Russell Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Russell Terrier

The Russell Terrier is a small working terrier, usually between 8 and 12 inches at the shoulder, with a body that is a little longer than it is tall. It is a lighter-framed, shorter-legged dog than the closely related Parson Russell Terrier. The coat is mostly white with tan, black, or tri-color markings, and it comes smooth, broken, or rough.

The breed was developed to bolt foxes from their dens and to keep farm buildings free of rats. Its small chest allows it to enter tight spaces, and its energy is much greater than its size suggests. Owners are drawn to the athleticism and the fearless, entertaining personality.

Temperament and family life

A Russell is intensely alert and curious. It tends to be affectionate with its own people and eager to join any activity, but it has a short fuse for teasing and for being held against its will. Families with older children who play actively with it often do well. Small children and a high-strung terrier are a harder match.

The breed is usually friendly with visitors once it has sized them up, and it will bark at unusual noises. Many do not tolerate other dogs of the same sex, and cats, rabbits, and ferrets are likely to be treated as quarry. Outdoors, a Russell can scale fences and dig under them, so secure boundaries are essential.

Exercise and training

This is a dog for people who want exercise. Plan on long walks or runs, ball play, and some structured activity such as agility, flyball, or earthdog work. Mental tasks help as much as physical ones, because a bored Russell invents jobs like shredding cushions or excavating the garden.

The breed is smart and learns tricks quickly, but it is easily distracted and likes to decide for itself. Short, upbeat sessions with food or a toy work best. Off-leash reliability is difficult, as prey drive can override recall in an instant. Early socialization and calm handling help prevent reactivity.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is simple to maintain. Weekly brushing is usually enough for smooth coats, and rough or broken coats benefit from combing and occasional hand-stripping. All three types shed, and short white hairs stick to dark clothing and furniture.

Bathe only when needed. Trim the nails, check the ears, and brush the teeth, since small dogs often develop tartar early.

Health

The breed is generally hardy and long-lived. Conditions seen include kneecap slippage, lens luxation (a displaced eye lens that can cause pain and vision loss), and deafness, which is more common in dogs with mostly white heads. A hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and a hereditary ataxia that affects coordination are also described in terriers of this type. Breeders may test eyes, knees, hearing, and available DNA markers.

This summary is general information only; a veterinarian is the right source for advice about one Russell Terrier.

History

The Russell is generally traced to the hunting terriers kept by Reverend John Russell in southwestern England in the nineteenth century. In later decades, breeders in several countries developed different types for different jobs. A shorter-legged, longer-bodied type became popular for working underground and was eventually registered separately from the taller Parson Russell Terrier. The AKC recognized the shorter type under the Russell name more recently than the older terrier breeds.

Is the Russell Terrier right for you?

A Russell suits active, patient owners who will give it a job, a secure space, and a lot of company. It is a poor choice for sedentary households, for people who want a quiet pet, or for homes with small furry animals.

Look at the Parson Russell Terrier if you prefer a taller leg, or the Rat Terrier for a similar energy level with slightly more biddability. The Border Terrier is a good alternative for a sturdier and calmer dog.