Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier of today are the descendants of dogs bred by Parson John (Jack) Russell in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. While the individual dog’s sizes, proportions and coats varied even between littermates (and still may), they were bred by Parson Jack for their ability to hunt and for a specific color (predominately white). Dogs of varied leg length were used in the hunt, depending on the size of the dens and terrain of the land in which the terrier hunted, but all are tough, tenacious and athletic. This energetic dog was bred to be a working dog and still displays the cleverness that made it a highly-sought after hunting dog back in the early 19th century.
These two dogs are sisters. Notice the difference in height, body style and coat....yet they are both from the same litter!
Our Cher Car Kennels bred Parson Russell Terriers also vary in size, coat and drive. While we strive for good looking dogs, temperament is most important, and I will compromise on certain aspects of conformation in this breed more than in others. Our breeding program produces a wide variety of heights and shapes. This is paramount to the breed, and should not be viewed as a problem as centuries of tradition have embraced this.
Be wary of breeders who have all the same “look”, as they are valuing conformation over other things first. The AKC rewrote their breed standard in 2004, removing the “Jack Russell” name and now calling their acknowledged breed the “Parson Russell” Terrier... stating these dogs must only stand from 12” to 15” tall and requiring “spanning” to measure the terrier’s chest. (An average person’s hands must be able to measure the chest behind the elbows with their thumbs meeting at the spine and fingers enclosing the ribcage able to meet under the chest. A dog whose chest is larger than this is disqualified.) The UKC split the Jack Russell Terrier into two separate breeds in 2008, recognizing the Parson Russell Terrier in 2 height varieties (from 10-12.5” and 12.5” to 15” maximum for conformation showing) with a rough, broken or smooth coat and redefining the shorter, squattier, longer bodied Jack Russell Terrier as measuring from 10” to 12” only (in keeping with their “puddin’ dogs” or “shorty” nicknames.)
Be wary of breeders who have all the same “look”, as they are valuing conformation over other things first. The AKC rewrote their breed standard in 2004, removing the “Jack Russell” name and now calling their acknowledged breed the “Parson Russell” Terrier... stating these dogs must only stand from 12” to 15” tall and requiring “spanning” to measure the terrier’s chest. (An average person’s hands must be able to measure the chest behind the elbows with their thumbs meeting at the spine and fingers enclosing the ribcage able to meet under the chest. A dog whose chest is larger than this is disqualified.) The UKC split the Jack Russell Terrier into two separate breeds in 2008, recognizing the Parson Russell Terrier in 2 height varieties (from 10-12.5” and 12.5” to 15” maximum for conformation showing) with a rough, broken or smooth coat and redefining the shorter, squattier, longer bodied Jack Russell Terrier as measuring from 10” to 12” only (in keeping with their “puddin’ dogs” or “shorty” nicknames.)
Both Parson Russell Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers are versatile small dogs, who think they are BIG dogs somehow squeezed into a little body! You might wonder why a long time “big dog” breeder like us would even have such a thing on our site, or in our kennel. Spend one day with a good Parson or Jack Russell Terrier, and you will understand. These are tough, highly intelligent, trainable dogs; strong, self willed and sometimes obstinate. They are NOT for everyone, especially for folks that have had better luck with other companion type dogs. If you have previously owned a Poodle, Shih-Tzu or something similar, do NOT think that a Parson or Jack Russell Terrier would be a good choice!
Our Stud Dog
(Click on dog's picture to view individual profile page.)
.jpg "Parson Russell Terrier \"Newt\" at Cher Car Kennels")
UCH Newt
Our Breeding Females
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.jpg "Parson Russell Terrier \"Scorn\" at Cher Car Kennels")
Scorn
.jpg "Parson Russell Terrier \"Riley\" at Cher Car Kennels")
Riley
Cher Car Kennels has a long standing relationship with law enforcement and military service personnel. Although appreciative of a high drive Police Service or Military Working Dog, these individuals require a different type of canine companion in their own home, and many choose a herding breed to safeguard their loved ones. These dogs must be vigilant in their duties, but also calm and gentle with family members… playing with the kids or snuggling with the cat. Cher Car Kennels’ 45+ years of breeding experience has produced a long line of dogs whose temperaments meet that need. Our dogs protect the families of those who protect our freedoms™
Prices are subject to change and subject to 6% Michigan sales tax. Discount to law enforcement and active military.