Today the hero of our article will be a very rare dog for Russia. Perhaps this is due to the somewhat disheveled appearance of this handsome man or his pronounced hunting instincts, which can repel those who want to have a pet. However, the Parson Russell Terrier is very popular in Europe. This is a real hard worker, very active and incredibly hardy. It is used to extract a driven animal from a hole. In the British Isles, she is in demand as a farm dog and companion.
From the history of the breed
The dog Parson Russell Terrier appeared in England in the 19th century. She was taken out for badgers and foxes. The name of the breed is associated with the name of John (Jack) Russell - a priest of the Anglican church. Born in 1795, the pastor was an avid hunter and dog lover. In 1819, he bought a Trump dog, white and beige-colored, from a milkman in the village of Elmsford. From this moment, the man began to breed terriers. He decided to bring dogs that would have great speed and extraordinary courage so that they were not afraid of foxes and severe badgers. John wanted his pets to be friendly, get along well with other animals and not be too aggressive.
The pastor was not involved in the exterior, he was interested in working qualities. He was against the participation of dogs in exhibitions, believing that the accepted standards are changing, and not for the better, the working qualities of animals. Therefore, the Parson Russell Terrier breed did not have an official standard until the end of the 20th century.
At the end of the twentieth century, pastor dog lovers asked the IFF to officially recognize the breed. Several intermediate standards were created, after which the Parson Russell Terrier dog breed got its current name and was officially recognized in the world.
The shorter individuals were assigned standard No. 345 and the name Jack Russell Parson Terrier.
What are the differences between these breeds
There are very few of them, so it will be difficult for an inexperienced owner to distinguish them. ICF Standard No. 339 is relatively recent. Previously, these dogs were considered to be representatives of the same breed, they were simply divided by class depending on the growth of the animal. All differences can be divided into two categories.
- The growth of the animal. Parson Russell is taller than his fellow - 35.5 cm, while Jack Russell's height does not exceed 25 cm.
- The shape of the body. In Parson Russell, the body can be called square, while in Jack Russell it is somewhat elongated.
Parson Russell Terrier - breed description
This cute dog is very agile, active and independent. The animal is muscular, small in size. The body has a characteristic square shape.
For beginner breeders, the Parson Russell Terrier is a rather complex animal. He is selflessly devoted to his master, fearless and demanding, completely unbearable of loneliness. If a pet is left alone for a long time, he can arrange a real pogrom in the apartment. Parson easily communicates with children, but he does not develop relationships with other pets.
Character
Terrier Parson Russell - the animal is very sociable. If you are too busy at work, then this dog is not suitable for you. Parson, not receiving the desired attention, may soon show uncontrollable behavior - the dog will spoil the things of its owners, and will do this purposefully.
Parson needs open space, space. He is curious - he needs to know the world around him, run to play, spend a lot of time in the air. If the dog is restricted in movement, then it will become irritable and nervous.
External data
Parson Russell Terrier weighs no more than 8 kg. Its height at the withers does not exceed 38 cm. The body is slightly longer in length than in height.
The head of these dogs is small and strong. The skull is somewhat enlarged, closer to the eyes it gradually narrows. The nose is black. Jaws are strong, well developed. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped.
Parson’s ears are small, hanging forward. The end of the ear is located at the level with the corner of the eye. The neck is strong and muscular, to the shoulders it expands smoothly.
The chest is moderately wide - it should not fall below the elbow. Straight and strong tail stops.
Parson Russell has straight and long legs with well-developed muscles. Thanks to compact limbs with elastic pads, gait is well coordinated.
The color is white. The spots are red, black, lemon, located at the base of the tail and on the head.
Wool and care
Parson Russell Terrier can have two types of coat - hard and soft. There is a third option - hard wool with a soft undercoat. A characteristic feature of this breed is that the animals practically do not fade. Dogs should be brushed regularly, but only in extreme cases should they be washed. Twice a year, professional trimming is recommended.
Training
Parson Russell Terrier - the dog is very active, and therefore needs serious physical exertion. This animal may well be kept in an apartment, but only in the case that it will be well brought up.
The dog is intelligent and obedient, but at the same time stubborn and decisive. She needs early training and training. Training should be built sequentially, and the trainer needs a strict, but fair. This dog needs a dominant owner.
Food
When choosing products for a dog of this breed, it is preferable to focus on natural food. Feeding both a young individual and an adult animal is enough 2 times a day. True, for a growing puppy, the portion should be almost doubled compared to an adult dog.
The diet should consist of 40% meat. Offal, fresh beef, poultry, rabbit meat can be used.
From cereals, feed your pet with rice, semolina, buckwheat, millet. These products contain many essential trace elements and vitamins for a growing canine organism.
Sometimes it is necessary to include fish oil, boiled fish in the diet of an animal. For a balanced diet, we must not forget about vegetables. They must be present in the diet raw and boiled. It is important for Parson Russell to regularly give pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, beets, parsley and dill, bell pepper.
Twice a week, the dog should receive eggs and dairy products. Fresh berries will not hurt if your pet shows interest in them.
Do not forget that Parson should always have a bowl of clean water. It should be changed twice a day.
Choose a puppy
If you decide to buy a dog of this breed, you need to ask in what conditions puppies grow, whether they have authentic documents, look at the animal’s mother, assess her physical condition. Unfortunately, you are not safe from meeting unscrupulous breeders. Do not take risks and buy a pet from random people.
Many beginner breeders are interested in the following question: "When is a puppy allowed to be taken from its mother?" This can be done no earlier than eight weeks after birth. At this age, Parson Russell Terrier puppies are already completely independent. In addition, experts are sure that this is the most favorable time to get acquainted with the new owners and start raising and educating all dog rules.
Choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to his physical condition. You should not get the worst of the litter, as well as the most well-fed.
The nose should be cool and moist, all mucous membranes are pale pink. A paler tone may indicate the development of anemia or the presence of worms. The tail must be docked. A swollen belly indicates malnutrition. Check all available documents for the dog, take an interest in what vaccinations are already given to the baby, and which are in the near future.
Pay attention to the puppy's coat. In a healthy animal, it should be smooth and shiny.
Apartment preparation
Before your pet appears in the house, prepare a home. It is necessary to remove all objects lying on the floor. Fasten the wires to the walls at least one meter high. Keep your personal belongings (clothes, shoes) in tightly closed cabinets. Prepare for the fact that until 8-9 months the main goal of the puppy will be the desire to tear everything, nibble, pull it to the floor.
Owners opinion
Despite the fact that today the Parson Russell Terrier is not too widespread in Russia , breeders are already receiving reviews about these dogs.
Hunters are very happy with their pet. They believe that the stamina of these animals is simply amazing. Dogs are smart, easily learn teams and are by far the best helpers in fox hunting.
The feedback from owners who purchased Parson Russell as a pet is somewhat different. Those people who live in country houses are very pleased with the new family member. They appreciate the affection of the animal to the owner, cleanliness, cheerful and friendly character. True, many note Parson's complex relationship with other animals.
Owners living in an apartment often complain about the lack of space for their pet. The irrepressible energy of animals requires an exit, and if they have to spend a long time in four walls, they begin to behave inappropriately.
Many owners note that dogs are very attached to the owner. This can be considered both the advantage of this breed and its disadvantage. The fact is that the Parsons require increased attention to themselves. If they don’t get it, the dogs yearn, begin to entertain themselves as they can. As a result, as the owners are too busy at work, their property suffers. Therefore, many advise not to start such an animal for novice breeders and people who spend a lot of time outside the house.