Parson Russell Terrier

AKC Group: Terrier

Club: Parson Russell Terrier Association of America

Secretary : Peggy Crane
Address: 4129 Keefer Rd, Chico, CA , 95973-8956
Website: www.prtaa.org
Email: keeferfarmsjrts@sunset.net
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Parson Russell Terrier was developed in the south of England in the 1800's as a white terrier to work European red fox both above and below ground. The terrier was named for the Reverend John Russell, whose terriers trailed hounds and bolted foxes from dens so the hunt could ride on. To function as a working terrier, he must possess certain characteristics: a ready attitude, alert and confident; balance in height and length; medium in size and bone, suggesting strength and endurance. Important to breed type is a natural appearance: harsh, weatherproof coat with a compact construction and clean silhouette. The coat is broken or smooth. He has a small, flexible chest to enable him to pursue his quarry underground and sufficient length of leg to follow the hounds. Old scars and injuries, the result of honorable work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a terrier's chance in the show ring, unless they interfere with movement or utility for work or breeding.

Size:

Size: The ideal height of a mature dog is 14" at the highest point of the shoulder blade, and bitches 13". Terriers whose heights measure either slightly larger or smaller than the ideal are not to be penalized in the show ring provided other points of their conformation, especially balance, are consistent with the working aspects of the standard. Larger dogs must remain spannable and smaller dogs must continue to exhibit breed type and sufficient bone to allow them to work successfully. The weight of a terrier in hard working condition is usually between 13-17 lb. Proportion: Balance is the keystone of the terrier's anatomy. The chief points of consideration are the relative proportions of skull and foreface, head and frame, height at withers and length of body. The height at withers is slightly greater than the distance from the withers to tail, i.e. by possibly 1 to 1 1/2 inches on a 14 inch dog. The measurement will vary according to height. Substance: The terrier is of medium bone, not so heavy as to appear coarse or so light as to appear racy. The conformation of the whole frame is indicative of strength and endurance.

Coat:

Smooth and Broken: Whether smooth or broken, a double coat of good sheen, naturally harsh, close and dense, straight with no suggestion of kink. There is a clear outline with only a hint of eyebrows and beard if natural to the coat. No sculptured furnishings. The terrier is shown in his natural appearance not excessively groomed. Sculpturing is to be severely penalized. Faults: Soft, silky, woolly, or curly topcoat. Lacking undercoat. Excessive grooming and sculpturing.

Temperament:

Bold and friendly. Athletic and clever. At work he is a game hunter, tenacious, courageous, and single minded. At home he is playful, exuberant and overwhelmingly affectionate. He is an independent and energetic terrier and requires his due portion of attention. He should not be quarrelsome. Shyness should not be confused with submissiveness.

History:

The Parson Russell Terrier is a fox-hunting breed developed in southern England nearly 200 years ago. As is true of many early white fox terriers, he is in all likelihood the result of a cross between the Old English White Terrier, now extinct, and a black-and-tan terrier similar in type to the early Manchester.

The Parson Russell has been bred to possess several distinct characteristics: sound trotting gait and length of leg to follow the hounds, compact flexible chest and length of body to go to ground on fox, and strong head and muzzle and the will to hold the fox at bay.

Parson Russells were known in this country as early as the 1930s, and perhaps before. The Parson Russell is a terrier among terriers, buoyant and intelligent, determined and relentless. He is endowed with an inability to quit and no capacity to feel fear, regardless of the odds or consequences. Natural in attitude and appearance, he is tolerant of the show ring, hoping it is just the last stop before fox and field.