Parson Russell Terrier
Energetic, bold, and intelligent, this terrier thrives on adventure and companionship. Agile and lively, it brings spirited playfulness and loyalty to any household.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
34–38 cm (male)
31–35 cm (female)
WEIGHT
6–8 kg (male)
5–7 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
13–15 years
Parson Russell Terrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Parson Russell Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Parson Russell Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Parson Russell Terrier is energetic, bold, and confident, often displaying a friendly yet assertive temperament and a strong hunting instinct.
Key Personality Traits
Outgoing and sociable with people and dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly energetic, requires regular vigorous exercise
Loves games and interactive activities daily
Adjusts moderately to new environments and routines
Strengths
- Energetic and enthusiastic playmate
- Strong prey drive for vermin control
- Highly intelligent and quick learner
- Agile and excels in canine sports
- Loyal and forms strong family bonds
Challenges
- Prone to digging and escaping yards
- Needs extensive daily physical exercise
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- May chase small pets or wildlife
- Tends to bark frequently when alert
Protect your Parson Russell Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier are active and energetic, but they can develop patellar luxation and lens luxation. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Parson Russell Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn but can be independent, requiring consistent, positive training methods and mental stimulation for best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Parson Russell Terriers have high energy levels and need vigorous daily exercise along with mental challenges to stay happy and well-behaved.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Parson Russell Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Parson Russell Terrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced handling and consistent training to manage energy and independence
Apartment Living
High activity level and barking can be disruptive in small spaces
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with regular activity and enjoys participating in energetic routines
Kids
Playful and affectionate but may be too boisterous for very young children
Multiple Pets
Strong prey drive can create issues with smaller pets or same-sex dogs
Being Left Alone
Becomes bored and destructive if left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Parson Russell Terriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parson Russell Terrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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