Buyer question
Is a Parson Russell Terrier good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Parson Russell Terrier 2 out of 5 for beginners (needs an active owner).
Source: the Parson Russell Terrier page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Parson Russell Terrier in the Animal Library
The detail
The longer-legged, square-built version of the Rev. John Russell's fox-working terrier, bred to keep pace with hunting horses and bolt foxes. The Parson is bold, clever and athletic, with energy that needs daily running, work and training.
- Temperament
- Bold, clever, energetic
- Best fit
- Active, experienced owners
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Smart, very independent)
- Energy
- 5 out of 5 (Hard exercise daily)
- Grooming load
- 2 out of 5 (Weekly brush, sheds)
What to weigh
Parsons dig, bark and chase, and they can jump or climb out of low fences. Under-exercised, they become destructive and noisy.