The AKC describes a plush toy come to life that is really an eager, tireless working terrier. That mix of small body and big drive is what a boarding stay has to plan around.
A small dog that is built to work
The AKC says the Russell Terrier was developed for use in foxhunts and calls it upbeat, lively, inquisitive and friendly. It also says the breed has an almost limitless supply of energy and is not a breed for a couch-potato family. A tired Russell, in the AKC's words, is a good Russell.
For a few nights away from home, that means the day matters more than the bed. Walks are included in the nightly rate, the large fenced play areas have ramps, tunnels and play blocks, and the grass field gives a terrier room to run. Every run also has a doggie door between the inside and outside halves, so he can move between them as he likes.
Three coats, one weekly brush
The AKC says Russells come in three coat types: smooth, broken and rough. The smooth coat is dense and short, and the rough and broken coats are brushed or combed weekly but kept mostly natural. Which bath column applies depends on the coat your dog has, so tell us when you book.
The bath chart effective January 1, 2024 is the one we have on file, and baths on the 2026 sheet say please ask. For a dog at 15 pounds or less, the extra short column is $20, short is $25 and medium is $30. For 16 to 25 pounds, those columns are $30, $35 and $40. Please ask us to confirm the price before you add a bath. The whole chart is on the baths page.
Games, puzzles and a quick mind
The AKC says Russells are extremely intelligent, love to work on problems and play games, and bore easily. It also says they throw themselves into any job with the dedication they were bred to have for hunting. A terrier like that notices everything in a new place.
Write down on the boarding agreement what your dog likes: a ball, a tug, a particular order to his day. Send one toy, not the favorite, because toys can be chewed up or misplaced. The Kuranda bed in every run keeps him off the floor and blankets are provided, so you do not need to bring his own bed.
Prey drive and the leash at drop-off
The AKC notes the breed has kept a strong prey drive and should be well socialized early. In practice that means a snug collar or harness and a firm hold on the leash in the parking area. Any metal pinch (prong) collar must be removed before check-in.
Comfort for a small, short-coated dog
A small dog feels temperature swings. The runs are heated and air conditioned inside, so your terrier can choose between the temperature-controlled half and the open air. Pets must be 16 weeks or older, with rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella current. Canine influenza is recommended but not required. The details are on the vaccination page.
What the nights cost
One Russell in Economy is $52 a night, so 3 nights is $156 and 7 nights is $364. At 14 nights or more the long-stay rate is $47 a night, so 14 nights is $658. Active military is the same $47 rate; the rate sheet does not list the discounts as combining, so call 707-678-6600 to confirm. A second dog from your home sharing the same run is $44 a night, so a second terrier for 7 nights adds $308. House food is included, and so are medications.