Breed characteristics carousel
Learn More
Need to Know
- Dog suitable for owners with some experience
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Small dog
- Minimum drool
- Requires frequent grooming
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Barks, alerts, and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
- Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a small yard or can happily live in the city
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
The Parson Russell Terrier is like an action hero brought to life in a dog—they are ready to dive into any situation headfirst and with gusto. They have energy for days and love nothing more than to chase, dig, and generally wander around a yard. Playful and smart, they get along well with almost everyone, including children and strangers. Like most terriers, they are prone to barking and digging, but an active owner with a good sense of humor about their antics will find these characteristics endearing.
Parson John Russell of Devonshire, England, created the first Parson Russell Terrier dog in the late 1800s. He needed an energetic dog that could keep up with horses. The name “Parson” was added to the breed to distinguish it from the very similar Jack Russell Terrier, which has shorter legs.
If you don’t mind terrier mischief and a dog with boundless energy, the Parson Russell Terrier might be for you. They can be trained to a very high standard, although they sometimes will fall back on terrier instincts to chase and dig. Owners who can give these spark plugs plenty of mental and physical stimulation plus ongoing socialization are best.
Energizer Bunnies in dog form, the Parson Russell Terrier loves to be outside, running, chasing, and digging. Don’t let their small size fool you—they enjoy vigorous exercise and lots of entertainment.
The Parson Russell Terrier has a big personality in a small package. They can do well in suburban and rural areas and can get by in the city with plenty of access to walks and off-leash running. They are expert diggers and good jumpers, so any land should have a fenced-in yard. Terriers are escape artists, so check the space regularly for any holes they can squeeze through.
The coat of the Parson Russell Terrier dog can be rough, broken, or smooth-coated and needs frequent brushing to maintain it. Hand stripping might be required a few times a year to get rid of dead or loose hairs.
Socialization for Parson Russell Terrier puppies and dogs is important so that they can learn to live in harmony with other animals. They need to be taught recall, although when terriers are on the chase, it can be difficult to get them to use it. Agility, heelwork, rallying, and more appeal to this exuberant dog and are good ways for them to burn off energy. They are motivated by treats and toys, so use them liberally when training.
Small children and the Parson Russell Terrier dog might not be a good fit as these pups are independent and feisty. Older children or homes with no children are a better fit.
The cost of a Parson Russell Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Parson Russell Terrier on Purina.
Did you know?
- The Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier are related but not the same dog breed, despite being lumped together for many years. The Jack Russell Terrier has a rounder body and shorter legs.