Petsfanatics Forums - Jack to Parson?

Russell Terriers are the original old English and Irish Jack Russell Terriers. Commonly used in the Irish and the northern English fox hunts, the Russell Terrier is a smaller terrier in comparison to the larger Parson Russell's favored in the south of England. In the United Stats the term "Jack Russell" has been universally applied to all types of mostly white working terrier that share a similar origin in the hunt fields of England.

In fact, the long legged Parson Russell Terrier is a separate breed derived from the old working Fox Terrier, a much Sturdier variety of Fox Terrier than the modern day show type Fox Terrier. Parson Russell's are between 12 and 15 inches stall with square build (Length of leg equal to length of back). True to their origins, Parson Russell's are high energy, aggressive dogs similar in temperament to Fox Terriers and are not recommended to beginners. The American Kennel Club (AKC) now recognizes this breed and you may have seen a kennel club version of this type of terrier in the show ring.

The Russell Terrier or old true Jack Russell is short legged and sturdy dog between 10 and 12 inches. Prick ears and bowed legs are common as these dogs were true working dogs and not bred for the show ring. Russell Terriers have back longer than the lengths of their legs giving them a more rectangular shape in comparison to the Parson Russell. Another big difference between these types of terriers is in temperament. Russell Terriers were part of the family and earned their living on farms bolting all types of vermin. A dog that was aggressive towards anything but legitimate quarry could be of no use around a farm where children and livestock lived.

To further confuse matters, Parson and Russell Terriers have been crossed to form an intermediate sized terrier. These mixes or "under Parsons" are lumped into the catchall name of Jack Russell Terrier today. These dogs range in height from 10 to 15 inches but can be differentiated from Russell Terriers because like the Parson Russell they are a squarely built dog. The Jack Russell can display the hyper and aggressive temperament of a Parson Russell as well. This type of working terrier is recognized by the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA).

In an attempt to avoid confusion, the Russell Terrier changed its name from Jack Russell when it was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2001. Russell Terrier with their wonderful temperament, cute appearance, and loyal nature make wonderful family dogs and are very special. True Russell Terriers are rate. The Star Valley is committed to preserve and improving these old true Russell Terrier lines.