Characteristics of dogs of the Parson Russell Terrier breed with reviews and photos

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Do you have any problem or question? Enter “Breed” or “Name of the problem” into the form, press Enter and you will find out everything about the issue that interests you. Dogs of this breed are loyal and affectionate and will never betray their owners. In those moments when I am at home, Diana follows me everywhere. If I go into another room when she is sleeping, she immediately gets up and follows.

Veronica (Archie, seven months)

When Archie first appeared in our house, he could not control his impulses and chewed everything that came his way, but after several months he stopped littering and chewing objects, and even learned various commands. Now when morning comes, he wakes me up and asks me to go for a walk.

Igor (Tim, six years old)

This is not an ostentatious dog, but a real terrier, since it has high intelligence, activity and knows how to get along well with people of different personalities. He is always ready for games and even attracts the child to them. He never shows aggression, and has never even attempted to bite or growl as a joke.

Marina (Aina, 3 years old)

When Aina was 2 years old, my husband and I had a daughter. Initially, I was worried about how the dog would treat the child, but when I saw how carefully she treated my daughter, I calmed down. They have been in constant contact for more than a year now and simply cannot imagine life without each other.

How to identify a dog?

The distinctive features of this breed are:

• small height, 35.5 cm for males and 33 cm for females are considered ideal;
• body length, which slightly exceeds their height;
• the circumference of the body behind the front legs (in representatives of Parson Russell Terriers, you can clasp the body in this place with two medium-sized palms);
• color - predominant white with spots of yellow or black shades;
• V-shaped ears hanging on cartilage;
• almond-shaped eyes of dark shades;
• hard, elastic pads and lack of dewclaws;
• black nose, fully pigmented;
• straight white teeth with a regular scissor bite.

A pet of this breed is shown in the photo below.

Based on the above characteristics, you can easily recognize a Parson Russell Terrier in a dog.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

If you take a Parson Russell Terrier as a puppy, you may be surprised at how quickly he begins to recognize the habits and gestures of his owner, and, moreover, understand his emotional state. Many representatives of this breed know that a certain action by the owner is followed by some event (for example, after the owner puts on outerwear and takes the leash, a walk follows). They can recognize when a person is upset and will try to comfort him, making them excellent companions and loyal friends. But without proper attention and training, the dog can become uncontrollable, so only people who are fully aware of their responsibility should own Parson Russell Terriers.

Jerry's first teacher was the old black cat Tisha

Jerry, who came to us, was not the first and not the only animal in the family. At that time, we still had an old black cat Tisha and a hamster Shura living with us. If, of course, the puppy and Shura had no common interests, then the presence of the cat did not leave the baby indifferent.

Somehow, the animals immediately established their own hierarchy in relationships. The cat was able to convey to the playful youth: he is in charge in this territory.

The 18-year-old, in principle, had little to do with anything, but he was always strict with the puppy. Jerrick wanted to play with him, but he just waved him off with his paw. But still the puppy was afraid of the cat. If Tisha sat at the door of the room, Jerry never left first. They walked funny after each other: the cat in front, the puppy behind. Silence walks and walks and stops, and the dog just sits down. Tisha also taught his friend how to beg. When I was cooking something in the kitchen, the cat stood on its hind legs and moved with its front legs. Jerrick is doing the same now.

Description of the breed

Almost all Parson Russell Terriers are predominantly white with occasional patches of yellow or black.

Yellow spots can be sandy, brown or lemon in color, located mainly on the head, paws, tail, less often on the back and stomach.

Yellow and black spots can be combined and should ideally be located on the head and at the base of the tail.

There are representatives of this breed with smooth or hard fur with kinks, but both have a good, dense undercoat that protects them from adverse weather conditions during hunting.

