The Parson Russell Terrier is a relatively new breed to the Kennel Clubs
worldwide but an old one in the world of terriers. Parson John Russell
is solely responsible for defining his own particular type of foxing
terrier and thus was born the Parson Russell Terrier. The Kennel Club
(England) only recognized this breed in 1990 and the American Kennel
Club even more recently, in 1999. As dog breeds go, in the pure bred
world, the Parson Russell Terrier we see today is a relatively young
breed.
The breed was recreated by English enthusiasts from a few kennels
dedicated to preserving the Parson John Russell’s ideal of the perfect
foxing terrier. The breed is now back on track and back to it’s roots.
Worldwide, all breed standards now call for the original breed type that
Reverend Russell bred, the 14 inch dog – 14” at the withers, 14” at the
girth, and about 14lbs in weight. The feisty little Jack Russell
Terriers that the public has grown to know so well for so many years now
is really an integration of many breeds, with little resemblance to the
foxing terriers preferred by the Reverend Russell and almost anything
that looked like a Russell has often mistakenly called a “Jack”.
Here in Canada, we have followed the lead of the Kennel Club in Britain
and dedicated our breed standard to following the original standard of
the Parson Russell Terrier. Of interest to the dog community, is the
fact that Canadians can now register dogs with the AKC even though this
breed is not yet fully recognized by the CKC.
Through the generosity of the Canadian Kennel Club, the approval of the
Parson Russell Terrier parent club and the workings of the American
Kennel Club we are proceeding with only pure bred and registered dogs.
We can actually litter register our dogs as if we were in the USA and as
a new breed club we heartily thank all these associations for their
assistance.
The list of Parson Russell Terrier fanciers and responsible breeders
across Canada is growing everyday. You can now see these fabulous
originals in show rings in every country you visit and soon in the
Terrier Group here in Canada as well.
The Association of Parson Russell Terrier Fanciers held the first ever
Parson Specialty in Belleville, Ontario this past October and had an
excellent entry of over 60 Parson Terriers. Our judge for the occasion
was a European, Jan Thooson from Holland. We were very fortunate to
attract entries from Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes and the USA. The
competition was very stiff and it was great to see a homebred Canadian
dog take the breed. AM CH Bowery Zealous ZZ Top, Canadian bred and owned
took the top honours.
We will be promoting our breed at as many venues as we can and all our
club members are more than willing to help educate the public in this
unique breed.
For further information to club activities please contact our Secretary,
Ron Johnson at 613-476-7736 or myself Cheryl Edwards at 613-332-4818 or
at bowery@sympatico.ca
The Parson Russell Terrier Fanciers Association
