Parson Russell Terrier

General Information - Parson Russell Terrier

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Parson Russell Terrier

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Parson Russell Terrier

General Appearance: Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and endurance.

Characteristics: Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds.

Temperament: Bold and friendly.

Head and Skull: Flat, moderately broad, gradually narrowing to the eyes. Shallow stop. Length from nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. Nose black.

Eyes: Almond shaped, fairly deep:set, dark keen expression.

Ears: Small V-shaped, dropping forward, carried close to head, fold not to appear above top of skull.

Mouth: Jaws strong, muscular. Teeth with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Clean, muscular, of good length, gradually widening to shoulders.

Forequarters: Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back, cleanly cut at withers. Legs strong, must be straight with joints turning neither in nor out. Elbows close to body, working free of the sides.

Body: Chest of moderate depth, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average size hands. Back strong and and straight. Loin slightly arched. Well balanced, length of back from withers to root of tail equal to height from withers to ground.

Hindquarters: Strong, muscular with good angulation and bend of stifle. Hocks short and parallel giving plenty of drive.

Feet: Compact with firm pads, turning neither in nor out.

Tail: Strong, straight, set on high. Customarily docked with length complimenting the body while providing a good handhold.

Gait/movement: Free, lively, well coordinated; straight action front and behind.

Coat: Naturally harsh, close and dense, whether rough or smooth. Belly and undersides coated. Skin must be thick and loose.

Colour: Entirely white or predominantly white with markings which are tan, lemon or black, or any combination of these colours, preferably confined to head or root of tail.

Size: Height: Dogs minimum 33 cms (13 ins) at withers ideally 35 cms (14 ins) at withers. Bitches minimum 30 cms (12 ins) at withers ideally 33 cms (13 ins) at withers.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

DNZ No 261
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
23 Dec 2013

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.