How to Manage a Parsons Russell Terrier

The Parson's Russell Terrier(PRT) is a fun, loving and energetic dog. They are very smart and athletic as they were originally breed to chase small animals, dig holes and go underground during hunting trips. They are known for their persistence and love for adventure. The PRT is very agile and are the Olympic athletes of the dog breeds. They are charming, but can also be sneaky and a handful, so here is what you should know about the PRT and how to keep them happy.

Parson Terrier's require a great amount of attention and stimulation. Don't leave your Parson unattended in your home for hours on end if you can help it. They are needy and love to be with you- the master- at all times. They love hard, and are often prone to separation anxiety and will act out when bored or left alone for lengthy periods. No matter how well trained the PRT, they will act out by urinating and defecating in your home if they feel abandoned, bored, or lonely. They love to be connected at the hip with their owner, so if you do not have the time and attention to give a PRT, then this breed may not be for you.

Exercise is also a must for these dogs. Parsons require an active owner and will beg (vocally) to be taken out and walked. They are the happiest when walked for at least 30 minutes per day. It is best to "over-exert" these dogs so the longer you walk them the better.

I mentioned briefly that the JRT is a vocal dog. Expect your dog to grunt, yawn often, and make any vocal noise he can muster! They enjoy being engaged in conversation and will even talk back to you in the form of grunts. PRT's believe they are little humans and they expect to be treated as so! They are the biggest, little hams and enjoy entertaining you.

A forewarning for families with children: The PRT does not respond well to being teased by children. Children must always be tender and loving with the PRT because they have a low tolerance for tail-tugging and taunting. If you are good to your PRT, then your PRT will be even greater to you!

PRT's believe they are really large breed dogs at heart, so they love to socialize and play with big dogs. They generally do not like toy breed dogs and smaller animals unless they were raised with them. Even so, the PRT can be quite the little bully sometimes to things smaller than it (and sometimes larger too) and they take on many alpha- pack leader traits.

So as long as you exercise your Parson Russell, spend lots of quality time talking to them on a regular basis, you will fall in love hard and fast with one of the most loving and affectionate breeds. They are much like babies because they appreciate play and stimulation without the possibility of boredom. They love to snuggle, be rocked and wrapped up in blankets for safe keeping.