Zealous Kennels - Breed History

The Parson Russell Terrier is a fox hunting breed developed in England in the 19th Century and is the breed from which the modern or show Fox Terriers has evolved. The Parson Russell takes his name from the renowned hunting parson, the Reverend John Russell, who from 1830 to 1870 bred with care a predominantly white terrier that followed the hunt on foot and went to ground after the fox. At that time the Parson Russell was known as the working Fox Terrier and was bred by many fox hunting terrier men. The type of terrier bred by John Russell was the type now called the original or true type Parson Russell Terrier.

The conformation of the Parson Russell follows its original function. Early British fox hunters used a black and tan type terrier, rather like the Fell or Welsh terrier whose color was similar to that of its quarry the fox. Difficulty telling terrier from fox in a dig brought about a desire for a white terrier to do the job and most probably the Old English Black and Tan was crossed with the Old English White (now extinct) to achieve the type of coloring we have today.

As the Parson Russell most often followed the hunt on foot he had to have a most reasonable length of leg. As he went over terrain and to ground following into the fox's territory he had to have a size and shape similar to that of the fox.

The original Parson Russell, as bred by the Parson, is growing in popularity as more people become familiar with its wonderful personality and handsome appearance.

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Bev Embley