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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+9
Dogs
# The Parson Russell Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United Kingdom
A lively, hardy and tireless terrier, built for action and an active life.
Size SmallLife expectancy 13–15 yearsBudget ≈ €81/monthPuppy €700 – €1,200
[Find a breeder 27](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=parson-russell-terrier)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Fair
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Fair
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Enduring: He has excellent energy to accompany an active owner over time.
- Intelligent: His mental liveliness and his enthusiasm for work make him a receptive dog when he is well supervised.
- Hardy: His solid build and his dense coat allow him to cope well with a dynamic outdoor life.
- Very eager for activity: A lack of physical and mental exercise quickly encourages boredom and troublesome behaviors.
- Strong hunting instinct: His taste for chasing requires a well-trained recall and vigilance off-leash.
- Not well suited to a sedentary lifestyle: A life that is too calm or prolonged absences do not suit his temperament.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Sporty owners: He thrives with people who can offer him outings, games and regular activities.
- Country life: Natural and spacious environments are particularly well suited to this working terrier.
- Active families: He can be a good family companion if the setting is consistent and he gets enough exercise.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: His energy level and need for activity far exceed a calm lifestyle.
- Prolonged daily absences: He does not tolerate being without interaction or activity for long hours.
- Unavailable first-time owners: His training and day-to-day management require commitment and consistency.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
34 cmParson Russell Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 30–38 cm
- Weight
- 6–9 kg
- Coat
- Short or harsh, dense
- FCI group
- 3
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Parson Russell Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Parson Russell Terrier originates from England and owes its name to Reverend John Russell, who developed in the 19th century a terrier capable of flushing foxes from their den. Descended from Fox Terrier lines, it shares the same origins as the Jack Russell Terrier, from which it is distinguished mainly by a taller, longer-legged build and a squarer silhouette. Highly appreciated by hunters and riders, it was definitively recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2001.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Parson Russell Terrier is a small, well-proportioned dog, agile and athletic, built for speed and endurance. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a straight and solid back, a strong loin and a shallow chest. Its head, relatively long, is wedge-shaped, the dark eyes express liveliness and the V-shaped ears fall forward. The coat, smooth or rough-haired, is dense and tight, most often white or predominantly white with black, tan or lemon markings.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Alert, confident and cheerful, the Parson Russell Terrier is a dog full of energy and boldness. It is a persistent working terrier, with a very strong hunting instinct and a great desire to act. Affectionate with its family and loyal to its owner, it can also be independent and sometimes rough in play, especially if it lacks structure or sufficient exercise.
Playful Intelligent
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Parson Russell Terrier does not tolerate prolonged inactivity well. He needs occupation, interactions and stimulating outings to remain balanced. He enjoys wide open spaces, hikes and activities that engage his sense of smell, his liveliness and his desire to chase. Prolonged solitude and a completely sedentary life do not suit him well, and a well-fenced garden is often preferable to avoid opportunistic escapes.
Training
## Training and socialization
His training must begin early, with a particular emphasis on recall, basic obedience and self-control. Intelligent and enthusiastic at work, he learns well when sessions are consistent, dynamic and fair. On the other hand, his assertive temperament and his chasing instinct require firm training, without brutality, in order to avoid oppositional behavior or uncontrolled hunting departures.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Parson Russell Terrier
The purchase price of the Parson Russell Terrier varies mainly depending on the quality of the bloodline, the seriousness of the breeding kennel and the puppy’s intended purpose. Beyond the initial cost, you must also anticipate routine maintenance expenses, veterinary preventive care and equipment.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/parson-russell-terrier/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Parson Russell Terrier is a hardy and generally resilient dog. Its dense coat protects it fairly well from bad weather and the breed does not present any major systematic fragility. Like many small sporting dogs, it nevertheless deserves careful monitoring of the joints and eyes, especially if it leads a very active life.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/parson-russell-terrier/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The diet of the Parson Russell Terrier must take into account its size, its high activity level and its lean musculature. A complete, good-quality food helps support its endurance without promoting excess weight.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/parson-russell-terrier/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Parson Russell Terrier is often confused with the Jack Russell Terrier, but they are indeed two distinct breeds. The Parson is generally taller on its legs and was selected to follow horses and work efficiently in the field. Its name pays tribute to Reverend John Russell, a central figure in the development of these English hunting terriers.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Parson Russell Terrier
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Parson Russell Terrier suitable for apartment living?
It can adapt to it if its exercise needs are genuinely met every day, but it remains more comfortable with a very active lifestyle and regular access to the outdoors.
### What is the difference from the Jack Russell Terrier?
The Parson Russell Terrier is generally taller on its legs and a little squarer in its proportions. The two breeds share similar origins, but they are clearly distinct and should not be confused.
### Is it a good dog for a first-time owner?
Not necessarily, as its energy, hunting instinct and need for structure require availability and consistent training. It is better suited to dynamic and committed people.
## Find a Parson Russell Terrier breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Parson Russell Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Parson Russell Terrier breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes8](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Parson Russell Terrier breeders in Hauts-de-France4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/hauts-de-france) [Parson Russell Terrier breeders in Grand Est3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/grand-est)
### Parson Russell Terrier breeders by country
[155 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/germany) [27 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier) [12 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/italy) [10 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/austria) [7 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/denmark) [3 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/finland) [3 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/netherlands) [3 breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/united-kingdom) [1 breeder of Parson Russell Terrier in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/spain) [1 breeder of Parson Russell Terrier in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier/switzerland)
[All breeders of Parson Russell Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier)
## Ready to welcome a Parson Russell Terrier?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-parson-russell-terrier)
## Compare Parson Russell Terrier with other breeds
- [Jack Russell Terrier vs. Parson Russell Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/jack-russell-terrier-vs-parson-russell-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
[Fox Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/fox-terrier)
[Jack Russell Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/jack-russell-terrier)
[Bedlington Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bedlington-terrier)
[Border Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-terrier)
[Cairn Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cairn-terrier)
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