The Parson Russell Terrier (a variant of the Fox Terrier)

(The following  pages are the personal pages of Kevin and Eunice Moore and are produced by them to promote the breed.  They have kindly given the Parson Russell Terrier Club of  Ireland permission to reproduce them.    Any views and opinions expressed in them are the views and opinions of the Kevin and Eunice Moore and are not necessarily the views of the Parson Russell Terrier Club) 

 

 ENJOYING LIFE WITH YOUR PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER

AT HOME
Although bred originally for work by Rev. John Russell, it is said that he enjoyed their company so much that many, if not all, lived in the house with him. In keeping with this tradition most Parson Russell terriers today will settle happily into a family situation and will more than earn their keep by the loyal companionship they offer.

AGILITY
The breed standard for Parson Russell terriers states that they should be “active and agile” and these characteristics lend themselves extremely well to agility training. Parson Russell terriers are natural athletes. Their size dictates that they must compete in mini-agility which provides a course for dogs of up to 15 inches at the withers.

WORKING TERRIERS 
Kennel club registration does not prevent Parson Russell terriers from working and on many show occasions there are dogs present that follow dual careers as show dog and worker. Recognition by the kennel club certainly secured the survival of the breed while the future of hunting and the working of dogs in the UK seems to hang in the balance. Parson Russell terriers are described as “workmanlike ” and the presence of working terriers in the show ring serves as an excellent reminder of the purpose for which the Reverend John Russell so selectively bred them.

OBEDIENCE AND TRAINING 
The traditional work of the prt requires them to act , without guidance, while alone underground and that streak of independence which allows them to work so effectively is apparent even in non-working terriers. Consequently obedience work with a pjrt can be fun but it is challenging. PRT’s are easily bored by repetition and an inventive mind is a huge asset to help to maintain the terrier’s interest in the training exercises.  PRT’s  do not suffer fools gladly but they can and do succeed at obedience trials.