Talk to me about Parson Russell Terriers

[TakingTheLowRoad]

Just that. We have the opportunity to adopt a male PRT and would like some real life experience of the breed. I have experience with working labradors, springers, cockers, bulldogs and a “designer” mixed breed. We wanted something small and fun and not to line the pockets of a breeder (as prices at the moment are outrageous!). We lived in the countryside with a large enclosed back garden and someone home most of the time.

I grew up with a JRT, dad was parsons.
He most definitely had little dog syndrome, used to try & dominate bigger dogs and barked at anything that moved; having him neutered didn’t seem to make that much difference.

Very intelligent dogs, lots of personality & need stimulation or they get bored & destructive. Could never trust him off the lead as once he got a scent his terrier instincts kicked in. He was the most affectionate dog & great company. If DH & I do get a dog it will be a JRT.

I had a JRT x whippet and she was a great dog, we never had vermin or much wildlife in the garden when she was alive!

Ah, takes a seat, what would you like to know?

I'm am assured parson breeder, although not breeding just now as I'm not falling into vetting people in this ridiculous market and I'm not increasing prices.

I have four. I show, do agility and one works. They are the best little dogs ever in my opinion. Very human like, very emotive. Kind, loyal, soft.

They bark, mine wind each other up, I could be harder there. They adore Dd.

I could go on all day so let me know what you would like info on.

I had one, very clever little dogs. Sadly mine was "wrong wired". He disliked children and developed aggressive tendency towards other dogs.

I have two! Mother and daughter! They are absolutely gorgeous; very loyal and friendly and protect the children. They like to be with you all the time, but are happy locked in if I need to go out. You have to be strict with them, but they are fantastic dogs. Sooo much fun!

They were my family dogs growing up. Full of energy, excellent with children (one not so good with other dogs), intelligent, superb ratters if they got the chance. I prefer larger dogs now but that's just personal choice and I wouldn't turn down a properly bred PRT if I knew a decent breeder. I'm not a fan of crossbreeding them with other dogs for money and think they deserve to exist as a separate breed because they are fab.

@icedaisy

We will be getting the dog from a breeder who shows PRT. Just waiting on further details on available dog. So far I know he’s a male who may need to be housetrained

Thanks for all the comments so far. We have been considering this breed for sometime...husband totally in love with the breed. I’m getting excited now. We have been trying to rehome a dog from various rescues for the last six months with no joy.

We had a hairy JRT and he was perfect. He was great with kids and was prepared to put himself between my little sister and a strange man who approached her whilst she was walking across a field nr to our home. We think he would've died to protect her.
He has been gone 20 yrs and we still get teary when remembering him....we remember him often.

@icedaisy would you mind if I PM you some time to discuss finding a reputable JRT breeder?

Now is not the right time for us but in the next couple of years we want to add some jack Russell chaos to our lives! My DH was lucky enough to meet my lad & we have always said “one day”.

I own a rescued parsons, Ive had her 11 years (now 14). She is full of personality, very loving, just fabulous with my kids, good to be left alone and a great guard dog BUT (!) My god she can escape out of the tiniest hole in the garden and goes wandering in the fields for hours chasing rabbits. She's dug 3 hedgehogs out this week alone (despite refencing the garden). She believes the world revolves around her. She's a nightmare with other dogs on the lead and lunges at traffic. On the whole a really lovely dog but I wouldn't have another lol

@MalbecIsMyOne of course, my best friend is passionate about registered JRT and PRT and breeds both. Happy to help.

I got my first from her as a pup for DH on the farm, she went on to chose me. She came to work with me every day, and is the funniest, most loyal little friend ever. She's soft as muck, wouldn't harm a fly, but does bark the most. She rarely leaves my side. Pulled me from a dark depression following multiple losses and infertility, and adores Dd who somehow arrived.

I then took her mum, from breeder friend as whilst she was champion level at showing, she was becoming scared and came to the farm for the quiet. We refer to her as complex. She really does want quiet, gets quite anxious if we mess her routine. Timid, shy. Lead reactive though in town, rarely take her to be honest. Would lie down at trouble but barks to start it.

I then have the first ones daughter, so that gives me three generations, and another who I had sold, but the lady lost her husband and I took back under the contract. I think she will stay. She came back to rehome but I love her.

I walk off lead, number two can chase chickens but comes back. Number one hares but is food responsive.

In my opinion, PRT tend to chose a person. One and two are most certainly better for me, DH says they cry if I am out. They are less likely to recall immediately for him. Four is better for him. I think she realised she had to woo him to stay!

I could probably show them all at a decent level but I prefer the fun of agility.

They make me laugh every day. I fall over them every five minutes. My sofa is ridiculous, my bed used to be till Dd came along.

I find them different to JRT who can be more feisty, and possibly more tough. Mine are certainly soft, hate the rain, cold etc.

MY sister has one, he is the kindest, calmest little dog and a complete star with children. He has no recall for anybody but my sister and niece though.

Oops, OP meant to add toilet shouldn't be an issue. They learn super quick. Number two I rehomed was a house show dog though, many are. They almost want to learn and do well if that makes sense.