Appearance

The Parson Russell Terrier aka Jack Russell Terrier is tough and sturdy little dog. The compact body has a narrow chest, a strong and straight back, a slightly arched loin and strong and straight front legs. The tail is high set and short. The flat, tapering head has a fine muzzle, a black nose, dark and almond shaped eyes and triangular ears with a forward drop. The dense double coat can be rough or smooth, and the coloring tends to be mostly white with tan, black or brown markings. One famous PRT/JRT is Nipper, the dog in the painting by Francis Barraud (1898) called His Master's Voice. Used by a variety of music related companies, it is currently incorporated into the logo for HMV.

History

Parson Russell Terriers were developed several hundred years ago in southern England. Most likely a cross between the now-extinct Old English White Terrier and a black-and-tan terrier, the Parson Russell was bred to hunt foxes across the English countryside. Like the Jack Russell, the Parson Russell Terrier was named after the breeder Reverend John Russell.