Taking Care of a Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is the AKC-recognized breed standard of the more commonly known Jack Russell Terrier. For all intents and purposes, the two breeds are basically the same, save that the Parson adheres to a breed standard and the Jack Russell doesn't. American families often choose this dog to join their families based on its attractive appearance, feisty but lovable demeanor, and friendliness. Before adding a Parson pup to your own home, consider the type of care it will need to stay happy and healthy in your family.

  1. Food and Water

    • Feed high-quality dog food to your Parson Russell Terrier to improve his health and lifespan. Maintain your dog at a healthy weight, as overweight Parsons are prone to increased health issues, including arthritis. Provide clean, fresh water at all times.

    Exercise

    • Exercise is very important for high-energy Parsons. Take your dog on long walks and play with it throughout the day. Dogs that don't receive adequate exercise become easily bored and turn to destructive behaviors to stay occupied. Avoid ripped couches and holes in your yard by giving your Parson Russell Terrier the amount of exercise that it needs.

    Temperament

    • Parson Russell Terriers are affectionate dogs. Parsons are energetic but obedient when appropriately trained. These dogs love playing with toys and learning tricks. Parsons are generally friendly, but you may need to teach young children not to play roughly with them. Set specific rules and boundaries with your dog, as this breed is known for its willful and clever nature. Parsons require some degree of socialization to accept other dogs or cats in the house. If possible, raise a Parson pup from birth to accept other pets in the home.

    Health

    • These dogs typically remain healthy with proper care. However, Parson Russell Terriers are prone to suffer from dislocated kneecaps, eye disease, muscular coordination issues and deafness. Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations to prevent any health issues and catch any existing problems at an early stage.

    Grooming

    • Parsons may have one of three types of coat: smooth, rough and broken. All three coats shed throughout the year and require regular grooming. Use a brush with firm bristles to comb through your dog̵7;s coat every other day. The Parson rarely needs to be bathed; use gentle dog-appropriate shampoo and warm water to clean your dog when it gets dirty or its coat begins to turn yellow.