Parson Russell Terrier

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

The Parson Russell terrier is a high-energy dog breed that thrives on a high-protein diet. Limit meals to twice a day and keep toys to a minimum to prevent these little dogs from being overweight. Even keep in mind that this agile breed is capable of leaping to dizzying heights, so keep an eye on your dinner table. Feed the Parson Russell Terrier 1.25?1.75 cups of food a day, divided evenly between the two meals.

Smooth and rugged or torn hair patterns are available in the Parson Russell Terrier. They shed a little, with the smooth coat shedding more than the rough coat. They are protected from the elements and underbrush by their weatherproof double coat. They need little grooming and are simple to care for.

There are two hairstyles of the Parson Russell Terrier: smooth and torn (rough). Brushing the soft with a thick brush or hound glove and the rough with a pin or slicker brush is needed regularly for both. To prevent matting of the longer hairs in rough coats, plucking or clipping is required.

If the Parson ignores his nature and winds up scratching in the dirt, a monthly bath should suffice. The Parson's nails should be clipped once a month, and his ears should be examined and washed weekly for dirt or excess wax.

Parson Russell Terriers are affectionate, adventurous, and fun-loving pets. They have a strong sense of adventure and are still eager to participate in sports.

Since they are high-energy terriers with good hunting instincts, it is best to keep them on a leash during walks rather than letting them run around, where the temptation to go on a chase can be overwhelming. Playing in the backyard can also be a form of exercise. A long stroll in the forests, where he is able to search every hole and smell every tree trunk, is a perfect day for a pet Parson.

The vast majority of Parsons are stable dogs, and conscientious breeders test their stock for diseases like patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), congenital deafness, late-onset ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and some eye defects. Puppy buyers should still ask for approval of the litter's sire and dam's screenings.

Parson Russell Terriers are affectionate and loving dogs who do best in families with older children and know how to communicate with them. They're not appropriate for families with small children. They can snap when maltreated, in addition to being rambunctious.

Often educate children how to handle and contact dogs, and always supervise all contact between dogs and small children to avoid any chewing or ear or tail pulling on any party's side. Teach your child never to touch a sleeping or feeding dog or threaten to steal the dog's food.

Russell Parsons are clever dogs that react well to instruction. This intellect can manifest as stubbornness if you do not make their training sessions enjoyable or have adequate positive reinforcement. Sound reinforcement is often preferable to verbal or physical punishment when teaching a dog, although this is particularly true for a terrier.

When a terrier is threatened or scared, he or she is more likely to snap or bite. Socialization with other dogs and children can begin at a young age to ensure that a Parson Russell learns to get along with them.

Some Parsons are hostile to other dogs, especially those of the same gender. They have a high prey drive and can chase (and kill) cats and other small animals if given the opportunity. They must be socialized at a young age, especially with cats and other household pets.