The ideal height for males is 34-36 centimeters, for females - 31-33 centimeters, weight 6 and 8 kilograms, respectively.:

• The head is wedge-shaped, the skull is moderately wide, tapering towards the eyes. The nose is black and small in size. The eyes are almond-shaped, black, deep-set, with an intelligent, penetrating gaze. Protruding eyes are considered a serious deviation from the standards.
• The ears are proportional to the head, triangular in shape, hanging freely forward, ideally the tips of the ears should be perpendicular to the eyes and at their level.
• The jaws are massive, strong, capable of biting through even a very large bone. Teeth with a proper bite grow perpendicular to the jaws and overlap each other to form a perfect scissor bite.
• The neck is muscular, moderately wide, tapering towards the head. The back is strong, flexible, straight, and has a slight elevation in the lumbar region. The chest is slightly convex and ideally should not be below elbow level. The ribs are laid back. Barrel and flat ribs are considered a deviation.
• The tail is set high, raised up in an excited state, can fall lower in a calm state, straight with a slight bend. It is usually stopped at an early age. The tail is thick at the base and tapers towards the end, giving confidence to the dog's gait.
• The forelimbs are almost even, located strictly under the body at a moderate distance from each other. The front feet are compact, neat, and lightly padded, while the hind feet are strong, muscular, and well angulated.
• When walking, a healthy dog ​​has excellent coordination, the steps are confident, wide, and the hind legs give strong pushes to the movement.

Jack Russell Terrier as an example of a fidget

Each breed of dog stands out with its own individual trait. These kids are restless. The owner of a dog of this breed must always find something to do for him, otherwise this is fraught with a destroyed apartment.

Igor

You need to go for walks with dogs of this breed so that they simply fall from fatigue. This is the only way the furniture will remain intact and the dog will be happy. Ideal walking buddy for children aged 8-12 years as they have similar energy levels.

Elena

I know some owners of these dogs, and they unanimously claim that if this dog appears in the house, then you can forget about peace. I completely agree with this!

This dog is always jumping, running, climbing on the sofa, bothering its owner and demanding to be played with. During walks, it is better to leave the dog on a leash, otherwise in his impulses he may forget about everything and even get hit by a car.

Veronica

Dogs of this breed, of course, can live in apartments, but constant walks are a prerequisite for this. You need to run, walk, play ball and throw a stick with them, even cycling is allowed, since the dog is able to tirelessly run for several kilometers behind a bicycle. They are real fidgets.

To preserve our belongings and furniture, we bought a crate for our dog Archie, in which we lock him when we leave home. But the dog's crate must be large to accommodate food and toys.

Character

The Parson Russell Terrier is a very sociable animal. If you are too busy at work, then this dog is not for you. A Parson who does not receive the desired attention may soon show uncontrollable behavior - the dog will begin to damage the things of its owners, and will do this purposefully.

Parson needs open space, spaciousness. He is curious - he needs to explore the world around him, run around to play, and spend a lot of time outdoors. If a dog is restricted in its movement, it will become irritable and nervous.

Rules of care and nutrition

Since the coat of such dogs is small, it does not require excessive care. Regarding nutrition, it is better to purchase the highest quality food, since these dogs still do not eat much, but have weak stomachs and poor-quality food immediately leads to poisoning, which can then only be cured with the help of a veterinarian.

Let's look at a few more reviews about dogs of this breed: Marina

Aina is quite picky when it comes to food and if she doesn’t like the smell of a product, she won’t eat it. Using the breeder's recommendations, we only feed her premium dry food as trying to feed her other food has resulted in stomach upset. Due to their small size, they are allowed to be taken on planes; Aina flew with our family to the sea.

Igor

Since this breed of dog has movable joints, they sleep in such positions that I am simply surprised, and when my pet sleeps on his stomach with his hind legs extended, he resembles a tobacco chicken. And that's okay.

Elena

It is better to buy a puppy in the spring, when you plan to spend the whole summer at the dacha. You need to check the fence, as a curious terrier can squeeze into any suitable-sized gap. These dogs prefer to sleep on their backs, with their paws up.

Character and habits of Parson Russell Terriers

Animals have a curious character, energy, and love adventure. They love walks in different places and do not tolerate monotonous training. They are restless, explore the area, are interested in the smells and sounds around them, and get to know people with interest.

These dogs love to travel, making them great companions for adventure lovers. Despite the fact that the original purpose of four-legged animals was hunting, in our time dogs are practically not used for these purposes, only as pets.

