How to Identify a Parson Russell Terrier

Last Updated: February 23, 2021

Tough terriers bred to hunt foxes,^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Parson Russell Terriers are small and swift. They are bold and fearless dogs assigned to the terrier group.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} This wikiHow will give you a better idea of whether or not a dog is a Parson Russell Terrier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Checking the Body Structure

1
Notice the dog's size. Parson Russell Terriers are one of the smaller members of the terrier group. They weigh around 13–17 pounds (5.9–7.7 kg) and stand at 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) tall.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Inspect the eyes. Parson Russells have dark, almond-shaped eyes.^{[4]
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Research source} They usually have black eye rims, though they may have pink eye rims when the eye is surrounded by white fur.^{[5]
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3
Look at the ears. The ears of a Parson Russell Terrier are moderately thick and resemble small v's. They have drop ears that hang close to the head.^{[6]
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4
Check the tail. Parson Russells may have docked tails. Their tails are docked to stay level to the dog's head.^{[7]
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Research source} They are set with a slight arch.^{[8]
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5
See the dog's overall body structure. Parson Russell Terriers have fairly muscular bodies with somewhat narrow chests, giving them an athletic appearance.^{[9]
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Research source} Their bodies are square and balanced, and they have a straight gait.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Viewing the Coat

1
Tell the difference between a smooth and broken coat. A Parson Russell Terrier may be seen with either a smooth coat or broken coat.^{[11]
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Research source} Smooth coats are short-haired and close lying.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Broken coats, on the other hand, are rough and wiry.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} A Parson Russell may be seen sporting either coat type.
2
Check the coat color. Parson Russells have pure white coats or mostly white coats with markings. They can be seen with black, tan, or both black and tan markings.^{[14]
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3
Notice grizzle markings. Grizzle is "a mixture of black or red hairs with white hairs" which is often a blue or grey color.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} These types of markings, not to be confused with brindle, may appear on a Parson Russell.^{[16]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Noticing the Temperament

1
Look for intelligence. Parson Russells are highly intelligent and, with the proper training, can be taught to accomplish many tasks. Their intelligence can also permit them to take upon roles, such as an emotional support or service animal.^{[17]
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Did you know? Parson Russell Terriers were bred to work together with foxhounds to pursue foxes. As foxes are typically clever and swift, Parson Russells were independent problem solvers, so it's no surprise that they've maintained a high level of intelligence.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Notice fearlessness. It takes guts to be a hunting breed, and the Parson Russell is no exception. Parson Russells are tough and bold, willing to take on larger dogs. They can also make good watchdogs.^{[19]
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3
See if the dog is friendly. Parson Russells are typically willing to meet new people. With the right amount of socialization, they can be great companions.^{[20]
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4
Watch for playfulness. Parson Russells have a joyful personality. They can turn things into games to amuse their families and are quite outgoing.^{[21]
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5
Check the dog's energy levels. As hunting dogs, Parson Russell Terriers have high levels of energy. These energetic, athletic dogs can make great exercise partners.^{[22]
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