Teddy Roosevelt Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Miscellaneous Class
Parson Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Overview
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive short legs and a well-proportioned body. Their smooth, dense coat comes in various color combinations, typically with white as the predominant color. Alert ears, bright eyes, and a confident stance reflect their keen intelligence and spirited nature. These agile terriers move with purpose and grace, embodying both strength and athleticism.
Parson Russell Terrier Overview
Parson Russell Terriers embody athletic grace with their balanced, square-built frames and intelligent expressions. Distinguished by a predominantly white coat with tan or black markings, they possess strong, muscular bodies built for agility and endurance. Their alert carriage and keen eyes reflect their sharp intelligence and fearless nature, while their compact size belies their tremendous stamina and working ability.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are less energetic than Parson Russell Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Parson Russell Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Parson Russell Terriers.
- Trainability: Parson Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Parson Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Parson Russell Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Teddy Roosevelt Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-15 inches 20-38 cm | 13-14 inches 33-36 cm |
| Weight | 8-25 lbs 4-11 kg | 13-17 lbs 6-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Versatile, Intelligent | Friendly, Clever, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Temperament
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is known for being playful, versatile, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Parson Russell Terrier Temperament
The Parson Russell Terrier is characterized by being friendly, clever, athletic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Parson Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Parson Russell Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Parson Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- von Willebrand's Disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Cardiac Issues
Parson Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lens luxation
- Ataxia
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Patellar luxation
Pros & Cons
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Great with families
- Excellent ratters
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High prey drive
- May bark frequently
- Needs consistent exercise
Parson Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent exercise companion
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.