The creatures are very fond of games and pranks. They quickly become attached to the family and do not tolerate being alone in the apartment for a long time. Excessive fearlessness can be a disservice to the dog. In urban conditions, animals can provoke other dogs, even those significantly larger than their size, to fight.

Owners by nature, four-legged animals require a personal, isolated space in which their sleeping place and individual toys will be located. Because of his love for digging holes, the Parson should be taken out of town and taken to the park. Otherwise, all the pet’s unspent energy will go into damaging household property.

Four-legged animals get along well with children. But how they will get along with other pets is unknown. Perhaps they will become friends, but there is also a possibility that there will be constant squabbles at home. To prevent a dog from showing aggression towards its relatives, constant control over it is needed.

High intelligence allows Parsons to make independent decisions. In addition to charm and playfulness, dogs have qualities inherent in all terriers: a tendency to run away, willfulness, restlessness, adventurism, a desire for pranks, obsession, and cockiness.

Animals are highly trainable, but some qualities prevent them from becoming first-class athletes. Eccentricity and independence sometimes lead to disobedience. If a dog feels needed and cared for by its owner, it will do everything to make the family in which it lives happy.

Feeding the puppy

Nutrition

When choosing food for a dog of this breed, it is preferable to stick to natural food. It is enough to feed both a young animal and an adult animal 2 times a day. However, for a growing puppy, the portion should be almost doubled compared to an adult dog.

The diet should consist of 40% meat. Offal, fresh beef, poultry, and rabbit meat can be used.

From grains, feed your pet rice, semolina, buckwheat, and millet. These products contain many microelements and vitamins necessary for a growing dog’s body.

Sometimes it is necessary to include fish oil and boiled fish in the animal’s diet. To ensure a balanced diet, we must not forget about vegetables. They should be present in the diet in raw and cooked form. It is important for Parson Russell to regularly give pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, beets, parsley and dill, and bell peppers.

The dog should receive eggs and dairy products twice a week. Fresh berries won't hurt either, if your pet shows interest in them.

Don't forget that Parson should always have a bowl of clean water. It should be changed twice a day.

Negative traits of the breed

Most owners see only advantages in their pets; there are also negative aspects. Unless, of course, the desire for the activity for which the breed was bred is considered a negative factor.

But oddly enough, according to reviews, many owners of this breed are not ready for the manifestation of hunting instincts.

Igor

The dog simply does not know the concept of “fear”; he rushes into any fight, regardless of the size of the enemy. Since this is a hunting breed of dog, their basic instincts have been preserved, for example, while walking, Tim is constantly in search of prey. And he considers birds and cats to be prey.

Elena

Occasionally, when Diana is happy or worried about something, she begins to write. But she is not yet a year old, so there is still hope that this reaction will pass. I would not recommend this breed to those who like a calm and measured pace of life, to those who do not like raising dogs. If you start training immediately after the dog appears in the house, it will grow up to be obedient and knowledgeable of commands.

Veronica

Those people who encounter the negative aspects of this breed are those who do not know anything about it before purchasing a pet. These dogs require constant attention, training and walking. These are not decorative dogs.

The reviews from the owners are quite positive, so you shouldn’t even have any doubts about purchasing these fidgets.

Advantages and disadvantages

Parson Russell Terriers have firmly occupied the niche of pets. The rapidly increasing popularity of the new breed is explained by the dog's compactness, moderate aggressiveness and the most cheerful disposition of the little pranksters.

Russell's terriers are close friends with older children and take part in all active games. Finding a common language with small representatives of humanity is quite difficult for dogs due to the nature of the animal.

All communication between a dog and a child up to one and a half years old should take place in the presence of at least one adult, since nimble terriers can accidentally drop or scare a child.

Russell Terriers are quite friendly with other dog breeds only if they grow up together.

It is not recommended to keep domestic rodents and songbirds with Parson Russell Terriers, since no one has canceled the hunting instincts of dogs.

