Alice White
Once upon a time, the Parson Russell Terriers were one with the Jack Russells, but they were divided into two separate breeds. Now the closest relatives of the Russells are bred mainly in Australia. The homeland of the Parson Terriers is considered to be Great Britain.
Origin
The creator of the breed is Pastor John Russell or Devon, England. Russell had the idea to create a breed of dogs that could accompany a hunter sitting on a horse even when he was young and often went on horseback hunting.
To breed the breed, the pastor took as “working material” terriers which he indiscriminately crossed with other dogs. The breeder did not care about the appearance of the puppies and the adults that grew out of them; working qualities remained the main thing for him. For a long time, the Parsons remained in the shadow of their more popular relatives, the Jack Russells, from which they differ exclusively in appearance.
The standardization of the Parson Terrier as a separate breed took place only due to the fact that they began to be exported to the United States during the Second World War raging in Europe. The first temporary standard of appearance for hunting terriers was developed by the English Kennel Club in 1990. The breed was officially recognized in 2001.
Parson Russell Terrier Temperament
Parson Terriers are so restless and energetic that sometimes it can be very difficult to calm them down. On walks, they, completely not thinking about the consequences, can bark at dogs, which are several times larger than themselves, and at home, having played, they demolish and destroy everything in their path. Attracting the attention of the owner is the primary task of these little mischievous people. If the attempts are unsuccessful, they still do not stop, replacing loud barking and looking into the eyes for damage to furniture and slippers. Even if they are spanked with a newspaper, the main thing is that the owner devoted at least a minute of his time.
The Parson Terrier will be a great friend for the child. Or, more correctly, a child will be able to make good company for such a perky and energetic dog like a Parson. There is simply no better tandem than a terrier who does not sit still and an inquisitive “human cub”.
In order for a dog that lives in an apartment to be able to release the accumulating energy to the maximum, it is necessary to walk often and for a long time on the street with it. Thickets of bushes, puddles, dug-up earth, and sand are just their elements. Parsons belong to the category of dogs that do not feed with food, let me dig a hole, but more. So if you notice that your terrier has begun to dig something diligently in the nearest sandpit or puddle, do not even try to stop him, it is useless.
Parson Terrier training is difficult but necessary. If you try, you can raise a completely adequate member of society from a mischievous and fidgety. The main thing is to approach the process responsibly and be patient. For beginners in this business, the help of professional trainers will not be superfluous.
Parson Russell Terrier: Weight, Height, Coat
Compared to the stocky Jack Russells, the Parsons look a little more elongated. They are much taller than jacks and more square in the shape of the torso.
Maximum Height
The height at the withers of males reaches 36 cm, females are slightly lower – 33 cm.
Weight
Most often, the bodyweight of parsons does not exceed 6-8 kg.
Coat Color
You can meet both a white with red, yellow, or black tan terrier and a dog with a completely white coat. Dogs with spots scattered over the head or located in the tail area are more appreciated at exhibitions.
Hair
The coat of these terriers can be either completely smooth or slightly shaggy. The coat itself, like any hunting dog, is hard and dense, such that it can protect the animal from scratches and bites.
Ears, Tail
The tips of the parsons’ small, perfectly triangular ears almost touch the corners of the eyes. The tail of these dogs, if not docked, should be straight and low set. The tail is not completely cut off, leaving a small area.
Parson Russell Terrier: How to choose a puppy?
Before you go to the kennel for a puppy, you need to decide for what purpose the dog will be bought. Representatives of the “show” class with whom you can win first places at exhibitions require more care and are much more expensive than puppies from the “pet” category. A dog that can take a direct part in the hunt can only be bought from specialists (breeders) who train their pets themselves.
Important! If you do not want to purchase a Jack Russell Terrier instead of a Parson Terrier, get a puppy that is already 8 months old. Newborn babies are too similar to each other.
Particular attention should be paid to the coloring of the baby you like. If the puppy has too many spots on the body, most likely it belongs to the category of breeding defect. Such a dog will not be allowed to participate in exhibitions and breeding.
As for behavior, a puppy that is bought for living in an apartment should not be too active and lively. Such a baby is better suited for hunting. For a small room in a city house, it is better to choose a quieter terrier.
