Learn how Parson Russell Terriers excel in performance sports through expert training, competition stories, and real exhibitor experience.
Parson Russell Terrier Association of America Versatility Committee
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Exhibitors of Parson Russell Terriers share their experiences competing with their terriers in a wide variety of dog sports.
My Parson Russell Terrier and I show in Obedience, Rally, and Scentwork—AKC sports in which we rarely see terriers. In Obedience, we strive for scores over 196; in Rally, scores of 96 or higher. This makes the training a challenge as it must start the moment a puppy arrives in the home, and it must always be FUN. Without fun, these little dogs will go through the motions, but training for joy and bonding will show in the ring—which means every day is a new game.
I have been showing terriers in Obedience for years, but when I decided to buy a purebred and work toward an AKC OTCH and a RACH, I knew working with a terrier would be a challenge. My Parson Russell Terrier currently has a GCH as well as a BN CD RE SIN SCN SBN SEN SWN BCAT ATT CGCA. He also has Happy Ratter titles and VDA and VGCH from the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. At the same time that he was showing in Conformation, he was also showing in Rally, and has been obedience-trained through Utility since he was three years old. In 2022, he was Select Dog at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show while preparing to finish his CD. He finished his CD with a High in Trial. You can show in both Conformation and Performance sports at the same time!
We have had the pleasure of owning, breeding, training, and handling the first Jack Russell, and now Parson Russell Terriers, for over 25 years. Our Parsons and their offspring have won over 100 AKC titles in Obedience, Rally, Conformation, Fast CAT, Coursing, Therapy, Barn Hunt, Earth Dog, Scent Work, and Agility. We have won the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America (PRTAA) club award for Versatility Dog of the Year the past two years. The Parson has the capability of running 25 MPH and tracking just about anything. With great health and temperament, the Parson Russell Terrier can do just about anything—lots of dog in a small package.
In 1995, I purchased my first purebred dog, a JRTCA puppy named Daisy. When the Jack Russell Terrier was recognized by the AKC, we entered our first show and she became the first Jack (Parson) Russell to earn an AKC title when she earned her Companion Dog title. Through the years, I’ve shown several Parsons to many AKC titles, including my second Parson, CH Kenswick Whip CDX, RA, OA, OAJ, ME, my third, CH Eastlake Hannah CD, NA, NAJ, JE, and their daughter, CH Starlight Cujo CD, SE. Cujo and her sisters went on to produce Winners and Awards of Merit at MCKC, PRTAA Nationals, Eukanuba, and several Group placements. My current Parson, Kate, finished her Conformation Championship at one year old, her Rally Championship at two, and if all goes well, she could finish her Agility Championship at three. Over the past 27 years of living with and showing Parson Russell Terriers, I have learned that they can do anything I ask of them as long as I can figure out how to explain what I want in a way that they understand.
When I began competing with Parson Russell Terriers in 2001, I was drawn to their athleticism, intelligence, enthusiasm, and irresistible sense of humor. I wanted a dog that could do it all—and the Parson has never let me down. At a time when it was uncommon for dogs to cross between Conformation and Performance sports, these spirited terriers proved that versatility isn’t just possible, it’s part of who they are.
Over the years, my Parsons and I have competed in Conformation, Agility, Obedience, Rally, Barn Hunt, Flyball, Earthdog, Dock Jumping, Coursing, Tracking, Fast CAT, and more—earning nearly 500 titles in AKC-recognized sports along the way. They’ve also excelled in Companion programs such as Canine Good Citizen, Farm Dog, and Trick Dog, always tackling new challenges with joy and determination. Above all, I treasure their earthworking tradition—nothing compares to seeing a Parson doing what it was bred to do. Versatile, clever, and endlessly entertaining, the Parson Russell Terrier requires patience, persistence, and a great sense of humor. I wouldn’t have them any other way.
This breed thrives on having a job. Parsons are highly intelligent and learn quickly. Most of them are highly food- and toy-motivated. They love tugging, and that is helpful to get a good start for a young dog going into Performance. This early playing, training, tugging, and recalls are the fundamental ingredients for a highly motivated Parson. A Parson does need to have correct conformation. Soundness is crucially important for high-impact sports like Agility.
Game-based training is great and gives a structured way to introduce the dog to love training. There are podcasts, as well as very good instructors, online. This is helpful for most any dog sport: Obedience, Agility, and Rally, especially. It is desirable to have a happy, motivated dog in those venues. All of this is best introduced early, at around 10-12 weeks. This helps with drive in Performance dogs.
Paying attention to the care of the dog; keeping them on a good diet, not overfeeding, and lots of free exercise, helps keep them fit and sound. It is important not to overdo in any sport, less they get bored, tired, or sore. Best not to do too much too soon until the dogs are 10-18 months old.
Introduction to jumping in Agility should include a veterinarian checking the growth plates prior to starting any jumping.
Agility
Watch the inaugural AKC Agility Team Challenge on ESPN2 as six cities compete in a fast-paced team Agility competition.