Jumping

The owner is always worried when his Jack hugs someone's leg with his paws and makes imaginary frictions. Or rides another dog. Moreover, this behavior does not depend at all on the gender of the dog. Terriers can jump on dogs of the same sex, on your legs or on the legs of guests. We often think that this behavior is caused by sexual motivation. However, this is not always the case. As a rule, jumping up means a desire to show dominance. Whether it's another dog or a person. This is a peculiar form of manifestation of your Jack’s aggression, and must be stopped immediately. If your terrier tries to ride your leg, immediately push him away and say in a firm voice, “No!” Next time you see this behavior, just turn away and walk away from him. Your Jack will soon understand what kind of behavior doesn't suit you.

Origin of the breed

These restless creatures have to thank the English pastor Jack Russell from Devonshire for their appearance. The priest loved horse hunting and was involved in breeding fox terriers. The first description of the breed came from his pen, and his expert opinion at fox terrier exhibitions was the most indisputable.

Representatives of the breed are a short-legged version of the Parson Jack Russell Terrier, which was considered in the century before last. Fox Terrier.

While selecting a special burrow dog (which would help the hounds hunt foxes), the vicar mixed blood into his foxes:

• Small bull terriers;
• Lakeland Terriers;
• Border Terriers.

As the priest passed away, breeding work did not stop, and the bred dogs were named Parson Jack Russell Terrier.

Origin story

Recognized by the International Canine Association FCI only in 2001, the Parson Russell Terrier dog breed has been known since the 20s of the 19th century. True, they were called Russell Terriers in honor of the Reverend Pastor John (in the world Jack) Russell, to whom the breed owes its existence.

While a student at Oxford University, D. Russell bought a dog from a neighbor's milkman - a small hunting terrier, long-legged enough to keep up with a horse. The goal of breeding was to obtain a dog that would hunt a fox with a rider, but would not kill or spoil the fur of the prey.

In 1798, the future pastor received the first Parson Russell Terrier puppies, whose exterior has remained virtually unchanged to this day. The British, as true hunters, became keenly interested in the new breed with excellent characteristics and began to “improve” the qualities of the dogs en masse, crossing them with Sealyham Terriers, infusing the blood of Welsh Corgis so that the dogs had intelligence.

Having “worked” on the exterior, PRT decided to balance the character and improve the coat, giving it a wiry feel. Therefore, Lakeland blood was added to the resulting specimens. But, as it turned out in the end, after experimental matings, the Parson Russell Terrier lost its main quality, namely the desire to hunt.

The return to the origins of the breed was due to the fact that two lines of Russells appeared in the litters - short-legged terriers and individuals with long legs, which were more popular. It was they who were introduced to the canine community in 1983 as Russell Terriers and the first standard for the Parson Russell Terrier breed was prescribed. And in 1990, the FCI included long-legged dogs in the list of recognized breeds.

Short-legged Russell Terriers received official recognition only in 1999, and the date October 21, 2001 is considered the day when the fate of the Russell Terrier was determined. On this day two breeds were recognized. The long-legged ones were called Parsen Russell Terriers, reaching 37 cm at the withers, and the short-legged ones, or Jack Russell Terriers, up to 33 cm high. Since then, mating between the two breeds has not been practiced.

Digging

Many dogs love to dig and do dig when they are outside. This is normal activity. The digging instinct is present in every breed, regardless of its purpose. In this way, ancient dogs built themselves a bed from grass and leaves before settling down for the night. Jackie was especially successful in this type of activity. The origin of the breed makes Jack an excellent digger. There are funny cases where the Russells dug a hole so deep that they themselves then had to be dug out. They dig if they smell a mouse or rodent, if they want to bury their bone or toy, if they want to dig a cooler hole and hide in it from the heat. Unfortunately, this type of activity causes frustration to the owners, especially when favorite beds or beautiful flower beds with rare flowers are dug up. The upholstery of expensive furniture is often unearthed. What to do, you ask, is this instinct? Will you have to endure it? No and no again! We need to follow the path of correction. Any behavior of a dog is reinforced if it is not followed by a negative reaction, and if it is reinforced with encouragement, the behavior will be firmly established for life. From childhood on, do not allow your puppy to dig. Don't scold him for this behavior, but show him in every possible way that you don't like it. Provide him with an alternative, distract him from digging, switch to another activity.

