Russell Terrier care

Posted by admin | July 10, 2010 .

Russell Terriers are actually two different breeds in most countries but there are mixes of the two as well. The Parson Russell Terrier, from about twelve inches in height, is taller than the Jack Russell Terrier. Bred for hunting originally, they are very energetic and need plenty of exercise. They also benefit from a lot of variety as most of any behavioral problems with this breed arise from being bored. Although they are a loyal and friendly pet, they usually do not enjoy too much cuddling or being still for any length of time. For help with training a Jack Russell or Parson Russell terrier, click here.

Grooming A Jack Russell or Parson Russell Terrier

Both breeds have two coat varieties, a smooth and a rough coat. Both are actually easy to groom, slightly more effort being required for rough coated, but the rough coat does not tangle so does not present the problems common to long-haired dog breeds.
The rough coat should be harsh, as it protects against cold and/or wet environments. Many owners of rough coated Russell Terriers like to pursue the idea of stripping the rough coat, especially for showing. While the coat is shedding, this can be done using a stripping knife or by plucking out dead hair by gripping it between finger and thumb. This does not affect the dog because it is during the shedding season and much of the hair is naturally more loose at this time.

Other Aspects of Care

There is nothing particularly different about bathing, dental care, eye and ear care, nails, etc., for a Russell Terrier from any other dog, except that, given the independent traits that these breeds exhibit more than many others, which with these can become a habit very quickly, it is clearly best to start as soon as possible. You can also expect to have to be more persistent and patient with these feisty dogs before they become the great pets they should be!

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1 Comment so far

Christy Urban August 1, 2009 5:32 am

I have a parson russell terrier, and I agree with this article. If you exercise this dog he is very manageable. It is also important to give them consistent rules, my terrier is coming two and I’ve noticed age also mellows them. Having another dog of the same energy level in the house is also helpful. I have found that my terrier is quite cuddly and loves warm baths and to be brushed. A good tip is to make sure you socialize your terrier, even when he was embarrassing I took him out, to the park, to dog shows, to classes, down the street. I took every opportunity to train him, even when it didn’t look like my training was having any effect, every bit helps. Now I can take him anywhere, he always comes when I call (this wasn’t always the case, he used to totally ignore me when something else caught his interest) and even when he gets a bit carried away I can get his attention. My terrier loves doing tricks for treats so in the early days of walking him down busy streets as soon as he would start to lose it I would pull out the treats and we would start practicing, sit, lay down, spin etc. This approach completely took him over and he soon forgot about the dog or bird or car he had been interested in.