The Parson Russell Terrier was developed in the 1800s as a solution to flush the foxes out of their holes during the annual fox hunts.
It was bred as a specific chum to the Fox Hound during fox hunts. It was the Fox Hound sidekick. It would follow along with the Fox Hound and pick up the scent.
These tiny little Parson Russell Terriers then went into the fox holes to flush out the fox so that the hunt could go on.
These dogs were not bred, or expected to, kill the fox. They were just meant to flush it out of its hole. These same qualities that made it so great for the fox hunt in earlier times make it great as a pet today.
It is smart, energetic, and determined. It is a miniature dog. It is a little over a foot at the shoulders. It is a stout, mediums-sized dog. It has a double-coat that is always coarse. It is either white, tan, black, or grizzle, and it is usually a combination of these colors. It has darting, energetic, spirited eyes that are dark and almond-shaped. The nose is black, and the ears droop down.
The origin of the Parson Russell Terrier is thanks to “Parson” Jack. He was born in Devonshire in 1795, and he grew up in a fox-hunting family. He took the habit of breeding many white fox terriers for the purposes of flushing the fox out of its hole. He bred them to have specific qualities to do this job well. It had the right size, temperament, endurance, a cold-weather coat, and a coat that made the dog easy to spot during the hunt. The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club both eventually recognized the Parson Russell Terrier as distinct from the Jack Russell Terrier and other fox terriers, but it took some time. The American Kennel Club officially recognized it in 1997.
This dog is the most energetic of all terriers, and that is saying a lot.
This dog needs daily exercise, and it needs regular bathing and brushing. This dog needs socialization with many types of dogs and people. This dog should never be left alone with a cat, however. It excels in outdoor sports, activities, and is boundless in energy for such sports as fly ball, obedience training, and any other fun activities outside.
