The small Parson-Russell-Terrier dog, bred by Pastor Russell, is distinguished by endurance and courage, good working qualities. For the huntsman, she is indispensable. But for dog breeders who are not keen on hunting, it is useful to know about the nature of the future pet and the features of its content.
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History of breed origin
The Parson Russell Terrier is taller at the withers, with longer limbs than the Jack Russell Terriers. The separation of these rocks occurred recently, at the beginning of the XXI century. Dogs have strong muscles and a very active temperament, making them unsurpassed hunters.
The breed of terriers appeared in England and was actively used in spectacles with catching rats and chasing foxes. In order not to confuse the dog with the beast, individuals with a white color were preferred. Short, hard coat did not hinder movement when clay and dirt adhered to the hole, and hanging ears protected the ear canal from crumbling earth. All these qualities were possessed by dogs, which were called fox terriers.
Pastor John Russell, who lived in the mid-19th century, was the founder of the English Kennel Club, participated in breeding fox terriers and creating the breed standard. He loved hunting, and he himself bred terriers, selecting them for the best working qualities. He did not show his dogs at exhibitions. After the death of the pastor, the work was continued by his followers, and it was decided to name the breed of terriers he named in his honor.
Pastor Russell's dogs gained particular popularity among hunters after World War II.The breed received official recognition from the British Kennel Club in the 90s of the twentieth century.
Description and character of the Parson Russell Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier is a very active dog, it is constantly on the move.
Brief description of the breed:
- the body is oblong, strong;
- ideal male height - 36 cm, bitches - 3 cm less;
- the head is wedge-shaped, tapers to an elongated muzzle, the feet are shallow;
- eyes are dark, oval, sit deep;
- triangle ears hang forward;
- the tail narrows to the tip; during movement it is raised high;
- limbs strong, medium length.
The main coat color is white, it should cover at least 50% of the dog’s body so that the hunter can easily see it and not confuse it with a wild animal. Red and black spots are acceptable, a symmetrical mask on the head.
The dog's character is playful and cheerful, the breed has gained popularity due to its high intelligence, good health and stamina. It was originally bred for hunting. Even those pets that are kept as companions have a hunting instinct.
Puppy selection criteria
Parson Russell Terriers may have genetic problems with their joints or eyes. When buying a puppy, it is necessary to ask the breeder for the results of medical tests saying that the litter producers have no health problems.
It is advisable to visit several exhibitions, look at the best representatives of the breed and potential producers, take the contact number from the breeder of the animal you like.
When the expected litter appears, it is better not to be too lazy and go to the kennel yourself to see the conditions in which the dogs live.
Already in place, if you liked the Parson-Russell-Terrier puppies, you need to explain to the breeder exactly which dog you want - for the soul, hunting, exhibitions or breeding. Based on his experience, the owner of the kennel will help you choose a suitable puppy from the litter. Upon purchase, he will give a puppy card and a medical book with the first vaccinations, tell you how to feed and care for the baby at first.
Features of keeping a dog
You can keep the Parson Russell Terrier in a country house and in a city apartment. The health and mood of the pet will depend on proper nutrition and daily walks. Before the puppy appears in the house, a place is prepared for him - they buy a couch, disposable or reusable diapers, a bowl for food and water, toys.
It is necessary to remove all valuables from the reach of the dog's jaws. When changing milk teeth for permanent, a puppy can nibble on shoes, clothing, wires and headphones.
Up to 6 months, it is advisable not to give large physical exertion to the dog.
From childhood, she needs to be accustomed to hygiene procedures:
- cut nails once a month;
- brush your ears and teeth;
- comb hair several times a week.
The grown Parson Russell Terrier will need to walk at least 2 hours a day, morning and evening, giving him the opportunity to run and play. This breed is very active, if you direct its energy in the right direction, it will respond to the owner with obedience and devotion.
Hunting dogs that walk with the owner on foxes, badgers and wild boars require special care and upbringing. From wild animals, they can catch fleas or ticks, get sick with lichen.
