Jack Russel V Rat Terrier

Question
I have been told that JRT and Rat Terriers are the same, just different names.  And I have been told that they are totally different dogs.  What is fact?  What are the differences in the two breeds if they are actually different breeds?  Thank you!

Answer
NO - they are very different breeds.

The argument about JRT and Parsons Russells one of name only. The dogs are the same, but the registries are separate. These breeds have been longstanding and are imported to the US from England and not changed a ton since then. They were bred for the purpose of hunting larger quarry including fox.  They are big enough to have the strength to handle bigger quarry, yet small enough to ride home on the horse of the hunter.

Rat Terriers are a breed developed in the US and was developed from a blend of manchester terriers with other breeds like chi's and whippets.  They are a much lighter, delicate breed, and tend to have the more nervous/anxious temperment of the breeds I mentioned rather than what I think of as the more fundamental terriers who are tough and confident (JRT/Parsons, cairns, borders, norfolks, norwalks, scotties, westies, etc....)

Some of what I wrote here is impression from observation, but the history part is easily googled.....

The choice of the breed for you needs to be very seriously considered since JRT/Parsons are not a dog for the inexperienced owner.

-Beth Adams - Owned by a rescued JRT/Parsons
Col Potter's Cuzin Connor, CGC JE NA

www.cairnrescue.com
www.esrescue.com