Dana Bryson-Benn | Brywood Parson Russell Terriers

Interview with Dana Bryson-Benn, Breeder of Brywood Parson Russell Terriers

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Dana Bryson-Benn: I am located in York, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, my husband and I have lived in Kentucky and Florida.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

My kennel name is Brywood. I have been involved in the sport of showing dogs for 30 years.

Which breeders have provided the greatest influence on my decision to breed dogs?

Dana Bryson-Benn: When I was a young girl, I grew up working for Peter Green. I started in Junior Showmanship there when I was nine with Wire Fox Terriers and Airedales. It made me fall in love with Terriers. One day at a dog show, I happened to see a young Parson Russell bitch go Best in Show; it was CH Fox Valley Frolic, “Fuzz,” bred and owned by Julie Felten, and co-owned by Amelia Musser. I instantly fell in love with the breed; loved her type and knew that I wanted to be involved with this breed.

Can I talk a bit about my foundation dogs? How have they influenced my breeding program?

Dana Bryson-Benn: I won my first of many nationals in 2007 with a bitch I co-owned with my now mother-in-law, Jeanette Pinker. The dog’s name was “DJ,” CH Upper Valley Make My Day. I eventually got my own foundation bitch from Susan and David Crawford in Canada. The bitch’s name was “Heidi,” CH Foxbend Colour Me More. Heidi and I went on to win many Bests in Show and she is currently the top-winning bitch of all time. She is still with us and is nearly 14 years old.

She went on and produced “Toodles,” GCHG Brywood Heluva Ride, who is the top-winningest Parson Russell Terrier in the breed’s history; multiple Best in Show winner, multiple National Specialty winner, and multiple Westminster Breed winner. He is the only Parson Russell to get a Group placement, a Group 4, at the prestigious Montgomery County Kennel Club. And he won Best Bred-By in Show at Montgomery County in 2015 at 11 months old.

I currently have a co-owned litter on the ground from another National Specialty winner I bred. “Vivian,” GCH Brywood Follow Your Heart, won the National in 2018.

What about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Dana Bryson-Benn: We have a beautiful four-acre property customized for the dogs. All of our puppies are home-whelped and raised. I think that’s the best way to do it so that they can go on to be loving companions. This is a great breed. They are very versatile and up for anything.

Do I have a “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

Dana Bryson-Benn: I really only breed dogs for myself. and I only breed about a litter every two years. So with that said, I have the option of keeping them a little bit longer and growing them out. But I never let puppies go if they’re going to homes before 12 weeks of age. With my extensive Terrier knowledge, I know by 12 weeks which one I’m keeping and which ones will go.

How do I choose the homes for my puppies? Is puppy placement important to me as a breeder?

Dana Bryson-Benn: I think that it is very important to mentor and teach people about this breed. You really become part of the Brywood family when you receive one of my puppies, whether you want a pet companion or you want a show dog.

Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?

Dana Bryson-Benn: The Terrier Group is a difficult Group to succeed in. Any time a Parson wins in the show ring is a win for the breed. Parsons are (and should be) bold and friendly, and they should look athletic and clever.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Dana Bryson-Benn: We have to be very careful with where the temperaments are going within the breed. Shyness is a fault and aggressiveness is a disqualification. We health screen all of our puppies and do extensive screening on our puppy buyers.

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Dana Bryson-Benn: You should always purchase your Parson from a reputable breeder.

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Dana Bryson-Benn: I highly recommend a fenced-in yard. We currently have many great breeders.

Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Dana Bryson-Benn: I absolutely adore this breed. I hope to continue breeding healthy, beautiful dogs. I am thankful for my connections growing up, learning about Terriers, and I truly believe it has helped me to be successful today as a breeder.

Are you looking for a Parson Russell Terrier puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Parson Russell Terrier dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Parson Russell Terrier Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the friendly Parson Russell Terrier dog breed with articles and information in our Parson Russell Terrier Dog Breed Magazine.