Alt Names: Jack Russell Terrier Country of Origin: USA

History: The Parson Russell Terrier was the first Kennel Club recognized variant of the Jack Russell Terrier, first drawn into the UK Kennel Club in 1990, and into the American Kennel Club in 2001.

Like all Jack Russells, the Parson Russell Terrier is descended from early white-bodied fox-working terriers used in the hunt field. At the end of the 19th Century, these dogs were drawn into the Kennel Club as "fox terriers," but their still-working antecedents were referred to as "Jack Russell" terriers throughout the 20th Century, in honor of the Rev. John "Jack" Russell, a noted fox hunter of the 19th Century "The Sporting Parson".

In time, Kennel Club Fox Terriers and working Jack Russell Terriers looked completely different, with fox terriers growing both larger in the chest and also having longer heads. Today, Kennel Club fox terriers are rarely found at work in the field.

The name "Parson Russell" Terrier was chosen by the American Kennel Club because the name "Jack Russell Terrier" had been trademarked by those opposed to drawing this working terrier breed into the Kennel Club.

Appearance: The Parson Russell Terrier is a balanced, square dog, very similar in form to other Russell Terriers, but is largely a show breed rather than a working dog.

The definitions and description of the various Russell Terriers are still evolving, and confusing differences arise even among kennel clubs of the same breed. For example, in the United States, Parson Russells are limited to the standard terrier colours, white with black or tan markings, or tricolour, but in Australia, Parson Russells may also be entirely white, or white with lemon markings.

It is likely that there will be more changes before the various Russell Terriers are definitively categorized.

Temperament: Jack Russell Terriers are considered an intelligent, high-energy breed. Their compact size, friendly and inquisitive nature, and intelligence make them popular as pets. Built for speed and strength, they will always be ready to play. However, they require consistent training and a good deal of attention and exercise to maintain their temperament and to occupy their minds. Jack Russells who are not trained on a consistent basis, or are not exercised regularly, may occasionally exhibit aggressive or unmanageable behaviour, including excessive barking, escaping from the yard, or digging in unwanted places inside and outside the house. In America, several Jack Russell rescue networks have to work constantly to find temporary and permanent homes for JRTs whose owners could not meet these requirements for keeping JRTs as house pets.

The old terriermen wanted terriers that would bark incessently at their prey. The dog could then be located underground, and dug out if necessary. As a result, JRTs are most definitely vocal dogs. They lack the nervousness that makes so many small dogs "yappy". JRTs rarely bark at nothing.

Most JRTs easily mingle with children, though they don't tolerate even unintentional abuse. Most are outgoing, and very friendly towards other dogs, but a good number show same-sex aggression issues. JRT's do tend to exhibit a "Napoleon Complex" regarding larger canines that can get them into dangerous situations. Their fearlessness can scare off a larger animal, but their apparent unawareness of their small size can lead to a lopsided fight if not kept in check.