Group 3 · Terriers
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier is the long-legged, square-built cousin of the Jack Russell, bred to run with horses and hounds. It is athletic, driven and clever, and needs a sporty owner with plenty of time.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Parson Russell Terrier by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 7 examinations:
- 6 DNA tests
- 1 eye examination
The breeding programme also recommends 2 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (7)
-
Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ENAM c.716C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Spinocerebellar ataxia, terrier type (SCA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- KCNJ10 c.627C>G
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Juvenile encephalopathy / early-onset epilepsy (JBD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PITRM1: c.175_180del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Late-onset ataxia (LOA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CAPN1: c.344G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17: c.1473+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (2)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Parson Russell Terrier, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), Spinocerebellar ataxia, terrier type (SCA), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Juvenile encephalopathy / early-onset epilepsy (JBD), Late-onset ataxia (LOA), Primary lens luxation (PLL) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and Patellar luxation (PT). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Parson Russell needs far more exercise than its size suggests: long walks, running, search and retrieve games. Its coat, smooth, rough or in between, is easy to look after; a rough coat is hand-stripped now and then.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Parson Russell is a true hunting terrier: it digs, chases anything that moves and can bark loudly. It can be fiery with other dogs, so socialisation as a puppy matters. It is clever and learns fast, but only with a consistent owner who gives it enough challenge. Ask the breeder for the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
