Comparison: Parson Russell Terrier and West Highland White Terrier

Parson Russell Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Parson Russell Terrier
Photo: Mathis73, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
West Highland White Terrier
Photo: Dominic Nelson, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Parson Russell TerrierWest Highland White Terrier
FCI group3. Terriers3. Terriers
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategorySmallSmall
Height at withers33–36 cm25–28 cm
Weight5–8 kg6–10 kg
Life span13–15 years12–16 years
Recognition features
  • Mostly white dog with tan markings, 33-36 cm
  • Smooth or broken coat
  • Square, long-legged build with a narrow chest
  • Pure white harsh coat with soft undercoat
  • Small erect pointed ears and dark eyes
  • Carrot-shaped tail, square build, about 28 cm tall
CoatSmooth or broken coat, predominantly white.Hard wiry coat with a soft undercoat, white.
PurposeBred in England by Rev. John Russell in the 19th century to bolt foxes from earths.A Scottish terrier from Argyll bred for vermin hunting; the white coat prevented it being mistaken for quarry.

Breed page: Parson Russell Terrier · Breed page: West Highland White Terrier

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.