Sweet, loyal and affectionate, Parson Russell Terrier owners can expect lots of cuddles. They are full of energy and perfect for active households and children, but do prefer to be the only pet.

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Your multitalented Parson Russell Terrier might steal the limelight in your household. They are excellent at agility, hunting and tracking and make friendly, loyal and affectionate pets with a big personality.

Parson Russell Terriers are great with children. They need to be socialised with other pets such as cats early as generally they prefer being the only pet. They also tend to be dominant over other dogs.

Fun fact: The Parson Russell Terrier breed was developed

by a reverend in the early 18th Century.

Like most terriers, they are intelligent but stubborn. Patient, consistent and firm owners will find training relatively easy but more timid owners will struggle. They have a keen sense of smell and are hard to recall if they are preoccupied tracing a scent. They are alert and cheerful dogs who love when their family spends time with them playing. They are very similar, yet different from a Jack Russell Terrier, as they have longer legs that were bred into the Parson to enable them to run quicker up hills when hunting, and are thought to be more energetic.

Bubbling with energy, your Parson Russell Terrier has no off button. They love to exercise and a long walk with some off-leash time to explore and run is ideal. They are known to bark frequently. They shed very little so a weekly brush is all that is needed. A rough-coated Parson needs to be professionally groomed at least twice a year, while the smooth-coated Parson just needs a gentle rubdown.

Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. It’s important that together with your vet preventative healthcare program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

A small-sized breed weighing 5-8kgs with an average height of 33-36cms.

Space

Parson Russell Terriers are best suited to dwellings with a yard.

Energy Levels

They have high energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy. 

Difficulty Of Training

An intelligent dog with a stubborn streak. Consistent training is key.

Family suitability

Great family pets and loyal companions.  

Suitability to other pets

Best suited to a single-pet household, however can get along with other pets if raised together.

Need for company

Has a moderate to high need for company and enjoy being by their humans side at all times.

Hypoallergenic dog breed?

No

Coat and grooming needs

This breed is low maintenance. Brush their coat weekly. The rough-coated Parson will also need their coat hand-stripped twice a year. They have a short-smooth or short-rough coat in white or mainly white with tan, lemon or black markings.  

Shedding

Sheds little.  

Tendency to bark

Has a moderate tendency to bark.

Similar pets you may like

Jack Russell Terrier

Border Terrier

Australian Terrier