When I tell people that I have a
Parson Russell Terrier, they usually have no idea what I’m talking about. So then I end up just saying that she is a Jack Russell and leaving it at that. Nearly everyone has heard of a Jack Russell, but the Parson isn’t very well known because the breed name has been around for less than 10 years!
For decades all of these little white terriers were known as Jack Russells. The fox hunting terriers were developed in the 1800s in England, by Reverend John Russell.
 |
| Jack Russell |
However, over time these dogs began to vary in shape and size. The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) was originally the only club in America that would register these dogs, and all dogs registered with the the JRTCA were called Jack Russells. The JRTCA dogs range in size from 10”-15” at the shoulder. Many Jack Russells have very short legs, and are “rectangular” in appearance. I know that whenever I picture a Jack Russell, I think of a very short legged dog. They are very cute, but I have always been more fond of a dog with legs proportionate to their body size.
 |
| Parson Russell |
Eventually the AKC recognized the Jack Russell breed in 1997. In 2003 the name was changed Parson Russell Terrier to avoid any confusion with the JRTCA dogs. The AKC standard for the Parson Russell calls for a dog between 12 and 14 inches, so you won’t ever see any of the “shortie jacks” being called Parson Russells. Parsons are only a bit longer than they are tall, so they will appear to be more “square.” Both Jack and Parson Russells come in 3 coat types: smooth, broken and rough. Do your research to decide which is the best coat type for you.
Despite the confusion with the name, Jack and Parson Russells have very similar personalities, since they all developed from similar lines. As with most terriers, these are very active dogs, and may be hard to train for the average dog owner.
Begin training your Parson as soon as you bring him home. They are very capable of learning almost any behavior when they are still puppies. If left untrained, they will decide to do everything their own way, and you will probably regret it. Once your Parson Russell has formed certain habits, they can be extremely hard to break, because they are very stubborn dogs.
Always meet the parents before you purchase a puppy. If the parents show any signs of aggression or are extremely hyper, you will want to stay away from that litter.
 |
| My Juno |
A properly bred Parson Russell Terrier is a smart and loving companion. If you do your research and buy from a breeder who breeds for good temperament, you will have a loving companion. When I got my first Parson Russell Terrier, I was terrified that she would become a hyperactive crazy dog, but instead I ended up with the best dog I have ever owned, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world.
Emma Green is owned by a Parson Russell Terrier and a Papillon. She is passionate about dogs, emergency preparedness, and
food insurance. Feel free to visit
her blog, or you may contact her with any questions about her dogs on
Google+, or by email: emmagreenie (at ) live (dot) com.
Source: http://www.houndcrazy.com/2012/05/short-history-and-profile-of-parson.html
Gizmodo Poochie Heaven- Luxury on a Leash
No comments:
Post a Comment