|
Is
The Parson
Russell The Breed For you?
The Parson Russell
Terrier, or Jack Russell Terrier, as it has been known up until April 2003,
was recognized by the AKC in July 1997. Competing in the group since
April 2000. The Parson Russell has proven to be one tough competitor!
Although new to the AKC, the breed has been around since the mid-1800's.
The Parson Russell Terrier was first bred in southern England
to hunt European red fox for the pleasure of
traditional sport. Everything about the Parson Russell Terrier says fox hunting, his
conformation, character, attitude, and intelligence. We look forward to presenting our breed, one
of the original fox-hunting terriers of the 19th century, to the
judges of the American Kennel Club. The Parson Russell AKC Breed Standard is of a well balanced, athletic, longer-legged
terrier.
Intelligent:
The first word to describe the Parson Russell! He is
truly a smart little dog. He is a thinking terrier whose conclusions may
not always agree with yours, so respect your PRT but do not under-estimate
him, and make sure he abides by your rules rather than you by his. A
strong will can often go with great intelligence, but the PRT is eminently
reasonable once he knows who is boss. With consistency and guidance, the
PRT will be the best friend you have ever had.
Sociable:
The PRT adores his human companionship. The PRT is
good humored, adaptable and loyal. He will bark at strangers but will
accept any person his owner wants him to. He can be territorial
about his crate, yard, or run, but is no way a guard dog. The PRT must be
strictly trained to leave the family cat or other pets alone. Even though
he accedes to your wishes when you are present, do not be swayed and leave
him alone and unsupervised with cats, guinea pigs, or the like.
House
Training:
House training is most easily
accomplished by crate training. All of our puppies are raised on Purina Dog Litter and we believe helps make the
housebreaking transition an easy one.
Obedience:
Every dog benefits from
structured training and will defined expectations and the PRT is no
exception. A basic obedience class is wonderful for both terrier and
owner. When searching for a qualified instructor, make sure they have
experience in "terrier" breeds and never take the advise from someone who
believes in training by intimidation methods. It is up to you to teach
your terrier the habits you want him to have.
Grooming:
All Parson Russell Terriers
shed, regardless of the coat type. Weekly brushing will go a long way to
keeping do hair in the waste basket rather than on the furniture. Many
terrier grooming tools are available at internet pet supply shops. As the
top coat continues to grow, it will become to long, or what is called
"blown". The coat should then be pulled out or clippered.
Temperament:
The PRT
is an extrovert with a passion for human company and human activity. He is
an avid game player, loving all ball sports, especially tennis ball toss.
The PRT generally loves the water and many are avid swimmers both on and
under the water. The PRT is an excellent hiking and cross country
skiing companion, an d loves any kind of riding from cars to canoes to
motor boats to airplanes. If a human being finds an activity fun, so will
the Parson. It is the very bond with man that sets the Parson apart, and
it comes down in the breed from its very strong working roots. As a
house pet the PRT respects house rules once they are clearly defined. He
will always prefer the couch to the floor and you bed to the couch! The
PRT has a charming, sophisticated, and at times ribald sense of humor, and
can always be counted upon to provide comic relief. Once you have lived
with a PRT you will always want to have one in your
life.
.
|
