| Trainability: | 5/10 |
| Shedding: | 5/10 |
| Energy Level: | 10/10 |
| Guard Dog: | 6/10 |
| Good With Children: | 10/10 |
| Popularity: | 6/10 |
If the desire arises to have a companion who will add a bit of spontaneity and fun to family outings or during any outdoor activity, the Parson Russell Terrier is a suitable match. Part of owning any terrier (the Parson especially!) is keeping them busy, with both physical and mental activity.
Behavior
As with any type of terrier, keeping the Parson Russell Terrier is a must. They excel with agility and aerial techniques, so any activity involving catching or weaving would be ideal for this breed. They are energetic, and require a level-head when it comes to handling. If set in a home with small children who do not know how to handle dogs, the Parson Russell Terrier will not tolerate it. Another factor of their energy is the constant attention it would need in order to ensure that it would not destroy anything either in or out of the home.
Overall, their behavior is described as “playful,” particularly with other animals, which makes them ideal for farms or large portions of land. They are ill-suited for small environments, such as apartments or being kept in small rooms.
Appearance
Unlike its relative, the Jack Russell Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier has long legs, which are more than the length of its actual body. They typically have an overall white coat (which can be smooth or rough) with color variations, black or tan.
They usually range from about fourteen inches in height with fifteen pounds on them on average, with a distinguishing long head and chest.
Their head has a more flat shape, and ears that are more horizontally set to the side.
Grooming
If they do have a broken coat, they require more brushing and stripping of the coat. When first approaching for grooming, hand-pick the long stray hairs before either bathing or brushing. If the dog is to be bathed, be sure to protect the inside of the ears with cotton balls, so no strings of water filter in and cause infection. After the dog is properly shampooed, rinse the dog thoroughly so the suds are out and nothing is matted in between the fur.
Dry the dog off with a towel, and use a coat-rake to the restore the texture of the coat.
In regards to their overall health, it is especially important to pay attention to any potential issues with the eye when owning a Parson Russell Terrier. Fortunately, any problems with their eye is primarily hereditary, so any DNA testing or breed history would help eliminate the possibility of whether or not the dog would be more responsibility for the owner.
History
Sharing a common history with the Jack Russell Terrier, they both derive from the same fox-hunter and horseback rider Reverend John Russell. After many rejections from breeding clubs and show dog aficionados, the Parson Russell Terrier was finally recognized in January in 1990, with the Jack Russell terrier only a few years earlier.
There are now only three major kennel clubs that recognize the Parson and Jack Russell terrier as two distinctive breedsin the United Kennel Club, in the New Zealand Kennel club, and in the Australian National Kennel Council.