How to Identify a Russell Terrier

The Russell Terrier is a small breed that is part of the terrier group. [1] It shares its fox-working heritage with the Parson Russell Terrier but has since become a distinct breed. [2] Though Russell Terriers share much in common with other terrier breeds, their unique traits can be used to distinguish them. This wikiHow will help you identify a Russell Terrier by learning these key traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Noticing the Structure

  1. Russell Terriers are on the smaller side of the terrier spectrum. They have a height of 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) and weigh 9–15 pounds (4.1–6.8 kg). [3]
  2. A Russell's head is is moderately wide and flat. The width decreases gradually toward the eyes and tapers to the muzzle. [4]
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  3. 3
    Check the eyes. The eyes of a Russell Terrier are almond-shaped and dark with black rims. They help the dog seem keen and alert in expression. [5]
  4. 4
    Spot the ears. Russells have small ears that resemble the letter v in shape. The ears may be button ears or drop ears and are carried close to the dog's head. They are good in texture and are greatly mobile. The points face downward and are even with the corner of the eye, while the fold is level with or slightly above the top of the skull, forming a straight line when the dog is alert. [6]
  5. A Russell Terrier's muzzle is slightly shorter than the distance between the occiput and well-defined stop. It slightly narrows to the end, giving the dog strong jaws and well-developed cheeks. The nose is black, and the large teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. [7]
  6. The paws of a Russell are oval-shaped and of a moderate size, and they turn neither in nor out. The toes are moderately arched, while the pads are hard. [8]
  7. 7
    Look at the tail. Russell Terriers have high-set tails, and the back does not slope downward to the tail's base. If the tail is docked, its tip reaches the level of the top of the ears. The tail may drop when the dog is at rest but is typically carried erect or gaily and straight or slightly curved when the dog is alert or moving. [9]
  8. Russells are strong, lithe, flexible, balanced, and rectangular. They have a gradually tapering neck, well laid-back shoulders, a small oval chest, well-sprung ribs, straight forelegs, a level topline, and parallel hind legs. A Russell walks with an effortless, unrestricted gait that shows off a confident attitude. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

  1. A Russell Terrier may have one of three coats: smooth, broken, or rough. Regardless of a Russell's coat type, it will have a harsh outer coat and an undercoat, and the coat should be weatherproof. [11]
    • A smooth coat is short, smooth, dense, and coarse. [12]
    • A broken coat is in between smooth and rough, with intermediate length hair, facial furnishings, and a possible ridge on the back. [13]
    • A rough coat is dense, harsh, and thick. [14]
  2. Russells have white coats with black and/or tan markings. The tan markings range in shade from lemon to mahogany. The dog may also be seen with ticking. [15]
  3. A smooth-coated Russell Terrier needs weekly brushing with a soft brush or hound glove. A broken- or rough-coated Russell also needs weekly brushing, done with a brush or comb. They are occasional shedders. [16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Recognizing Temperament

  1. Russell Terriers require vigorous daily exercise. They are intensely energetic and are prone to extreme boredom and potential destructiveness if not exercised enough. [17]
  2. If properly trained, Russells can prove to be highly intelligent. They are quick to learn and can be very trainable with proper care. They are also prone to attempting an escape when bored due to their smarts, so they require secure fencing in yards. [18]
    • Getting a Russell Terrier to learn is seldom an issue; however, getting a Russell Terrier to do what it has learned may be more difficult. Consistency in training is key to prevent this. [19]
  3. Bred as hunters, it is natural for Russell Terriers to have a high prey drive. Do not keep one around other small animals as their chasing instincts are very strong and may result in the other animal's injury. [20]
    • Additionally, do not keep a Russell Terrier around another Russell Terrier. Though they may sometimes do fine with other breeds of dogs, if a Russell is placed with another Russell, there will likely be fighting involved. [22]

    Did you know? The Russell Terrier's instincts, along with its size and structure, make it an ideal working earth terrier. [21]

  4. Like most terriers, Russells are tough, feisty, and a bit independent-minded. They may act stubborn and thus require very firm, consistent training. [23]
  5. Russell Terriers are known to be keen and alert dogs. Despite their friendliness toward strangers, they can make excellent watchdogs as they will not hesitate to bark when something seems wrong. [24]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to identify your own dog's breed, consider using a DNA test. This will confirm if your dog is a Russell Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/RussellTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/jackrussellterriers.html
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/jackrussellterriers.html
      10. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/jackrussellterriers.html
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/jackrussellterriers.html
      12. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/russell-terrier/
      13. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/jackrussellterriers.html
      14. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/jackrussellterriers.html
      15. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/jackrussellterriers.html

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