What separates the Parson from the Jack Russell and Russell Terrier is leg: longer, squarer and spannable. The standard asks for a bold, friendly, athletic terrier who is playful and exuberant at home.
Taller, so a little more dog
The standard gives an ideal height of 14 inches for a mature dog and 13 for a bitch, and wants larger dogs to remain spannable. The AKC weight chart lists 13 to 17 pounds. Economy, about 16 square feet inside plus 48 outside, still fits. Two Parsons from one home share it for $52 plus $44. If a Parson is a bouncer who does not like sharing, Business Class at $59 gives 30 square feet inside plus 60 outside.
Smooth or broken, always double
Whether smooth or broken, the standard calls for a double coat of good sheen that is naturally harsh, close and dense and straight with no kink, with only a hint of eyebrows and beard. The bath chart effective January 1, 2024, puts a smooth coat in the Short column and a broken coat in the Medium column. At 15 pounds or less that is $25 and $30; at 16 to 25 pounds it is $35 and $40. Tell us which your dog has, and please ask to confirm.
A working terrier at home in a run
The standard describes a game hunter, tenacious and courageous, who at home is playful, exuberant and overwhelmingly affectionate, an independent, energetic terrier who requires his due portion of exercise. Walks are included, and the fenced play areas and grass field are where that energy goes. Staff keep a firm hold on the leash at drop-off. Write down anything that sets your dog off.
Climate
The NOAA Vacaville station (1991-2020 normals) records about 100 days a year at 90 degrees or more. Small dogs with a short double coat warm up quickly, so the air-conditioned inside half is the afternoon choice. Winter nights are covered by heated runs, blankets and a Kuranda bed.
Cost snapshot
A weekend of 3 nights in Economy is 3 x $52 = $156 on the 2026 rates. A week is 7 x $52 = $364, and 14 nights or more is $47 a night. Medications are free.