog shows and benefit from the regulations and standards of these organizations for breeding and health.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees of Parson Russell Terrier are available from various recognized breed clubs worldwide. In France, the French Club of the Jack Russell Terrier (CFJRT) is the main organization. In the United States, the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America (PRTAA) is the main organization. In the United Kingdom, the Parson Russell Terrier Club is responsible for pedigrees. These clubs provide information on breeding, health, and care of the breed, and organize events and exhibitions. They are also a valuable resource for breeders and owners of Parson Russell Terrier.

Destination and usage

The Parson Russell Terrier is primarily used as a hunting and working dog, especially for flushing out foxes and other small game. Thanks to its energy and intelligence, it also excels in canine sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball. Due to its affectionate and playful temperament, it is also an excellent companion dog for active families. Its hunting instinct and endurance make it an ideal companion for outdoor activities such as hiking. Its versatility and adaptable nature make it valuable in various roles.

Prohibitions

The Parson Russell Terrier is not subject to any specific restrictions in most countries, including France. However, some general restrictions apply, such as the prohibition of access to public spaces without a leash and the need to comply with local laws on dog ownership. In some regions, dogs must be registered and identified by a microchip. It is crucial to inquire about local regulations to ensure compliance with current laws. Respecting these rules allows for a good cohabitation with the community and protects the well-being of one's dog.

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