Frostwood Parson Russell Terriers > About Us

Allu and Ressu in 1991

I first found out about Parson Jack Russell Terriers, or Parson Russell Terriers as they are now called, in 1990 when a friend lent me an issue of the Finnish Kennel Club magazine with an article about registering of the breed in UK. I was instantly smitten with the pictures of Blencathra Badger and his sister Nettle and decided that I would simply have to have a PRT for myself. After some time I was lucky to get Mrs. Kirsi Peltonen's phone number. Mrs. Peltonen had imported a PRT dog to Finland in early spring 1991 and like my family, already had a short-legged Russell. She was very kind to answer all my questions about the breed and with her help in autumn 1991 I imported my first PRT dog, Ch. Ratpack Midnite Rocket, and his sister Ratpack Midnite Avenger for Mrs. Peltonen, as puppies from kennel Ratpack in UK. My first intention was not to breed, but since "Ressu" exceeded all my expectations as a companion and on top of that achieved a champion title in the showrings, the thought of acquiring a bitch started to develop in my mind. That is how "Penny" came to us from the Netherlands in autumn 1993 and since then few more of these energetic, fun and extremely intelligent little creatures have joined us.

Ressu and Jade in summer 1992

My aim is to breed terriers, that are healthy, well constructed, social and fun to be with and who also, given the chance, show ability to hunt. I haven't used my terriers for hunting, but I do think that it is as important to retain their temperament to the standard: bold and friendly, and keen toward quarry. Therefore we occasionally attend fox working trials. The terriers who have been tested, have all received good to excellent approved results. Tracking, agility and obedience are also activities that we like to train and do, and a few of our puppyowners have also competed succesfully in them.

If you are considering to take a Parson Russell Terrier, it is good to know that they are very active and need a lot of exercise, both physically and mentally. They are bred to do independent work and to rely on their instincts and courage. Therefore you should give them at least a basic obedience training, and preferably adopt at least one regular activity to keep up the gained communication. A Parson Russell Terrier will adopt well to family life, if you understand what they are and where they come from, and if you are willing to accept them as your family member. A Parson Russell Terrier will be most happiest, if he can be with his "pack" where ever they go or whatever they do. Do also take into consideration that Parson Russell Terriers are a long commitment. The avarage age of the breed is 13 - 14 years, but there are several individuals, who have even reached the age of 18 or above (Ressu's father Bullet reached the age of 181⁄2 and Alexis of Frostwood aka Allu, the Jack Russell Terrier who lives with my parents, will soon be 19!) I personally feel I have been lucky to find terriers who are versatile: terriers with their own will, but keen to learn and trainable, and well adaptable to different situations. I hope to be able to keep that and continue to breed terriers with these mental qualities, since it is important for me that our pups also make great family pets and companions.