The name Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and sometimes even Russell Terrier seems to be interchangeable names used to refer to the same breed. And with all three breeds sharing almost an identical appearance, no wonder it gets confusing (all the time).
The Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and Russell Terrier are indeed different, but three very closely related terrier breeds that share many similarities, with distinctive differences noticeable in their height and size.
To understand how these three breeds diverged into the three breeds they are today, let’s take a look at their origins and breed development, including a specific timeline of events.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is the original breed developed in England in the 19th century by Reverend John Russell. He wanted to create a dog that was small enough to hunt foxes in their dens but still had the energy and strength to keep up with horses.
He developed a line of dogs with specific characteristics, including compact size, a strong prey drive, and fearless nature. Over time, these dogs became known as Jack Russell Terriers.
Jack Russell Terrier Development Timeline:
- 1830s-1840s: Reverend John Russell began developing the breed that would later become known as the Jack Russell Terrier.
- 1870s: The first Jack Russell Terrier club, the Devon and Somerset Badger Club, was formed.
- 1880s: The breed gained recognition as a working terrier in England.
- 1900s: The breed was brought to the United States, where it gained popularity as a hunting and working dog.
- 1930s-1940s: The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed as the “Jack Russell Terrier.”
- 2000s: The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed as the “Russell Terrier.”
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier is a slightly larger breed than the Jack Russell Terrier and was developed in the United States.
It was also named after Reverend John Russell, who was also known as the “Parson.” The breed was developed for fox hunting and was bred to have a longer leg to keep up with the hounds.
One fact worth noting is though the height of Parson Russell Terriers overlaps that of Jack Russell Terriers, oftentimes with Jack Russell being the taller one, a breed can only be considered a Parson Russell Terrier if its height falls within the 12″-14″ (30-36 cm) range according to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America (PRTAA).
Parson Russell Terrier Development Timeline:
- 1910s: The breed was first imported to the United States.
- 1920s: The Parson Russell Terrier Club of America was formed.
- 1930s: The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the “Fox Terrier (Smooth and Wire).”
- 1990s: The AKC officially recognized the breed as the “Parson Russell Terrier.”
Russell Terrier
The Russell Terrier is a small breed that was developed in Australia in the 1990s. It was created by crossing Jack Russell Terriers with other small terrier breeds, including the Miniature Pinscher and the Chihuahua.
The breed was initially known as the “Jack Russell Terrier,” but was renamed the “Russell Terrier” to distinguish it from the original Jack Russell Terrier breed.
Russell Terrier Development Timeline:
- 1990s: The breed was developed in Australia.
- 2000s: The breed gained popularity in the United States.
- 2010s: The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed as the “Russell Terrier.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, one may argue that all three are but one and the same breed. The separation is only the result of human intervention and classifications to develop a breed to satisfy their own likings.
But regardless of how the Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, and Russell Terriers differ in appearance ever so slightly, nothing changes the fact that they’re adorable, energetic, and intelligent breeds that we will come to love.
