Parson Russell at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 33–36 cm
- Weight
- 6–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Parson Russell right for you?
Like every breed, the Parson Russell is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- You have cats or other small pets.
How would the Parson Russell fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Parson Russell
The Parson Russell Terrier is a small, active terrier that stands fairly tall on its legs but is narrow enough to get into very tight spaces. It comes in rough, broken and smooth coats, usually white with tan, lemon or black markings. It is typically friendly, affectionate and enthusiastic, with plenty of personality.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Can be selective
Can be selective about other dogs.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed takes its name from the Reverend John Russell, a hunting clergyman from Devon. In 1819 he bought Trump, a white terrier with head and tail markings, who is regarded as the founder of the breed. He wanted a terrier with longer legs and the stamina to keep up with horses and hounds, yet small enough to go to ground after foxes.
For many years the Parson was more a working type than a fixed breed, with its own clubs and registries. The Kennel Club recognised it in 1990 as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier, and in 1999 the name changed to Parson Russell Terrier to distinguish it from the Jack Russell Terrier. It is now on the Royal Kennel Club's list of vulnerable native breeds.
Parson Russell temperament
Parson Russells are usually lively, intelligent and independent, and love being part of family life. They thrive with plenty of fun, training and activity, but a bored Parson can become barky and destructive.
They have a strong hunting instinct, are agile enough to scale fences and small enough to vanish down holes, so they need a watchful owner. They often get on with dogs they know but can have issues with unfamiliar dogs, and they need early socialisation with any other pets in the household. They do not tend to like being left alone for long.
Size and appearance
Parson Russells are small dogs. Adults typically stand 33–36 cm at the shoulder, with males at the taller end, and weigh around 6–8 kg.
The coat can be rough, broken or smooth, with a dense undercoat. Breed standard colours include white, white and tan, tan and white, lemon and white, black and white, and tricolour.
How much exercise does a Parson Russell need?
The Royal Kennel Club lists up to an hour of exercise a day, but these are energetic hunting terriers bred to be on the go all day, and they will be happier with more. PDSA suggests one to two hours ideally.
Do not assume a small dog needs little exercise. Alongside walks, they need games, training and a variety of interesting routes. A secure garden is important, as they are agile jumpers and expert diggers.
Training a Parson Russell
Parson Russells can be trained to a high standard and many enjoy training for its own sake, but their hunting instincts mean even basic training, and especially recall, will not always be easy.
- Use kind, reward-based training with treats, toys and outlets for their hunting behaviour.
- Socialise them early with other animals, livestock and pets.
- Make a reliable recall a priority before letting them off the lead.
- Try dog sports such as agility, Rally, Hoopers or mantrailing to keep them busy.
Parson Russell grooming
A weekly brush keeps the coat in good condition. Rough and broken coats usually need stripping at least twice a year, with the dead hairs plucked out by hand, and a good breeder should explain what is needed. The breed does shed.
Living with a Parson Russell
Parson Russells can make fun, loving companions, and PDSA says they usually get on well with children and make excellent family pets. Purina is more cautious: they are not ideal with very small children, who may treat them like a toy, as they are quick to react. Older children who are interested in training and exercise can suit them well. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Can be selective about other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Parson Russell health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Parson Russells are generally a healthy breed, but some inherited conditions are recognised. Knowing about them helps you ask a breeder the right questions; it does not mean every dog will be affected.
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
The lens of the eye moves out of its normal position, which can be painful and cause vision loss. The Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends a DNA test before breeding.
Late onset ataxia (LOA)
An inherited disease that can cause incoordination and loss of balance. A DNA test is strongly recommended before breeding.
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)
A condition that affects balance and movement. A DNA test is part of the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice testing.
Cataracts
Clouding of the lens of the eye, giving it a cloudy appearance. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is recommended for breeding dogs.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.
Legg-Perthes disease
Purina lists Legg-Perthes disease among the conditions the breed can be prone to.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Parson Russell home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Parson Russell cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Parson Russell home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Parson Russell
If you have decided the Parson Russell suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Parson Russell
Parson Russells do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Parson Russells looking for homes
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Parson Russell FAQs
Is the Parson Russell good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Parson Russell live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Parson Russell need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Parson Russell shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Parson Russell need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Parson Russell easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Parson Russell be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Parson Russell bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Parson Russell good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Parson Russell live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Parson Russell get?
Adults typically stand 33–36 cm at the shoulder and weigh 6–8 kg.