Buy a Jack Russell Terrier

This can be done in the deep provinces and even by hand, if you are not obsessed with the purebred of your future pet and do not intend to fight for champion regalia.

A puppy without a pedigree costs 10-13 thousand rubles. For a dog with serious family papers, you will pay at least 35 thousand rubles.

You cannot buy a show-class copy that can participate in exhibitions for less than 50 thousand rubles. Such terriers are offered by specialized nurseries located in most large Russian cities, including Moscow.

Description

According to approved standards, their characteristics are:

• The height of males is 27-30 cm, females - 25-27 cm. If the dog is taller, then it is rejected.
• The tail of the breed is docked so that the remaining part is held vertically.
• The body of such terriers is oblong.
• The skull is flat, slightly narrowed towards the eyes and mouth.
• The chest is proportional and deep.
• The volume in the rib area ranges from 40 to 43 cm.
• The lumbar girdle is short, slightly tense.

Health and heredity

Russell dogs are strong and healthy animals. They mostly suffer from acquired diseases. As a rule, all infections are transmitted by parasitic insects - fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Seasonal treatments against blood-sucking parasites are very important.

In the Parson Russell Terrier, the main breed disease is considered to be necrosis of the femoral head. The disease manifests itself by the age of five and is called Legg-Peters disease.

Some representatives of the breed have a tendency to lack coordination of movements, which is transmitted genetically. Also, in white individuals, but not albinos, congenital deafness is often found. But overall, the breed claims to be the healthiest dog on the planet.

Peculiarities

It would be hard to call Jack Russell Terriers silent dogs. They are loud and can produce different sounds - from squealing to loud barking. Russell terriers can bark at another dog, actively react to the doorbell (many owners feel that the pet always thinks they are coming to him), plaintively beg for a treat, and so on. Before getting a pet in an apartment, it is worth assessing the neighbors’ attitude towards such a “new tenant”.

Another drawback is that indoor Russells with coarse short hair shed all year round. The fur sticks to things and is difficult to remove. To reduce the amount of hair, your pet should be trimmed regularly.

In terms of behavior, Russells are mere children; they play all their lives, and so actively that not a single toy can withstand this onslaught. Rubber balls are torn to shreds, plastic crumbles, foam rubber is pulled out. The particles will be ingested by the dog and cause digestive problems. To avoid this, purchase super-strong toys that are made for large and giant breeds.

To physically exhaust the pet, some owners take a slingshot with them while walking, from which they shoot balls. After running a decent distance, the dog receives the necessary exercise and is satisfied.

Purpose of the breed

The British are very fond of Russell Terriers, both long-legged and short-legged, considering them unsurpassed companions. Universal in all respects , dogs still faithfully serve farmers, protecting stables from rodents, and also taking part in hunting foxes, badgers, and rabbits. The dogs retained their old name working-terrier, a dog intended for work.

In France, the most common type of hunting is boar baiting, and parsons are considered integral participants in this event. In Champagne and Picardy, the Parson Russell Terrier is used as a blood trail hound. The Irish hunt wild ducks with Parson Terriers, thanks to the dogs' excellent retrieval of shot game.

Walk

It is recommended to take the puppy outside after all vaccinations and pest control have been completed. The time of the first walks should be 10-15 minutes, then it gradually increases to at least 2 hours a day. In winter weather, to avoid hypothermia, you should get warm clothes for your dog. In hot weather, it is better to walk your pet in a shaded area.

It is advisable to find a fenced area to let your dog off the leash. He needs to be given time to hunt small animals. The Jack Russell loves to sniff around and dig holes in the hope of getting to his “prey.”

Important! Regular street walks have a positive effect on the overall health of your four-legged friend, so you need to go outside every day, regardless of weather conditions.

Terriers need long and frequent walks with active games.

The Jack Russell is an active breed and is suitable for people with the same active lifestyle. The owner will never get bored with such a cheerful pet. It is important for owners to satisfy their pet’s needs for movement and timely care. Regular hygiene procedures and a balanced diet contribute to the dog's healthy development and attractive appearance.

