Parson Russell Terrier

History: Parson John (Jack) Russell is the founder of this breed. He was born in Devon, England, in 1795. He was first introduced to foxhunting (on horse with foxhounds) at fourteen, and this soon became his big passion. He was attending the University of Oxford when he came upon a milkman who owned a dog John Russell saw as the perfect dog for fox hunting. He bought this little bitch, called Trump, and she became the foundation for the Parson Russel Terrier we know today. This was in 1820, and to his death in 1883, he developed this breed witch is based on those days’ Fox Terriers, adding genes from other terrier breeds that showed good hunting abilities. To the Hunting Parson himself, hunting qualities was always more important then show quality. The breed wasn’t recognized by The Kennel Club until 1989, and the first two Parsons were registered in Norway in 1992.

Parson is an intelligent, active and funloving terrier, built for speed and endurance. The breed is a hunter with a great talent and body for hunting fox in ground. They are also used for hunting deer, and also show great ability as search- and rescue dogs. It is a positive and friendly dog, who best finds himself wherever the action is. The Parson adapts easily to new situations, and with a firm, consequent and loving hand he will make a great member of the family. The breed makes for a good hiking buddy all year around, and despite their love for hunt and ground, they will usually come back after a few minutes of following a picked up scent. As mentioned, the breed is extremely versatile, and agility can safely be named as one of their favourite activities. They are quick learners, and with consequent and fun training, they can go far in obedience as well. It is a great breed for tracking, and they are used as drug dogs in several countries.

There are no illnesses typical to this breed, but like in any other breed occasionally hereditary illness does occur. So far it is known to be a healthy breed.

Breed Standard

Country of origin: Great Britain
General appearance: A working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds. Active and agile, built for speed and endurance.
Temperament: Bold and friendly, very lively.
Head: Flat, moderately broad, gradually narrowing to the eyes. Nose black. Jaws strong and muscular, complete scissor bite. Eyes almond shape, dark with a keen expression. Ears small and V-shaped, dropping forward close to the head, fold not to appear above top of skull.
Neck: Clean, muscular, of good length, gradually widening to the shoulders.
Fore- and hindquarters: Forelegs strong, must be straight with joints turning neither in nor out. Shoulders well laid back, elbows close to body. Hindquarters strong, muscular with good angulation, plenty of drive. Feet compact with firm pads, turning neither in nor out.
Body: Overall length slightly longer than height from the withers to ground. Back strong and straight. Loin slightly arched. Chest of moderate depth. Tail of moderate length and as straight as possible, moderately high set and carried well up on the move.
Coat and colour: Skin must be thick and loose. Coat naturally harsh, close and dense, whether rough or smooth. Colour entirely white or predominately white with tan, lemon or black markings, preferably confined to the head and/or root of tail.
Movement: Free, well co-ordinated, straight action front and behind.
Size: Dogs 36 cm +/- 2 cm. Bitches 33 cm +/- 2 cm.