Russell Terrier
About the Russell Terrier
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 10-12" |
| Weight | 9-15 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $800-$1,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Russell Terriers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- First-Time Owners
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Russell Terrier
The story behind the Russell Terrier
The Russell Terrier descends from the working terriers associated with Reverend John Russell, a nineteenth-century English parson and foxhunting enthusiast who bred small, mostly white terriers to run with hounds and bolt foxes from their earths. The type he championed spread widely and diverged over time; the shorter-legged, slightly longer-bodied dogs that became today's Russell Terrier were developed and standardized notably in Australia before gaining international recognition. Kennel clubs eventually separated this breed from the longer-legged Parson Russell Terrier, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Russell Terrier in 2012. Though now a popular companion and sport dog, the breed retains the hunting instincts and constitution of its working ancestors.
Originally bred for: Fox bolting, Vermin control, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Russell Terrier
Small, wiry and relentlessly busy, this terrier turns food into activity but will still overeat given the chance. A quality small-breed diet in two servings, with training rewards subtracted from the daily amount, preserves the working outline.
Watch for: No consistent breed-related intolerance is reported. These dogs scavenge eagerly and more often upset themselves on found items than on their actual meals. If loose stools or itching continue, let a veterinarian investigate.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Russell Terrier
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.