Parson Russell Terrier

Size
Small (under 11kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mr Kel Bishop (BIDGEEPARSON)

kbishop53@bigpond.com
See Details

History

The Parson Russell Terrier is a breed of small white terrier that was the original Fox Terrier of the 18th century. The breed is named after the person credited with the creation of this type of dog, the Reverend John "Jack" Russell. (1)

Appearance

A mostly white breed with either a smooth, rough or broken coat, it conforms to a narrower range of sizes than the Jack Russell. (1)

Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. (2)

Temperament

The Parson is a feisty and energetic type of Terrier. They can excel in dog sports such as flyball or agility and require vigorous exercise in order to prevent them from becoming bored and potentially destructive in the home. They can be suited to live with children but as they have a typical Terrier temperament, they will not tolerate rough handling. (1 & 3)

Sizes

Ideal height at withers: dogs 36cms (14ins), bitches 33cms (13ins). (2)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Parson Russell Terrier and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Parson Russell Terrier and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au
Palika, Liz (2007). The Howell Book of Dogs: The Definitive Reference to 300 Breeds and Varieties

Image: Shutterstock.com

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 Feb 2017)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honourable scars permissible.

Characteristics

Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds.

Temperament

Bold and friendly.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Flat, moderately broad, gradually narrowing to the eyes. Shallow stop. Length from nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. Nose black.
Eyes	Almond shaped, dark, keen expression.
Ears	Small, V-shaped, dropping forward, carried close to head, tip of ear to reach corner of eye, fold not to appear above top of skull. Leather of moderate thickness.
Mouth	Jaws strong, muscular. Teeth with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Clean, muscular, of good length, gradually widening to shoulders.
Forequarters	Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back, cleanly cut at withers. Legs strong, must be straight with joints turning neither in nor out. Elbows close to body, working free of the sides.
Body	Ribs not over-sprung. Chest of moderate depth not to come below point of elbow, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average size hands. Back strong and straight. Loin slightly arched. Well balanced. Overall length slightly longer than height from withers to ground.
Hindquarters	Strong, muscular with good angulation and bend of stifle. Hocks set low and rear pasterns parallel giving plenty of drive.
Feet	Compact with firm pads, turning neither in nor out.
Tail	Docked: Length complementing the body. Strong, preferably straight, moderately high set, carried well up on the move, may be carried lower when relaxed.Undocked: Of moderate length, preferably straight, giving a general balance to the dog. Thick at the root and tapering towards the tip. Moderately high set, carried well up on the move, may be carried lower when relaxed.
Gait/Movement	Free-striding, well co-ordinated, straight action front and behind.
Coat	Naturally harsh, close and dense, whether rough or smooth. Belly and undersides coated. Skin must be thick and loose.
Colour	Entirely white or predominantly white with tan, lemon or black markings, or any combination of these colours, preferably confined to head or root of tail.
Size	Ideal height at withers: dogs 36cms (14ins), bitches 33cms (13ins). Most importantly soundness and balance should be maintained whilst taking into account that this terrier, bred to work fox, should be capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average sized hands.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.