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The Parson's Nook Q1 2026
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What is The PRTAA?
The Parson Russell Terrier Association of America (PRTAA) is an organization of Parsons Russell Terrier breeders and owners dedicated to the promotion, breeding, working, and continuance of the traditional purebred Parson Russell that was bred and worked by the Parson John Russell himself (1795 - 1883). The Club was established in 1985 in response to growing concerns that the breed was being misrepresented as a short-legged terrier rather than a terrier with the symmetry of a foxhound.
The PRTAA operates in full acknowledgment of the original purpose of the traditional Parson Russell Terrier as it was in Rev. Russell’s day, to hunt Red Fox above and below ground. These activities dictated the type Terrier endorsed and supported by the PRTAA; a balanced terrier with a chest spanable by moderate-sized hands, straight legs with a good bend of stifle, predominantly white with head, tail and occasional body markings, and an alert and ready temperament. The ideal height of. A mature dog is 14” at the withers and bitches 13” at the withers.
The Parson Russell Terrier Association is the American Kennel Club Parent Club for the breed. This means that it is the responsibility and privilege of the PRTAA and its members to preserve the Breed Standard. Our members and breeders are available to anyone caring to learn more about this fine old breed of terrier. Membership in our club is not required for you to enter any PRTAA or AKC sanctioned event. Your dog must, however, be registered with the AKC. For those who do want to become more involved, see the membership information page, on this site, or contact the PRTAA.
Please feel free to contact us for additional information about the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America and its services.
Our Board of Directors and Committee chairs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rita Ford, President
Johnny Conley, Vice President
Julie Weaver, Secretary
Sharon Hipps, Corresponding Secretary
Michelle Freshour, Treasurer
Liane Paulson, Director
Janine Rose, Director
Glenn Sanchez, Director
Mary Strom, Director
Janine Rose, AKC Delegate
COMMITTEES
BREED STANDARD COMMITTEE - Rita Ford, Chair
BREEDER DIRECTORY - Michelle Freshour, Chair
BY-LAWS - Dawn Antoniak-Mitchell, Esq, Chair
HEALTH AND GENETICS - Janine Rose, Chair
HISTORICAL
JUDGE'S EDUCATION - Mary Strom, Chair
JUDGE'S SELECTION - Janine Rose, Chair
MEDIA COMMITTEE - Denise Tschida, Chair
MEET THE BREEDS - Janine Rose, Chair
MEMBERSHIP - Denise Tschida, Chair
NATIONAL SPECIALTY 2026 - Lance Wange Nobriga, Chair
PERFORMANCE
VERSATILITY - John Conley, Chair
WEBMASTER - Denise Tschida - chibbey@mac.com
Support Your Committees!
Some of the Committees shown above need members. If you are a PRTAA member in good standing, and can offer your skills or time, we welcome you! Please email board2025@prtaa.org
You have untapped, valuable resources and we appreciate them. Your support makes a big difference! Thank you!
