health and genetics

Parson Russell Terriers are generally a healthy, hardy, long-lived breed. They have a great zest for life, and are always ready to join in whatever fun there is to be had!

When considering sharing your life with a Parson, one should do some research into the breed's possible hereditary health issues. Parsons take part in the CHIC program - Canine Health Information Center- see links below:

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/brdreqs.html?breed=JT

OFA currently recommends the following tests:

Eye Examination by a Board-certified ACVO Ophthalmologist
▪ Results registered with OFA, or
▪ Results registered with CERF

Patellar Luxation
▪ OFA Evaluation

Congenital Deafness
▪ OFA evaluation based on BAER test

There are also 3 DNA tests that are recommended to be done before breeding :

Primary Lens Luxation
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/GLX/basicLUX.htm

Late Onset Ataxia
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/140/?breed=5

Spinocerebellar Ataxia
https://ofa.org/spinocerebellar-ataxia/

One can start their search for a Parson Russell Terrier puppy/adult by visiting the Breeder Referral page here on our website.

When talking to a breeder about adding a puppy/adult to your family, you would want to ask about any health testing that the parents have had done.  You would want to know that the parents have had their eyes checked by a board-certified ophthalmologist and are clear of hereditary defects. That both parents had a BAER test done and certified that they have normal hearing in both ears, and that both parents have had their patellas checked and cleared by a veterinarian. Results can be provided to you in the form of copies from the breeder, or results can be submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to become part of a permanent database.

Puppies / adults should be up to date on vaccinations/worming before going to a new home. You should take your new puppy / adult to your own veterinarian for a wellness check-up within the first couple of days.

Don’t be surprised if the breeder asks you more questions than you do of them! Careful placement of puppies /adults is of the utmost importance to the breeder. Breeders have put in countless hours of nurturing their dogs and puppies, and placing a happy, well-socialized puppy/adult in a loving home is what we all strive for.