How to choose a puppy

• Before going to the nursery, decide which line you need. Show dogs must be purchased from a breeder who travels with his own breeders to exhibitions, and working puppies must be purchased from breeders who train and take their charges out hunting.
• Newborn Parson Russell Terriers are very similar to Jack Russells, therefore, in order to avoid being deceived by an unreliable seller, it is better to wait until the animal is 8-9 months old.
• When choosing a Parson as a pet, pay attention to its behavior. Overly assertive and eager to grab a stranger by the pants, puppies are good for hunting, but not for living in the same apartment with small children.
• The dominant coat color of the Parson Russell Terrier is white (at least 70% of the body must be this tone). If you are offered puppies that are too spotted, this is a breed.
• Pay attention to the puppy's movements. They must be linear and coherent. An unsteady gait, slight lameness, trembling and a shaking head are signs that the animal is unwell.
• Study the pedigrees of the parents of the Parson Russell Terrier you like and make sure that they are not littermates.
• Discuss the possibility and timing of returning the puppy to the breeder if something does not suit you. This gives you a chance to take your baby to the veterinarian for examination on your own to check his health and identify genetic diseases.

Pet training

They are highly trainable. In 3 days the puppy learns its name. Starting from 2 months, the dog should be regularly trained, adapting it to society and teaching it to follow different commands.

1. Training is carried out in the form of games on the street, in the park, on the playground. For encouragement, stock up on treats - pieces of finely chopped hard cheese, boiled meat. It's good to take a ball with you for training.
2. Give commands using words without double meaning. The first commands that your pet should learn are: “come to me”, “fu”, “near”, “stand”, “sit”, “lie down”. Some dog handlers teach dogs to use non-standard commands that only the owner can use.
3. Physical punishment is unacceptable in education. If you fail, and don’t know how to raise a puppy, praise your pet.

The dog must understand that you are the owner. Dwarf terriers, who are not prone to dominance, will perceive you as their only owner, as a friend.

It doesn't matter what commands your pet follows as long as it is properly adapted to life in society. This breed of dog is not aggressive, so even with basic knowledge of commands, you can walk with your dog in parks without worrying about it attacking passers-by.

4.9 / 5 ( 10 votes)

Pros and cons of Parson Russell Terriers

Dogs are very loving. Therefore, they are not suitable for owners who spend a lot of time outside the home. Animals can play too much due to their nature and accidentally push a small child. But the four-legged animals are strong friends with older children. Excessive energy can be a hindrance for older people.

However, for young people who are fond of sports and lead an active lifestyle, who have sufficient time for their pet, the creatures will become wonderful companions. They quickly get used to any living conditions. They happily accept the owner’s various ideas and always support him in his desire to go on a trip.

The creatures are unpretentious in care; wire-haired individuals do not shed. However, they require serious education. A craving for pranks without training can result in chewed shoes, scratched wallpaper and furniture. Without education, dogs' uncontrollable emotions develop into aggression and anger.

Thanks to its good security qualities, you will always be alerted to possible danger. The creatures will rush to defend their owner without hesitation, even if the attacker is large. If the dog does not feel threatened by a stranger, he will treat the stranger calmly. Loyal creatures will give love to their owner until the end of their days.

The Parsons have a good sense of human mood and do not skimp on reciprocity: they respond to love with love, to hate with hatred. Raising a best friend from a dog is not difficult. The main thing is to give him care, warmth, treat him like a family member, accept all his advantages and disadvantages.

Where to start when trying to stop your dog from ruining things?

Regardless of the pet’s age, only the pet’s strict execution of the “Fu” command can guarantee the “long life” of furniture and other items. Therefore, it is necessary to learn it as quickly as possible.

Any unwanted action of a dog must be stopped at the moment it is committed, and not after a few minutes or even hours, when the owner sees the result of the dog’s “creativity.” If we catch a puppy “eating” a chair leg or chewing a slipper, we pronounce the command “Ugh” in a rude voice and sharply grab the pet by the withers or neck from above. We imitate the attack of an adult dog. You need to grab the skin with your fingers and shake slightly. As soon as the puppy stops the unwanted actions, we immediately praise and distract with a toy.