"Tarra"

Parson Russell Terriers and Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers are all versions of the original "foxing" terriers used in the 1800's in England. The Parson Russell Terrier is of the type used by Reverend John Russell, an avid foxhunter. Following his death, other breeds were often crossbred with some of the parson’s dogs to increase the dogs’ salability as being from “Jack Russell’s Terriers”.  Sometimes it was to develop strains of terriers for various purposes such as the one-time legal sport of badger digging.

Generally, terriers were all bred to do some kind of rodent or small game work. The popular non-purebred terrier that is often confused with the Parson Terrier is descended from this practice of mixing together different types of dogs.  The Parson Russell Terrier stands no more than 15 inches tall at the withers. He has a harsh double coat that may be rough or smooth and resists the elements. He is entirely white or predominantly white with tan, lemon or black markings, or any combination of these colours, preferably confined to the head and/or root of the tail. Temperament is of utmost importance.  Possessing a 'big dog personality in the body of a small dog', the Parson Russell Terrier is not the dog to back down, even when faced by other larger breeds. To do his intended job of “going to ground” and “bolting” prey rather than killing it, the Parson must be intelligent, feisty, and tenacious, but not vicious. He must also be able to get along with the rest of the dogs on the hunt.  Early training and socialization should ensure that your Parson is not guilty of "bad manners". Today in Canada, hunting as it was done in England is no more, although more than one squirrel or chipmunk has gone down to the lightening quick reflexes of Parson Russell Terriers.  Nowadays, Parsons participate in conformation, agility and obedience events, among others. Far more are loving companion dogs. Smart and curious with energy to burn during the day, the Parson is eager to be a couch potato when the day is done.