Russell Terrier Breeders

With An Eye On The Breed

JoAnn Stoll

Elk Creek Russell Terriers

Adapted from Barbara "BJ" Andrews' ShowSight Magazine Simple Seven Breed Interviews

TDP:  What is the biggest misconception about the Russell Terrier?

JS: The biggest misconception is the Russell is a short legged cobby or stocky terrier. Proportion is well defined in the standard. From the point of the withers to the bottom of the brisket and from the point of elbow to the ground are equal measurements. Equal body and equal leg viewed from the side. The Russell Terrier is a slimly built lithe terrier which enables it to traverse small earth tunnels below ground.

TDP  What is the Russell’s most defining characteristic?

JS: Since the 1800’s the breed was utilized for fox hunting. The size, shape, and flexibility of the chest is the most defining characteristic of the breed which allows it to work efficiently above and below ground.

TDP  Which behavioral characteristic most typifies the breed.

JS: The instinct to hunt and dig. Even very young puppies will begin to dig in their bedding.

TDP  What is the most common judging mistake in Russell Terriers.

JS: Awarding Russells over and under height. Size is crucial to breed type. Under encroaches on dwarfism and over encroaches on the Parson Russell Terrier. Rewarding those Russells with chests hanging below the elbow. Chests hanging below the elbow alters the proportion and tuck up both crucial to breed type. Improper or lack of spanning the chest is disregarding the key characteristic of breed type. If we lose the proper chest required for work, we will lose the unique function for which this breed originated. The only possibly way form and function can possibly be preserved is for breeders to breed to the standard and for Judges to judge to the standard. This makes both breeder and Judge equally responsible for the progression of the breed.

TDP  Would you prefer the Russell be judged standing or moving?

JS: The breed should be judged both ways. The Russell is a working terrier and must be sound in structure.

TDP  What cosmetic alterations should judges know about.

JS: Ears and tails.

TDP  What 3 words best describe the Russell Terrier?

JS: Keen, intelligent, Hunter.

TDP  JoAnn, there's a few more questions I'd like to add to the Simple 7.  Are you agreeable?

JS: Of course, I'm happy to talk about Russell Terriers.

TDP  Do you worry about over-grooming in the Russell ring?

JS: Yes, I have seen posted legs with hair hanging below the bottom of the brisket which is incorrect for the breed. I have also seen rough coats stripped down to the point that they have the appearance of a sparse coat, which is also incorrect. There is no preference to hair coat in the breed; smooth, broken, and rough are all acceptable. However, rough coats must have sufficient hair coat to distinguish them from the smooth coats. The jackets on all coat types must be harsh, wiry, and weatherproof with sufficient undercoat to protect them above and below ground. The jacket should lay flat and tight to the body. Rough coats should not have soft, linty or puffy looking hair coats.

TDP  Should judges check the underside to determine coat quality?

JS: Yes, the underside should have sufficient coat to protect the Russell from roots, rocks, briars and other debris above and below ground.

TDP  Could the “reach & drive” fad be problematic for Russells?

JS: Absolutely. The gait of the Russell is not comparable to the floating trot with exaggerated extension so desirable in the show ring. If you watch a Russell in the field it has a moderate ground covering stride with nose to the ground. The criteria for which the working hunt terriers in England were measured was the instinct to hunt with the will to employ those instincts combined with the physical attributes to work efficiently below ground. They were never bred to travel great distances across country at a flying trot with their heads in the air. They were carried in terrier bags horseback to bolt the fox should it enter the earth during the fox hunt.

TDP  Is docking an issue in the Russell Terrier?

JS:  No the standard calls for docked or undocked. It should be mentioned historically it’s a docked breed.

TDP  Which is more important: Russell soundness or appearance?

JS: Soundness is important for any working breed.

TDP  How important is Russell Terrier character and personality?

JS: The original function of the breed defines their character which is very important. The Russell character is that of a confident hunter. They must stand their ground without being quarrelsome. They must not be shy or lack the keen terrier expression.

TDP  What is the most important contribution you feel your breeding program has made to the Russell Terrier?

JS:  The preservation of the breed type with improvements from English imports I began with in 1985 which is consistent going back to the early 1900’s.  (The Russell Terrier has remained true to it's original form from the 1900's to present day as evident in the pictures above)

On behalf of all students of the Russell Terrier breed, we thank JoAnn Stoll for taking the time to provide this information.