Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier is described by the AKC as friendly, clever, athletic, a member of the Terrier Group, originally from England.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 14 inches (male), 13 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13-17 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 13–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Clever / Athletic [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 121 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Parson Russell Terriers are playful, affectionate, fun-loving companions. They have a great zest for life and are always ready to join in activities. They are also high-energy terriers with powerful hunting instincts'¿with their strong prey drive, keeping them on leash during outings is recommended, rather than letting them run loose, where the urge to go off on a chase may be irresistible. [1]
Grooming
The Parson Russell Terrier has two coat types: smooth and broken (rough). Both require regular brushing'¿the smooth with a thick brush or hound glove, and the rough with a pin or slicker brush. Rough coats will require plucking or clipping to avoid matting of the longer hairs. [1]
Health issues to budget for
By far the majority of Parsons are very healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), congenital deafness, late onset ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and certain eye disorders. Puppy buyers should always as for certification of screenings performed on a litter's sire and dam. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, BAER Testing. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Parson Russell Terrier in 1997. [1]
- It ranked No. 121 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 111 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “PRT.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Parson Russell Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13-15 years.
How big does a Parson Russell Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 14 inches (male), 13 inches (female) and weight 13-17 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Parson Russell Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Parson Russell Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.