To prevent infection, it is advisable to carry out the processing of wool with special agents. From depriving and rabies, the dog is vaccinated in a veterinary clinic, revaccination is carried out annually.
Pet Hair Care
Dogs vary in type of coat. There are smooth-haired, coarse-haired and with medium type of wool stiffness - brokers. Smooth-haired Parson-Russell-Terrier is only combed and washed, and wire-haired and broken are plucked (trimmed). Short hair is combed by the furminator, excess fluff is removed so that it does not clog the main core hair.
Terriers have almost no smell; they do not need to be bathed often.Wash wool with dog shampoo as it gets dirty. Hunting dogs are examined after each exit to the forest, so that there are no ticks and other parasites or cuts and wounds on the skin.
Feeding rules
Only high-quality and natural products are bought for a pet.
- The basis of the dog's diet (about 70% of the total number of products) should be meat - low-fat beef, rabbit meat.
- Dogs often have allergies to chicken.
- In a small amount give cereals and vegetables.
- Pups benefit from cottage cheese, kefir, low-fat boneless sea fish, quail eggs, greens.
You need to cook food for the dog separately - without salt, the usual spices, frying in oil. The meat is usually given raw, having previously stood it in the freezer for at least 3 days. Thawed fillet is cut into slices, added to porridge or given with boiled vegetables.
The number of feeds depends on the age of the dog. Puppies up to 6 months old are given food at least 4 times a day, adult one-year-old dogs are fed twice - in the morning and in the evening.
It is necessary to monitor the weight of the pet if it has gained excess body weight that is not appropriate for it by the standard, the amount of daily food is reduced.
When the owner does not have the opportunity and time to cook fresh natural dishes for the pet every day, the premium will be ready-made dry feeds. This food contains all the components necessary for the growth and development of the dog. Feed is selected according to the age of the dog. Breeders advise buying closed packaging and not taking the product by weight. Necessarily clean water should be freely available - after eating dry food the dog has thirst.
Characteristic diseases
Russell terriers are in good health, with good heredity and proper care live 15 - 16 years.
This breed is characterized by several hereditary diseases:
- hip dysplasia;
- “Collie eyes,” or CEA;
- Legg-Perthes disease.
Sick animals are not allowed for breeding, so it is important to buy a puppy in a kennel, where manufacturers make the necessary DNA tests.
Dogs that are involved in hunting can be seriously injured from encountering wild animals. Foxes and badgers injure terriers with claws and teeth, and wild boars can rip open their belly and cause serious injury. The injured dog is immediately helped - they stop the bleeding, treat the wounds and take them to the veterinary clinic.
Parenting and training
Parson Russell Terrier is a breed for active people, those who like to walk, play sports, run. Once a week, the pet needs to be given a serious load - to hunt or play sports with it.
Teach puppy teams from an early age. As soon as the baby gets into the house, they learn simple commands with him, explain the rules of behavior. Russell terriers are smart, they quickly grasp the intonation and facial expression of the owner. Dissatisfaction, anger and screaming in communication with animals are inappropriate; it is better to show moderate severity and consistency in requirements.
Each dog, in order to be comfortable living with it on the same territory, must know the commands: “Place!”, “Fu!”, “To me!”, “Sit!”, “Lie down!”.
To train hunting skills, a puppy is taken to the forest from 4 months old, trained to look for animals by smell, to understand commands and requirements. Dog owners often gather in groups, join in clubs, more experienced animals show young people an example of work during general sport hunting competitions.
Pros and cons of the breed
Russell Terrier is loyal to the owner, smart, active, hardy, charming - he has a lot of positive features. The wire-haired type does not fade at all, and the smooth-haired type does not require frequent bathing. The only disadvantage of the dog, many consider increased activity, injustice, but this is its advantage. With such a four-legged friend, you can go hiking, hunting, walking for a long time and playing sports. The dog never gets tired of running, jumping, swimming.
Caring for the Parson Russell Terrier will not be difficult for a sporting young man, the dog will become a friend and indispensable assistant for the hunter. For older people, couch potatoes, young mothers and businessmen, it is better to refrain from acquiring a puppy that will require a lot of attention.
