3 Different Russell Terrier Breeds

Choosing which dog to make your next family pet is never an easy decision to make.  If you are looking for a smaller breed to introduce to your household, one of the three Russell Terrier breeds may be a good choice for you.  There are many similarities between the three different terrier breeds, as well as many differences that could be the reason you choose one over the other.  The three Russell Terrier breeds are: Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and Russell Terrier.

Jack Russell Terrier
Distinguishable by its short, usually white with areas of brown coat, the Jack Russell Terrier is an energetic breed which relies heavily on exercise and stimulation.  This breed is commonly free of the typical health problems that arise in many other breeds, leading to a relatively long and healthy life if taken care of properly.  The Jack Russell is a very loving, loyal, and happy breed, and enjoy playing games and with toys, and typically gets along well with children.  It is easier to train this breed compared to others, and are able to perform impressive tricks!  Jack Russells are very good at climbing, which means they can climb over a fence, they also jump.  A Jack that stands 12 inches high can easily jump five feet, so it is important to make sure their surroundings are condusive to their abilities.  A typical weight for a Jack Russell is 14-18 pounds.

Parson Russell Terrier
The main difference between the Parson Russell and the Jack Russell is their coat.  The Parson Russell has a longer coat, and is predominantly white, with black, tan, or grizzle markings or a tricolor combination.  Their tempermant is just like that of a Jack Russell, in that they are loving, loyal, and energetic dogs.  The need exercise and stimulation, and love to play games and with toys.  It is important to make sure that you train a Parson Russell correctly right from the start.  If this breed is given an inch, he will certainly take a mile!  The Parson Russell will typically grow to 14-18 pounds.

Russell Terrier
The Russell Terriers unique rectangular body shape with the body being of slightly longer length than the leg makes them distinctly different from the Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier.  They make excellent performance dogs, participating in a variety of events; natural hunting which includes earthwork, agility, rally, obedience, tracking, go-to-ground, and conformation, just to name a few.  They are also commonly found as therapy and service dogs.  The Russell Terrier dog breed is known to be a lively, loyal, and friendly dog, and does well in a calm setting; its tendency to be hyper-active makes it more sensitive to sharp noises or erratic human behaviour.