Canis lupus familiaris
Russell Terrier
Featured photorussell-terrier.jpgThe Russell Terrier is a small, predominantly white working terrier of the Jack Russell type, distinguished from the Parson Russell Terrier by its shorter legs and more compact, rectangular build. The breed shares its origin with the Parson Russell Terrier in the fox-working terriers developed by the Reverend John Russell of Devon in the mid-19th century. The AKC recognised the Russell Terrier as a distinct breed in 2012 and places it in the Terrier Group. Males stand 25–30 cm.
Quick facts
- AKC group
- Terrier
- Origin country
- England
- Origin period
- 19th century (AKC recognition 2012)
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- White with Black Markings, White with Tan Markings, White with Brown Markings, Tri-colour (White, Black, and Tan)
- Average lifespan
- 12-14 years
- Recognition
- AKC 2012 · FCI 2000 · UKC 2001 · Group 3 — Terriers (Section 1: Large and medium-sized Terriers)
Origin
The Russell Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier, and the working Jack Russell Terrier all trace to the fox-working terriers bred by Reverend John Russell of Swimbridge, Devon, who became known as the finest authority on fox terriers in 19th-century England. Russell sought a small, predominantly white terrier that could work alongside foxhounds and bolt foxes from their earths without harming the fox — the fox was intended for the hounds, not to be killed below ground. The short-legged variant developed separately from the longer-legged Parson type through working terrier lines that emphasised compactness and flexibility for underground work.
Recognition
The Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia (JRTCA), founded in 1972, standardised the short-legged type internationally and gained FCI provisional recognition in 2000 under the name 'Jack Russell Terrier' (FCI No. 345). The AKC chose the alternative name 'Russell Terrier' for this size to avoid confusion with the already-recognised Parson Russell Terrier (which had been AKC-recognised since 1997). The UKC recognised the breed in 2001 under the name 'Jack Russell Terrier'. The AKC admitted the Russell Terrier to the Terrier Group in 2012.
Standard
The AKC and FCI standards describe a small, active, well-balanced terrier with a compact, rectangular body noticeably longer than tall — distinguishing it from the square-built Parson Russell Terrier. The legs are short, straight, and well-boned. Three coat types are recognised: smooth (short), broken (mixed short and longer), and rough (dense, longer). The coat must be predominantly white with black, tan, or brown markings, or tri-colour. Males stand 25–30 cm; females 20–25 cm, weighing 5–8 kg.
Sources & further reading (3)
- kennel-club-registry — accessed 2026-05-27
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- fci-standard — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier?
The AKC and FCI recognise the Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier as separate breeds. The key distinction is leg length and build: the Russell Terrier is shorter-legged and more rectangular (longer than tall), while the Parson Russell Terrier is longer-legged and square in build. The Parson is named after Reverend John Russell himself and was developed for running with foxhounds; the shorter-legged Russell was developed for earth work in tighter underground earths.
When did the AKC recognise the Russell Terrier?
The AKC granted the Russell Terrier full Terrier Group recognition in 2012. The FCI had recognised the short-legged type as the 'Jack Russell Terrier' in 2000 (FCI No. 345), and the UKC recognised the breed in 2001. The AKC used the name 'Russell Terrier' to distinguish it from the previously recognised Parson Russell Terrier.
Why is the AKC breed called 'Russell Terrier' rather than 'Jack Russell Terrier'?
The AKC chose the name 'Russell Terrier' for the short-legged type to avoid confusion with the already-recognised Parson Russell Terrier (AKC since 1997) and to honour Reverend John Russell without creating a confusing naming overlap. In contrast, the FCI uses 'Jack Russell Terrier' (No. 345) for the short-legged type, while the Kennel Club (UK) uses 'Jack Russell Terrier' as a separate breed distinct from the KC's 'Parson Russell Terrier'.
