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Parson
Russell Terrier: Breed of the Millennium
by Julie Felten
 The Parson Russell Terrier, or Jack Russell
Terrier, as it has been known up until very recently, was recognized by
the AKC in July,1997. Competing in the group since April 2000. The Jack
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 breed standard, accepted by the
American Kennel Club, is of a well balanced, athletic, longer- legged
terrier. When judging the Parson Russell Terrier, no one part of the breed
standard, should ever be over emphasized.
Breed Type:
The head is one of the most important breed characteristics of the Parson
Russell Terrier. However, we must remember that a good Parson Russell head,
is only as good as the body it sits on. The head is the expression of the
animal. The correct Parson Russell head is difficult to write about, being
that there are so many variations out there. The proper head is fairly
broad between the ears and has a good strong muzzle. It should be shorter
from the nose to the stop, than the stop to the occiput. It has a defined
stop. Not as much as a Border Terrier, but certainly more than a Fox
Terrier. A weak (or slight) head with a long narrow muzzle, is a serious
fault for the breed. It has almond shaped eyes (not round) is dark in
color, and has "V"-shaped ears. A rounded ear tip is a fault, for it gives
a very hound-like appearance which is completely incorrect for a terrier.
The ear fold is level with the top of the skull (or slightly above).
Comparatively, the correct Parson Russell head is somewhere in between a
Welsh and a Border Terrier head.
The Parson Russell Terrier measures between 12-15 inches at the withers;
over or under these heights will result in a disqualification. The Parson
Russell Terrier is well boned and not racy. This is a square, not a short
nor long backed terrier. A low-slung, long backed, or fine boned terrier
lacks true breed type. The tail is moderately set high and carried
upright. In a show stance, the rear quarters must stand with hocks low and
perpendicular behind the point of buttocks. This indicates a good bend of
stifle. Tuck up is moderate, over emphasis of this should be highly
penalized. No particular color or color pattern is preferred over another.
Body markings are not to be penalized. Common Parson Russell colors are
white, tan/white, black/white, brown/white or tri-colored. Heavy body
markings are not desirable. Grizzle is acceptable and should not be
confused with brindle. Disqualification- brindle markings.
The Parson Russell Terrier is one of the few remaining terrier breeds that
is still used for it's original purpose: hunting live quarry underground.
The hallmark of the Parson Russell Terrier is his ability to go-to-ground.
To be able to perform the above, the terrier must have the proper chest
size. The chest is narrow and of moderate depth, giving an athletic,
rather than a heavily-chested appearance. The chest must be flexible and
compressible. The ribs are fairly well sprung, oval rather than round, not
extending past the level of the elbow. When spanning the Parson Russell
Terrier, the dog must have the two hind feet on the ground. The chest must
be easily spanned by average size hands. Thumbs should meet at the spine
and fingers should meet under the chest. This is a critical point of the
judging process and is always necessary. An unspannable chest is a serious
fault.
The terrier's movement is free, lively, and well coordinated with straight
action in front and behind. There should be ample reach and drive with
good length of stride. The Parson Russell's scapula and humerus are of equal
length. He has good reach, putting front foot on the ground in a plumb
line from the chin. The pasterns break on forward reach. Short stepping
action and extravagant flinging around of the front legs are both equally
incorrect and should be penalized in the show ring. The Parson Russell has
good shoulder lay back with moderate angulation. Quality in the rear
assembly is apparent in low hocks and angulated stifle. Stifle is
moderately well-angulated, not exaggerated nor straight. Straight stifles
are a significant fault. The rear is driving, fall off at the croup is
slight. At rest, the terrier may stand with a slight roach over the loin,
but none is visible in motion.
Both coat types (smooth and broken) are double layered,
coarse, and weather proof. The coat is harsh, and lies flat. Belly or
undersides of thighs are not bare. The terrier is shown in his natural
appearance, and not excessively groomed. Soft, silky, woolly, or curly
topcoats are incorrect for the Parson Russell.
The feet are round and very compact. The pads are thick and tough. The
toes are moderately arched, pointing forward, neither turned in nor out.
All digits should touch the ground. Hare feet are undesirable. Abnormal
shortness of digits, or "high toe (s) is a serious fault for the breed."
The Parson Russell is a bold, friendly, athletic, and clever terrier. At
work he is a game hunter; tenacious and courageous. At home he is playful,
exuberant, and overwhelmingly affectionate. He is an independent and
energetic terrier and requires his due portion of attention. Sparring is
not acceptable.
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