Parson Russell Terrier Lifespan, Temperament, Long Hair, and Weight

Moreover, the Parson is known to be bold, clever, and fearless enough to dig in and flush a fox from its lair. When it comes to their color, they are predominantly white breeds with black, tan, mustard, or tricolor markings. Parsons have high energy levels as they have a great zest for life and are always ready to join in activities. In addition, the dog breed has health issues mostly related to eye disorders.

Origin

The Parsons were first developed in the south of England in the 1800s to pursue foxes both above and below the land. Reverend John Russell first purchased a small white and tan terrier dam named Trump from a milkman in the hamlet of Elmsford in 1819 who then bred the dogs. By the 1850s Parson were recognized as a distinct type of Fox Terrier.

The dogs were named after him as he had a passion for ministry and his hunting dogs. He bred the dogs to be independent problem solvers. The breed shared a common history with the Jack Russell Terriers until 1983 when PJRTC was reformed. Furthermore, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club on November 1, 1997. The Parsons standard requires that shyness is a fault, although it states that this should not be confused with submissiveness.

The Parsons have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

Grooming

The Parsons have a short smooth or broken double coat that requires brushing once a week. Brush a broken or rough coat using a pin or slicker brush while for a smooth coat use a soft bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt. The Parsons should bathe once a month unless they end up digging in the mud. When bathing, use a canine-formulated shampoo and conditioner. After drying the dog, comb the rough coat using a slicker brush to keep the coat neat.

If the dog undergoes excessive grooming and sculpturing it may lack an undercoat. Use a canine dog toothpaste and toothbrush to clean the Parson’s teeth. Teeth cleaning prevents tartar buildup and gingivitis in the dog. Their nails should be cut after four weeks by using nail clippers as overly long nails can cause discomfort. Clean Parson’s ears with a damp cotton ball soaked in an ear cleanser to remove dirt and wax.

Shedding

Parsons have a short smooth or broken double coat that sheds. They shed their entire undercoat twice a year once in spring and once in fall. During spring, their coat becomes lighter to facilitate air circulation in warm weather. Similarly, in the fall, they shed their coat to prepare for winter. To prevent the hair from falling around the house, brushing Parsons with a pin and slicker brush regularly is recommended.

Parson Russell Terrier Long Hair

Rough Coat

A Parson may have a rough coat also known as a Broken coat that should be brushed once a week using a pin or slicker brush. The coats also require plucking or clipping to avoid the matting of the longer hairs.

Wire Haired

The Parsons have short double coats that can be smooth or “broken,” which means rough and wiry.

Broken Coat

A broken coat is also known as a Rough coat which is a terrier-type coat of weatherproof harsh texture and softer undercoat.

Some Parsons inherit a smooth coat from the original Fox Terrier which is usually short around the face, body, and legs.

Hypoallergenic

Parsons are not hypoallergenic dogs. They have a short smooth or broken double coat that they shed. As they shed their coat, they leave dander around that has protein allergens unfavorable to people with allergies. Their saliva, mucus, and urine also have protein allergens which cause inflammation in allergic people.

Training

Parsons are known to be independent problem solvers thus, training should start as early as three to 16 weeks. With early training, Parsons will adopt acceptable canine habits. Parsons will live well with other animals and children. Socializing the dog is crucial to help them feel at ease with people, animals, places, and activities. This is mostly attained by introducing the dog to new dogs or people, places, and sounds like washing machines, trains, and doorbells. Well-socialized Parsons relate well with kids but this does not mean they will tolerate children who pick on them.

Positive behavior in dogs is encouraged when the owners or trainers use treats, toys, and verbal praise. The Parsons training should have consistency, a gentle voice, and a great sense of humor. When the Parson is eight weeks old, enroll them in puppy classes with a trainer who has a positive approach.

Also, let Parsons be able to respond to common commands like sit, heel, and stand before introducing new commands. Additionally, to housebreak this breed, introduce them to potty training, crate training, and feeding schedules at an early age.

Exercise

Parsons are known to be affectionate, fun-loving companions who have powerful hunting instincts. As they are highly energetic, the dogs require an hour-a-day walk. During walks, use a harness to avoid blocking the dogs’ breathing and also control their irresistible hunting urge. They are small dogs that can live in apartments and homes with backyards.

Moreover, they are playful with other dogs and get along with horses. The Parsons will best exercise by taking long walks in the woods and can also play dog sports like flying disk, flyball, and agility. Also, they can have play sessions in the backyard as they will not be satisfied to lie alone in the corner for a long time.

Barking

Parsons do not bark excessively but will bark to warn loved ones of danger, being protective of them. The Parsons will also bark to express their feelings.

Apart from Parson Russell Terriers, other dog breeds include:

Boston Terrier.

Bull Terrier.

Italian Greyhound.

Biewer Terrier.

Wire Fox Terrier.

Height

A male Parson stands at a height of 13 to 15 inches ( approx. 34 to 38 cm ) while a female Parson stands at a height of 12 to 14 inches ( approx. 31 to 35 cm).

A healthy Parson weighs 13 to 17 pounds ( approx. 5.9 to 7.7 kg ).

Names

Parsons owners do name their dogs. Naming takes place before the Parsons join the home or after they live with the owners for some time and learn their traits. The Parson parents have different ways of naming them for others it depends on the movies, books, coats, songs, or historical places. Furthermore, Parson’s parents should avoid naming the dogs with command words taught in training to avoid confusion. Some of Parsons’ names include:

• Jasper.
• Bobby.
• Dalton.
• Penelope.
• Volks.
• Hayes.
• Bella.
• Luna.
• Duke.
• Binky.

Food

The amount of food Parsons take depends on their activity level, size, metabolism, and body build. The dog should feed on small-sized dog food appropriate for their age if they are puppies, adults, or seniors. These dogs eat homemade, raw food, and commercial food either wet or dry. Moreover, the Parsons are prone to weight gain thus, they should eat twice a day in the morning and evening.

However, the puppies have a higher metabolism than adult dogs. Thus, an extra meal is given during the day. The Parsons may have food sensitivity as the owners may notice that the dog has diarrhea, skin issues, or an itchy coat. In case of food sensitivity, the owners should discuss the problem with a veterinarian to develop a feeding plan that agrees with the dog.

To avoid pet obesity, consult with the vet for the best daily feeding guide. Treats given should be also moderated and avoid feeding the dog with high-fat food. In addition, provide the dogs with clean water at all times.

Parsons is white. Some have white with black or tan markings, or a combination of tri-color.

There are no Parsons that have an entire black coat. They will be white with black patches on the eyes, ears, and on the back.

There are white Parsons that are born when either the sire or dam is white and they are bred together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Parson Russell Terriers Quick Facts

• The Parsons drop ears(V-shaped) with the tip pointed towards the eyes.
• They have a flat skull but not the elongated shape of the Fox Terrier.
• Parson is more suited for sports.