Rev. John Russell, an English parson from Devonshire, would be pleased to know that his hard work and dedication to create the breed formerly known as the Jack Russell Terrier has not gone unnoticed. Today, Jack Russells are officially known as Parson Russell Terriers. The dog and the new name perpetuate not just his memory, but his deep appreciation of the breed he created for his beloved activity of fox hunting.
Parson Russell Terriers, a small and feisty breed, have become increasingly popular, even with people who have never taken part in a fox hunt. They are alert, active, and fun-loving dogs. Although small enough to be a lap companion, Parson Russell Terriers grow into dogs rugged enough to perform in competitions dating back to their days spent in fox hunts through Devonshire.
Just 13-14 inches at the shoulder and weighing 13-17 lbs, Parson Russell Terriers have the hearts and attitudes of dogs three or four times their size. After all, they are Terriers; being submissive or overly aggressive are violations of breed standards. They were bred to be bold since they often went under ground in pursuit of foxes.
Today, with fox hunting having fallen out of favor in the United States and abroad, Parson Russell Terriers must go to competitions called terrier trials to compete in a series of events. These events are designed to test the various skills of these surprisingly athletic dogs.
Of course, there are conformation and obedience classes, just as there are at many breed competitions. What makes terrier trials special are the events that reconnect the dogs to their past. They race in a straight line course, a form of "drag racing for dogs". Parson Russell Terriers also compete in "go to ground". The dogs are set on a course that has been dug into the ground and covered (often with bales of hay) to simulate a fox den. They are timed as they make their way through the tunnel.
An increasingly popular event at terrier trials is the agility course. This is an ideal sport for these compact dogs that are of either the smooth or broken (rough) coated varieties. Jack Russells are prized for their flexibility, speed, cleverness, and what the breed standard calls their "tireless, ground-covering trot".
But not all Parson Russell Terriers are destined to compete. Many enjoy the life of a constant, caring companion. 
Like Welsh Corgis and Dalmatians, Parson Russells are often found in and around the world of horses. They often are kept to eliminate vermin, but mostly because they are fearless around horses and just plain affectionate toward their human companions.
Increasingly, Parson Russell Terriers often leave their littermates to move into a quiet (until they start barking) suburban home or a city apartment. They are ideal for either environment. Although they need exercise, like any dog, they do not need to chase foxes; a brisk walk down the street or a chasing a dog toy in the back yard will do.
While Parson Russell's foundation sire, Trump, may be among the most important Parson Russell Terriers ever born, it was Eddie who led the breed into modern prominence. Eddie, portrayed by a Parson Russell Terrier named Moose, was Kelsey Grammer's nemesis in the hit NBC sitcom "Frasier".
