The Parson Russell Terrier was the first ‘recognized’ variant of the Jack Russell Terrier (as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier, by the Kennel Club, 1990). It is a balanced, square dog, very similar in form to the other Russell Terriers. Like all Jack Russells, the Parson Russell Terrier is descended from the type of fox terrier preferred by John "Jack" Russell, "The Sporting Parson".
Parson Russells are a longer-legged (therefore, taller; 12-14”) version of the Jack Russell Terrier, although it must be pointed out that taller Jack Russell types do exist as ‘Jack Russells’ in some working Jack Russell Terrier clubs in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Parson Russell Terriers were originally known as Jack Russell Terriers in the American Kennel Club because the name “Parson Jack Russell Terrier” had been trademarked. In 2003, AKC changed the name to conform with kennel clubs in other part of the world.
The definitions and description of the various Russell Terriers are still evolving, and confusing differences arise even among kennel clubs of the same breed. For example, in the United States, Parson Russells are limited to the standard terrier colours, white with black or tan markings, or tricolour, but in Australia, Parson Russells may also be entirely white, or white with lemon markings.
It is likely that there will be more changes before the various Russell Terriers are definitively categorized.
Refer to the breed article on the Jack Russell Terrier for more on the origin and development of the breed.
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