The Parson Russell Terrier, registered until 1999 as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier and often simply called the Parson, is an English breed of small, mostly white terrier. It traces directly to the Reverend John "Jack" Russell, a hunting clergyman who in 1819 bought a white-and-tan female named Trump and built a line of terriers quick enough to run with foxhounds and game enough to bolt a fox from its den. The Parson is the longer-legged, square-built conformation cousin of the Jack Russell Terrier, and it holds full recognition from both The Kennel Club in Britain and the American Kennel Club under its current name.
Parson Russell Terriers stand around 13 to 14 inches tall and weigh roughly 13 to 17 pounds, with a smooth, broken or rough coat that is predominantly white with tan or black markings and needs only weekly brushing. They are clever, fearless and tireless little dogs that thrive with active owners who can offer daily running, games and training challenges. Most get along well with children and other dogs, though their strong hunting instinct means small pets should be introduced carefully. Independent problem solvers by design, they respond best to engaging, consistent training. A healthy Parson typically lives 13 to 15 years.