QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
WHAT'S A PARSON RUSSELL
TERRIER?
This noble fox hunting breed
was developed in England in the 19th Century and from there
the modern Fox Terriers have evolved. The Parson Russell
takes his name from the Reverend John Russell, who from 1830
to 1870 bred with great care a predominantly white terrier
that followed the hunt and went to ground after the fox.
This type bred by the Parson Russell is the original or
only TRUE type Parson Russell Terrier today.
The standard of the breed, or
conformation, still follows the breed's original function.
Early British fox hunters used a black and tan terrier,
who's color was similar to that of the fox. Since it was
difficult to tell the terrier from the fox in a dig, a white
terrier was desired for the job. The extinct Old English
White was probably crossed with the Old English Black and
Tan to achieve the coloring we know today.
Parson Russells had to have a
most reasonable length of leg to follow the hunt. As he
went over the terrain and to ground following into the fox's
territory, he had to have a size and shape similar to that
of the fox.
The Parson Russell Terrier,
as bred by the Parson, is growing in popularity as more
people become aware of it's wonderful personality, loyalty
and handsome appearance.
Parson or Jack?
These dogs are cousins...as
they have shared the same history. However, only the Parson
is considered the "Pure Breed" by Kennel Clubs world wide,
and the FCI, the European registering body of some 200
countries.
The Parson and the Jack Russell
are TWO VERY DIFFERENT AND DISTINCT BREEDS. The breed
standards are very different. Parsons must have Kennel Club
registration - be that AKC, the Parson Club UK, the Dutch or
Belgium Kennel Club, etc. Canada is looking to add the
Parson to the CKC soon.
The Jack Russell is NOT
currently seeking CKC recognition.
The Jack Russell is NOT
recognized by the AKC nor is it recognized by any other
Kennel Club in the world.
Any breed recognized in a
Kennel Club is considered a "pure bred"
There are many breeds not
recognized by KC's but are still pure bred. These are
classified as "rare breeds" and have their own registering
body.
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