Parson Russell Terrier vs Harrier - Breed Comparison

Parson Russell Terrier vs Harrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Parson Russell Terrier and Harrier are originated from United Kingdom. Parson Russell Terrier may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Harrier. Parson Russell Terrier may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Harrier. Both Parson Russell Terrier and Harrier has almost same life span. Parson Russell Terrier may have more litter size than Harrier. Both Parson Russell Terrier and Harrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

parson russell terrier - historyThe Parson Russell Terrier hails from England and is a small to medium sized dog dating back to the 18th century. It is believed that Reverend John ‘Jack’ Russell was the developer of this dog. The Parson has always been involved with England’s sport of foxhunting.

They’re spritely and quick and have been able to keep up on a hunt and take on a fox in its lair. The dog was first recognized in 1990 in the United Kingdom as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier and in America in 1997.

All the top kennel clubs recognize this dog as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier.

harrier - historyDeveloped in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.

The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
33 - 36 cm
12 - 15 inches
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
Height Female:
33 - 36 cm
12 - 15 inches
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
2 - 4
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Parson, Jack Russell Terrier
Harehound
Colors Available:
White, black - tri-colored, tan, fawn
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
Coat:
Short and smooth, rough or broken
short, glossy coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

parson russell terrier puppy - descriptionThe Parson Jack Russell is essentially a white dog with black and tan or orange-fawn patches. He can be tri-colored too. The coat is either smooth, rough or broken.

He stands at between 33–36cm tall at the withers and weighs between 5 and 8kg. Unlike the Jack Russell, the Parson Russell Terrier has longer legs. He has some longer hair on the head, legs and body. The ears are floppy wit the tip pointed forward. The tail has always been docked but when left long it it held high, slightly curving over the back.

Temperament:

Feisty, brave, cheeky and alert, the Parson Russell Terrier is an energetic dog who gets on well with children as he knows that this is essentially where his games come from.

He is bold and clever and you’ll be able to have him trained and socialized without any trouble. These little dogs are full of life and they are protective of their humans and their property, making excellent watchdogs.

harrier puppy - descriptionThe Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.

They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog

Characteristics

parson russell terrier dog - characteristicsIn general the Parson is a friendly,loving dog, fairly small but packed full of feisty personality.

They make excellent pets for the entire family. He is an intelligent dog, but typical of most terriers he can be stubborn, but this can easily be fixed with training and socialization. With good care, he’ll make you a wonderful little pet and companion.

Children friendliness

harrier dog - characteristicsYes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.

Special talents

Scenting ability and wonderful personality

Adaptability

This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.

Learning ability

Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.

Health Problems

parson russell terrier puppies - health problemsYour Parson Jack Russell can live to be between 12 and 15 years but nonetheless he does have some breed-related health issues to watch for.

Eye Disorders:

Eye conditions which can affect this dog include primary lens luxation,cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy. With cataracts the lens of the eye develops a cloudy look resulting in poorer vision and sometimes blindness. Cataract surgery is available for dogs.

Obesity:

Your Parson Jack Russel should be lean and muscular and always full of energy. Avoid feeding him unhealthy treats which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Parasites:

All kinds of parasites such as ticks, fleas and worms can invade your dog’s body. Roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms can cause havoc with their health and some of these parasites can even be transmitted to humans. It’s why it is important to get your puppy to the vet to be de-wormed and to get his first injections.

Liver Problems:

A liver disorder known as portosystemic shunt can mean that some of the blood supply doesn’t get to the liver and it doesn’t function properly. This will mean the liver can’t remove toxins from the bloodstream effectively.

Health Problems

harrier puppies - health problemsIt seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:

Hip Dysplasia

This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.

Caring The Pet

parson russell terrier dogs - caringThe Parson Russell Terrier has different coat types – the smooth and rough and both will require regular brushing. Rough coats will require plucking or clipping to avoid matting.

Check his eyes and ears regularly. Look inside his ears for excess wax and dirt which could lead to an ear infection. His nails should also be trimmed.

No Puppies – Spay or Neuter:

The best thing you can do for your Parson Russell Terrier if you don’t want your pet producing puppies is to have it spayed or neutered. Spaying for females or neutering for males decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers too so it can be beneficial.

Diet:

Diet is hugely important for a Parson Russell Terrier and the food you decide for him can impact his health. Many time those ‘treats’ you feed your pet do nothing more but give him a stomach ache.

It's tempting to pop chocolates, popcorn, nuts and ice cream into your pets mouth when he is so adorable but in the long run it is shortening his life. All he basically requires and needs is a simple, consistent diet of the top commercially manufactured foods mixed with some tasty home made food from time to time.

Boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will do your pet wonders. Ensure he always has fresh, cool water available to him.

Feeding the puppy

harrier dogs - caringFeed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.

Games and Exercises

The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Patterdale Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Parson Russell Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Parson Russell Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Parson Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Parson Russell Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  8. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Parson Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Parson Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Parson Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Parson Russell Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  13. Parson Russell Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Parson Russell Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Parson Russell Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  17. Parson Russell Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Parson Russell Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Parson Russell Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Parson Russell Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Parson Russell Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Parson Russell Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Parson Russell Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Podenco Andaluz vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Galego vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Kanni vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Lithuanian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Hygenhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Norrbottenspets vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Sabueso Espanol vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Schillerstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Laufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Serbian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Silken Windhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Smalandsstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Harrier vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds