A favorite among dog enthusiasts, the Parson Russell Terrier will win your heart with its adorable plush-toy-like looks and intelligent expression. However, all that cuteness can be deceptive, as the PRT is a tough little terrier bred for foxhunting. It has a mind of its own and can come up with new ideas to deal with a problem.
Known for being incredibly feisty, this is not an ideal breed for beginners and apartment dwellers. Although it makes a great playmate for older children, its uncontrollable exuberance can be overwhelming for younger kids.
Nevertheless, if you know how to keep up with its boisterous nature and endless energy, you will be rewarded with a friendly companion for life.
A small, female white-and-tan terrier, named Trump, was purchased by the Reverend John Russell
Arthur Blake Heinemann established the Devon and Somerset Badger Club and created the breed standard
The PJRTC was reformed
Recognized as the Jack Russell Terrier by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Recognized as Parson Russell Terrier by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
The breed’s name was updated by the UKC
The Parson is a playful and fun-loving terrier, exuding excitement and enthusiasm while approaching the tasks in its life. It needs plenty of regular exercise and is suitable for those who are fairly active.
Letting it lie alone in a corner for too long will not amuse your pet. That said, you should not allow your Parson to run loose in open areas. Make sure that it has access to a yard secured with a fence where it can run, play, and dig to burn-off its abundant energy.
Aside from these play sessions, you may take your PRT on a daily long walk in a forested area where it can smell the tree trunks and explore every possible hideout for a fox.
Your PRT has either the smooth or broken (rough) type of coat, both of which need regular grooming. A thick-bristled brush or a hound glove is all you need to care for the smooth coat, while a slicker brush will do the job if your pup has a rough coat. The rough-coated PRTs also need to be clipped or plucked to keep their long hairs from getting matted.
A monthly bath is enough to keep its coat neat and tidy unless your Parson follows its natural instinct and decides to go for a digging session in the yard. Trimming its nails every month and keeping its ears free from excess wax or debris are the standard hygiene measures you need to follow.
The Parson is prone to obesity, so make sure to measure its food and keep an eye on its weight level. Your PRT would do well on quality dog food, whether you choose the home-prepared or commercially manufactured type.
Since it is a highly active breed, you should ensure that its requirement for carbs, vitamins, minerals, and protein is adequately met. If you want to stick with commercial dry dog foods, Stella & Chewy’s and ORIJEN are among the best brands available in pet stores.
The PRT is not an easy breed to train, especially for the faint-hearted. Training your pet requires firmness, consistency, and a gentle voice. If you do not keep the training sessions short and interesting, your smart and happy-go-lucky pet will get bored.
Because of its hunting ancestry, it has a natural prey drive that can be tamed by training it to wear a collar and leash when it is out and about. Also, early socialization and obedience training is necessary to prevent any overt aggression towards other dogs.
