Parson Russell terrier are active , reasoning dogs with a prospicient history as fearless George Fox hunter . The breed makes an excellent associate for experienced dog owner willing to provide mickle of training and exercise .
You make out those petite pooch that opine they ’re a braggy tidy sum ? That ’s the Parson Russell terrier .
Parsons may be small in height — they only pass on 14 inches tall and weigh less than 17 pounds — but everything else about the breed is oversized . These dogs have big energy , gamy intelligence activity , astrong prey drive , and bold personality .
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" It ’s not an unimaginable breed , but they involve guidance , " says Denise Tschida , public outreach chair for theParson Russell Terrier Association of America .
Tschida says Parsons are a great breedfor experienced ownerswho love the companionship — and challenge — of sharing their lives with combat-ready , energetic dogs . But those with a " Netflix and thrill " lifestyle who do n’t want to add " dog training session " and " long run " to their day-to-day to - do lists should guide clean-cut of the Parson Russell terrier .
Appearance
The Parson Russell terrier isa lowly dog , measure 13–14 inches tall and weigh between 13–17 pound . Their light coatscome in two texture : burst and smooth .
Smooth - coated Parson Russell terrier , as their name suggests , have short , fluent coats while dogs with a broken pelage have a smooth undercoat with longer , wiry — but never woolly or curly — fuzz . Both smooth and conducting wire - hirsute Parson Russell terriers have forked coating with slow undercoats . They ’re alow - pour forth breedand their coats call for minimum training .
Their coats are either white , bloodless with blackened or tan mark , or tricolor ( white , black , and tan .
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Temperament
Parson Russell terriers are clever , outgoing , active , gymnastic , independent , and energetic pups with an always - on - the - go attitude . As Tschida says , " they are long and will screen your patience . "
With theright amount of utilization , mental stimulation , andtraining , Parsons are tender , playful dog-iron that love showing off new tricks and being the center of attention . In fact , Tschida describes Parson Russell terriers as dog that will " work the room " to get a treat — and with their charming personalities and well looks , they are very probable to have every unknown offer up them biscuit .
He ’s a great strain for experienced dog owners who are uncoerced to go the supernumerary mile with training and utilization in interchange for a gritty fellow traveler who is always up for risky venture . Aftera long hikeor brisk run , a Parson Russell terrier will be up for some serious snuggling . Just never expect to hit the trails alone ; the breed resists expend too much sentence cooped up and Tschida pronounce unexercisedParsons can be loudand work to unsuitable behaviors ( like chewing up your couch cushions ) when they are world-weary .
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" Sitting idle is the worst matter for a Parson , " she says .
Living Needs
Whether Parson Russell terrier experience in a sprawling mansion ora studio apartmentisn’t crucial as long as they get bunch of drill . Parsons are a eminent - energy breed that wants to go , go , go , whether it ’s boost , jogging , dateless games of fetchor tower - of - war , or more formalactivities like agility , obedience , rally , and tracking .
Parsons can be particular about their protagonist . Although they are known for being playful , affectionate , and outgoing with their owners , the strain can be a little suspicious of strangers . Socializing a Parson Russell terrier puppyearly in life , and consistently as he long time , is vital for helping him learn new the great unwashed are n’t shivery .
Thanks to theirlong history as hunting dogs , their prey parkway is high — so hanging out at the parking lot or bringing an grownup Parson into a home with small animals might not be the best melodic theme . In fact , Parson Russell terrier may be best as solo pets or demand a slow introduction to new family phallus .
Whether solo pets or part of a clique , all Parson Russell terrier expect the same thing : lots of attention from their owners , plenty of drill , and muckle of mental stimulus . Do n’t put a Parson Russell terrier out in the yard and expect him to entertain himself ; they will witness ways todig under the fenceor even mount over it — for small frank , they have a great vertical leap ! It ’s also crucial tokeep Parsons on a leashin unbolted areas to prevent them from chase a odor or darting off after a region rabbit .
Care
When you partake in a home base with a Parson Russell terrier , be inclined to devote a lot of care to keeping him level-headed and well-chosen . In addition to good deal of regular practice session , grooming is essential .
" They will do anything you ask of them , as long as you involve enough and expect the right-hand way , " Tschida says .
In other news , because of their secure prey drive and backdrop as hunting dogs , Parson Russell terriers can see themselves absorbed in the public around them , ensue in the inability to both outgrowth and react to your cues while they are so distracted . You ’ll need to solicit them with consistentpraise and positivistic reinforcement . These are highly intelligent dogs whocan easy master cuesbut may choose to do their own thing . Patience and consistency are key !
Keeping sessions fast - paced , short , and interesting can help Parson Russell terriers remain engaged in their training . Outside of veritable training sessions , puzzle feeders , interactional toys , and games can provide the mental stimulus that Parsons need to thrive .
Although Parson Russell terrier take a lot of exercise , grooming , and mental stimulation , they need minimum grooming ( leave more time for run , jump , sniffing , and chasing!).A agile bath , regularbrushing to get rid of dead hairas well asnail trims , ear cleanings , and routine dental care ( both throughprofessional cleaning appointmentsandat - rest home brush ) are all Parsons need to look and feel their best .
Health
Parson Russell terriers areconsidered a goodly breedwithlong lifespansranging from 13–15 years . But it ’s still a good mind to be on the lookout station for a few common health upshot the breed is susceptible to , according to the breed clubhouse .
Like other humble breeds , Parson Russell Terriers are at greater peril for aluxating genus Patella . The experimental condition causes escaped kneecaps and is diagnosed when the kneecap ( patella ) move out of its normal location . A luxating patella can be irritating and may make it difficult for frank to put exercising weight on the affected leg . operating theater may be urge for serious or chronic case .
Parsons can also be diagnosed withspinocerebellar ataxia . This progressive neurodegenerative disease results when the cerebellum , the part of the brainiac responsible for for movement , is underdeveloped . It ’s a inherited shape that causes want of coordination , exit of remainder , and spastic movements . The symptom ordinarily appear between two and six months of eld , but there isa " previous onslaught " edition of the diseasethat may not show up until Parson Russell terriers are older . It can be find via a desoxyribonucleic acid test , and alas there is no cure .
Parson Russell Terriers , like otherdogs with livid coats , have a pigmentation cistron that has been join to deafness . The circumstance can be genetical , but certain illnesses , including intrauterine infections , liver disease , and photo to toxins can also induce innate deafness . The first symptoms , which include ignoring squeaking toys and verbal pool cue , unnatural vocalizations , disorientation , and lack of reaction to loud noises , often seem within a few workweek after the cad is born . While there is no remedy for congenital deafness , deaf Parson Russell terriers can live long , happy lives and are quick topick up manus signal during training .
History
English Reverend John Russell , known as " the sporting parson , " is credited with develop the stock . Russell had a passion for hunt and raised a pack of hound dogs , let in a terrier from Oxford , that he acquired in 1818 .
Russell bred the dogs to be dogged , energetic fox hunters with loggerheaded , wiry double coat that protected them from tight and cold-blooded weather . The weenie relied on their intelligence and job - solve skill to hunt red fox both over and underground , often work alongside royal in pursuit of their quarry .
When Russell died , the dog keep on to be rise and eventually split into two different breeds : Russell terriersand Parson Russell terrier . And while both breed look nearly identical , they differ in size . Russell terriers only stand 12 column inch improbable and weigh up to 15 pounds . Parsons are more or less enceinte , at 14 inches tall and 17 pounds .
