what they are likeParson Russell Terrier temperament
A cheerful, gutsy little terrier with plenty of energy and brains. Out working it is keen and determined; at home it turns into a playful, fun-loving and very affectionate companion.315
how to spot oneParson Russell Terrier coat and colours
smooth, broken or rough
A dense, harsh, weatherproof double coat that comes in smooth, broken or rough forms. The body is balanced and square with longish legs, and the chest is small enough to be spanned by an average pair of hands.31
Colourswhitewhite with tanwhite with lemonwhite with blacktricolour31
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Parson Russell Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksParson Russell Terrier exercise needs
High for its size. It is fast and tireless and thrives on vigorous daily exercise and activities such as agility and flyball.254
where they are happiestParson Russell Terrier at home
Adapts to many homes as long as it gets enough activity and mental work.42
who they like aroundParson Russell Terrier with people and other pets
Friendly and bold; it can live with children and other pets when handled kindly and not roughly.32
the hands-on bitsParson Russell Terrier grooming and care
About once a week: a brush through the coat keeps it tidy; broken and rough coats may also need occasional hand-stripping.4
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Parson Russell Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Parson Russell Terrier at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and your vet for the right amounts.6
What should a Parson Russell Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Offer a high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as they can be harmful. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.7
How often should I bathe a Parson Russell Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every eight weeks, while general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.8Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Parson Russell Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Parson Russell Terrier about once a week to keep its coat tidy. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.4Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Parson Russell Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer.8Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Parson Russell Terrier need?
This energetic terrier needs vigorous daily exercise, like long walks, play sessions, and activities such as agility or flyball. It is fast and tireless, so keep it active and mentally stimulated.254Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Parson Russell Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.8Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Parson Russell Terrier live?
A Parson Russell Terrier typically lives 12 to 14 years with good care and regular vet checkups. Enjoy many happy years together.42
Is a Parson Russell Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, this friendly and bold terrier can live happily with children and other pets when handled kindly and not roughly. Always supervise interactions to ensure everyone gets along.32
Can a Parson Russell Terrier be left alone?
This energetic dog may struggle if left alone for long periods, as it thrives on activity and companionship. It varies by individual; consult a good breeder or vet for advice on your specific situation.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Parson Russell Terrier costs
Running costs for a Parson Russell Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Parson Russell Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Parson Russell Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Parson Russell Terrier tip
Parson Russell Terriers do best with treats that are low in starch and high in quality protein, such as single-protein air-dried options. Because dental disease is common in this small, energetic breed, incorporate dental chews or air-dried treats into their daily routine to help reduce plaque build-up, and always brush their teeth daily.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The breed's foundation is credited to a terrier bitch called Trump, bought by Reverend John Russell in 1819.2
2
A true Parson should have a chest small enough for an average pair of hands to span behind the shoulders.3
3
It was bred to be quick enough to run with horses and hounds and then go underground after a fox.5
4
The Parson is taller and more uniform in size than its close relative, the Jack Russell Terrier.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the Reverend John Russell, a Victorian hunting parson, who bred a strain of fox terriers that eventually led to the creation of this breed.2
This morning I bounced out of bed and did three victory laps around the kitchen before breakfast. My human laughed and called me a whirlwind. After a quick cuddle, we headed to the park, my favorite place! I chased a tennis ball until my legs felt like springs, then zoomed through the agility tunnel like a rocket. On the way home, I spotted a squirrel and gave a cheerful bark, just saying hello! Back inside, I curled up on the sofa, tail wagging, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganParson Russell Terrier history
In 1819 the Devon clergyman John Russell bought a small white terrier bitch named Trump, who became the root of his strain of working fox terriers. His dogs were long-legged enough to keep up with hounds yet small enough to go to ground. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1990, and the Parson Russell name became standard internationally by the 2000s.423
Standard no. 339, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers; standard dated 22.08.2017.3
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; recognised in 1990 as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier, name shortened in 1999.4
AKC
Terrier Group; recognised as the Jack Russell Terrier from 1 November 1997 and renamed Parson Russell Terrier on 1 April 2003. Current standard approved 13 July 2004.1
Sources (5)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Jack Russell Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier