The AKC Parson Russell Terrier
In the 1990's a group calling themselves the Breeders Association, formed within the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA), an independent registry for the Jack Russell Terrier. Over time they became themselves another independent Registry for their style of Jack Russell Terrier. Then American Kennel Club was petitioned to accept the Jack Russell Terrier as a new registrable breed.
In 2000 this quest was accomplished and the newly recognized JRT began AKC Group competition. Prior to full admission into the world of dog show competition, however, it was soon discovered that many newly imported Jack Russell Terriers did not meet the AKC breed standard. Around that same time the "Mother Club", The Kennel Club of England, approved a name change for their own registered Jack Russell Terriers to that of Parson Russell Terrier. This move was to define the breed type as the Parson Type, the long legged style of the Terrier, making the breed distinctly separate from the shorter more rectangular bodied type of dog. Registries around the world had always recognized the Jack Russell Terrier as the "longer and lower" style of dog and the longer legged version was known worldwide as the Parson "Type" Russell Terrier. The AKC Breed Club followed suit and with approval from the AKC renamed its terrier the Parson Russell Terrier.
The AKC Breed Standard recognizes a square body type or proportion measuring between 12"-15".
The AKC FSS Russell Terrier
In 2004 the American Kennel Club began recognition process of the Russell Terrier, the shorter and longer bodied fox working terrier. Historically, although breed from similar bloodlines of the Parson type, enthusiasts infused very dissimilar strains of blood to develop a smaller version of fox working terrier that could be more easily transported in terrier bags and work in smaller earthen dens in more rugged terrain. Australia has been designated the country of development for this breed and the AKC breed standard reflects this influence.
Since 1995, The American Russell Terrier Club, Inc, has served the breed as the premier domestic registry for the purebred Russell Terrier. The ARTC ushered the Russell Terrier breed to AKC recognition in 2004. The American proponents of this newly recognized AKC breed have worked tirelessly to solidify the consistency of domestic breed type while eliminating any influence of the Parson Russell Terrier blood within their breeding lines. By selectively breeding the domestic foundation stock of the shorter legged and longer body type to quality purebred imports, the members of the ARTC have effectively and very specifically eliminated "Parson or domestic JRTCA Jack Russell" blood. The ARTC registry has solidified the purity of the Russell Terrier. The end result of their diligence to the breed cumulated in the AKC designation of Parent Club on October 9, 2007.
The purebred Kennel Club registered Russell Terrier is not to be confused with the traditionally named Puddin Dogs found in the English or Irish country sides. The traditional Puddin Dog has benched legs and extremely elongated body, and a pointed rounded head. The Puddin is generally not noted for pleasant disposition nor has it been been bred for hunting or any utilitarian purpose.
*Special thanks to Pamela P. Simmons of
for her help in writing this information
ARTC © 2008
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Parson Russell Terrier & Russell Terrier/ FCI Jack Russell Terrier*
Understanding the Parson Russell Terrier, and the Russell Terrier/ FCI Jack Russell Terrier
Over the last several years the general public, as well as the members of the canine sporting community have been totally confused and perplexed with the multitude of names and name changes, all referring to the same breed of dog. Compounding the difficulty has been the recognition of the new Russell Terrier in the American Kennel Club. The brief explanation of the different breeds and listing of the respective breed standards, hopefully clarifies some of the confusion involved in an attempt to assist interested parties with understanding the differences in the names and the breeds of these two terriers.
The breed first recognized in Australia as the Jack Russell Terrier is now entering into the AKC recognition process as the Russell Terrier. Please note that enthusiasts of the Russell Terrier have worked diligently to eliminate any infusion of Parson / JRTCA Jack Russell Blood within their lines.
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