Know a breed - the Parson Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are now known as Parson Russell Terriers. Their name was changed on April 1, 2003 by the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America, which is now known as the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. Did you know that?

In England, Parson Russell Terriers were originally bred to hunt red foxes on the ground and under the ground. They learned to be very good diggers. These days Parson Russell Terriers can do many different activities. They participate in earthdog competitions, play ®Frisbee, compete in agility, and enjoy flyball. Many of these dogs still have their natural working ability and are entered in hunting contests, called field trials.

Parson Russell Terriers can grow up to between 12 and 14 inches tall, and weigh 13-17 pounds. Females are usually a little smaller than males.

These handsome terriers come in two varieties: a smooth coated and a rough, or broken-coated. The smooth Parson Terrier's hair is flat and hard, and it is thick. The broken coat is kind of wiry, and feels harsh when you touch it. This dog even has little eyebrows and a beard! Both smooth and broken-coated types have a double coat. There is a short dense (thick) undercoat that keeps him warm, and helps protect him in bad weather. The hair is mostly straight, and usually doesn't have any curly or wavy areas. Both varieties are pretty cute. Which one do you like best?

Parson Russell Terriers come in several different colors:
• white
• white with black or tan markings
• tri-color (white, black, tan)

Colored markings are usually on the head or base of the tail. Parson Russell Terriers will shed some. They need to be bathed regularly and brushed. The broken coated terrier needs a little more brushing than the smooth-coated dog.

Parson Russell Terriers need exercise very often. It would be a good thing to walk your Parson Russell Terrier everyday even if he has a yard. Parson Russell Terriers are active and like to play games like hide and seek, fetch, and other activities like flyball, and agility, tracking, and obedience.


Parson Russell Terriers are cheerful, kind, and gentle. They are very affectionate, too. They like kids and will make a good best friend. Parson Russell Terriers are playful and love to entertain anyone who will watch. They learn tricks quickly and love performing for an audience. They have lots of energy all of their lives and it's a good idea to give them things to do if they are left alone during the day.


Because Parson Russells were bred to hunt, some have a very strong instinct to dig. Your parents will want to protect their favorite roses in the yard. Some of these dogs also use their hunting instinct to chase or harass smaller animals like birds, rabbits, cats, mice, or rats.

Parson Russells are self-confident, which means they are usually not afraid of things. They are also alert, which means they notice things around them. Their fearless nature, confidence, and alertness makes them very good watchdogs.

Parson Russell Terriers are very trainable. They love you and they want to learn from you. When you get a pup, let him get used to his new home. When he is a little older, you can start to take him places.

It is a good idea to socialize your pup from an early age so he is comfortable in many different kinds of situations. This will make him a better companion for you.

Parson Russells are alert dogs and are very good at paying attention. This makes them fast learners in obedience. Teaching your dog obedience will help him become a good citizen and help him to have good manners.