Enthusiastic and fearless, these dogs will be a faithful playtime companion for hours on end. Here’s the scoop on this zany breed.
If you’re reading this and thinking “wait, but what about Jack Russell Terriers?” then you’re in for a surprise — the JRT and Parson Russell Terrier are one and the same! Known for winning hearts around the world with their fearlessness and bouncy personality, the Parson Russell Terrier breed is a favorite among dog sport enthusiasts and dog trainers on TV. And with the right care and attention, they can be a perfect fit for your home too!
A good sense of humor is required for those who bring this breed into the family, because they’re also know for being quick-witted and sassy, and will always try to find a loophole in any command. But with a good training structure, these dogs can learn any trick in the book, and they excel at dog sports across the board. Plus, they’ll bring plenty of love and loyalty into any home.
In addition to the increased health issues due to bad breeding, not all owners are prepared for what goes into owning one of these energetic pups. Many are surrendered at shelters when their owners can no longer take care of them, and they all need loving homes. Before shopping with a breeder, check out a local shelter or rescue group for a loving Parson Russell Terrier.
Why We Love the Parson Russell Terrier Breed
- Parson Russell Terrier dogs are absolutely devoted to their families — especially ones that can keep them entertained with games of fetch or agility training!
- These pups are great with older children. They love to play and are incredibly affectionate with kids old enough to treat them with respect.
- The Parson Russell Terrier makes an excellent jogging companion! With all their hyper energy, even their short legs can keep up with almost any runner.
Things to Consider
- Parsons are bouncy and will jump on anything and anyone, and can even jump up to five feet high. They’ll need a secure yard and some firm training to curb the habit.
- These dogs aren’t the best fit for first-time dog owners. Parson Russell Terriers are strong willed and can be difficult to train, even for experienced owners.
- The Parson Russell Terrier breed is an extremely active one. These dogs require an above average amount of exercise each day in order to stay happy and calm, so be prepared to either take them for runs or play for at least 45 minutes each night.
Why Rescue?
The abundance of these happy dogs in pop culture have increased their demand, so they’ve recently fallen victim to overbreeding and irresponsible practices. This can exacerbate health issues in the breed, including deafness, glaucoma and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (which requires surgery and rehabilitation to repair).
