Allu and Ressu in autumn 1991
I first found out about Parson Jack Russell Terriers, or Parson Russell Terriers as they are now called, in 1990 when a friend lent me an issue of the Finnish Kennel Club magazine with an article about registering of the breed in UK. I was instantly smitten with the pictures of Blencathra Badger and his sister Nettle and decided that I would simply have to have a PRT for myself. After some time I was lucky to get Mrs. Kirsi Peltonen’s phone number. Mrs. Peltonen had imported a PRT dog to Finland in early spring 1991 and like my family, already had a short-legged Russell. She was very kind to answer all my questions about the breed and with her help in autumn 1991 I imported my first PRT dog, Ch. Ratpack Midnite Rocket, and his sister Ratpack Midnite Avenger for Mrs. Peltonen, as puppies from kennel Ratpack in UK. My first intention was not to breed, but since “Ressu” exceeded all my expectations as a companion and on top of that achieved a champion title in the showrings, the thought of acquiring a bitch started to develop in my mind. That is how “Penny” came to us from the Netherlands in autumn 1993 and since then few more of these energetic, fun and extremely intelligent little creatures have joined us.
Ressu and Jade in summer 1992
My aim is to breed terriers, that are healthy, well constructed, social and fun to be with and who also, given the chance, show ability to hunt. I haven’t used my terriers for hunting, but I do think that it is as important to retain their temperament to the standard: bold and friendly, and keen toward quarry. We do, however, occasionally attend fox working trials. The terriers who have been tested, have all received good to excellent approved results. Tracking, agility and obedience are also activities that we like to train and do, and a few of our puppyowners have also competed succesfully in them.
If you are considering adopting a Parson Russell Terrier, it is important for you to understand, that they are very active and need a lot of exercise - both physically and mentally. They are essentially working terriers bred to do independent work and to rely on their instincts, intelligence and courage. Therefore you should give them at least a basic obedience training, teach them proper social skills, and preferably choose at least one regular activity – the range is abundant these days. Parson Russell Terriers will generally adapt well to family life. They love playing with the kids, when both know the ground rules. Together with the independent, active and brave mental qualities, they are social and very fond of their owners, and so will be at their happiest when with their “pack”. Do also take into consideration that Parson Russell Terriers are a long commitment. The average age of the breed is 13 – 14 years, but there are individuals, who can reach the age of 18 or even above.