A hunting clergyman by the name of Reverend John Russell is credited as founding the Parson Russell Terrier breed. In the early 19th century he bought a mainly white terrier bitch by the name of Trump, reportedly from a milkman. Trump who would go on to produce several sporting terriers, by fox terriers, which were purposely bred to go to ground to bolt the fox or badger. Rev Russell’s aim was to breed terriers that would flush the fox out of the earth rather than attacking them.
The Parson Russell Terrier has therefore been developed to have enough pace and stamina to keep up with the horses out hunting, as well as being small and nimble enough to fit down earths, where it would nip and yap to send the fox out into the open.
Originally this terrier was called the Parson Jack Russell, and is a fairly new terrier breed having only been officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1990. Jack was dropped from the title in 1999, and now the Parson Russell and Jack Russell Terrier are recognised as two different – though very similar – breeds. The slightly larger Parson Russell is more popular in the show ring but is an equally popular pet and working dog – although opportunities are limited for them in that respect nowadays. They are, however, superb ratters, so are a good fit for stable yards, as well as being a handy size for riding in the horsebox to keep you company on trips.
They are playful, sociable, energetic and fun, and typically happy around children so make a great family pet.
T7NRW4 Parson Russell Terrier female dog
(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)
Parson Russell terrier: fact file
Kennel Club breed group: terrier
Size: small
Daily exercise: an hour a day
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Bark: they tend to be profuse barkers, and can be excessive if they don’t expend enough energy.
Distinctive features: a workmanlike and agile dog built for stamina and endurance. Despite their small stature (dogs 36cm at the withers, bitches 33cm), they have a comparatively long and free stride.
Temperament: bold and friendly.
Things to consider: while slightly larger than its cousin the Jack Russell, this is still a small breed. As such, a small dog bed is ideal as they enjoy snuggling up in a cosy place.
Whether they have a smooth or rough coat, they require regular (weekly) brushing to keep their coats in good nick, with a specialist dog brush.
Training: they have a high prey drive, and can have a stubborn streak so need firm and consistent recall training. They can also bark and dig to the point of annoyance so this requires careful management to stop the dog barking or digging in the garden and becoming a nuisance. But ensuring they are busy, well socialised and active, with interesting training methods and you should keep them on side. Keeping the minds active and the bodies tired is key.
Try mini agility, flyball and scent training to keep them focused.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
