The Parson Russell Terrier
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The Parson Russell Terrier is a fox hunting breed that was developed in southern England nearly 200 years ago. This breed is 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 Terrier has been bred for several 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 a fox at bay.
The Jack Russell Terrier recognized at the 12-15 inch height standard is known internationally as the Parson Jack Russell, and is not to be confused with the commercially popular diverse mix of small terriers that bear his name. The name was recently changed by the American Kennel Club from the Jack Russell to the Parson Russell.
Parson Russell's were known in the United States as early as the 1930s. They are endowed with an inability to quit and no capacity to feel fear, regardless of the odds or consequences.
They should be between 12-14 inches tall for both males and females. Their coat is smooth and doublecoated. It is smooth and weatherproof. Their color should be white, white with black or tan markings, or a combination of these.
They are bold, friendly, athletic and clever. When working, they are a game hunter, tenacious and courageous. At home they are playful and overwhelmingly affectionate. Health issues include dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness, Leg Perthes-a disease of the hip joints of small breeds of dogs.
