Terrier group · Breed guide
Parson Russell Terrier: weight, routine and daily dose
The Parson Russell Terrier takes its name from the Reverend John Russell, a hunting clergyman who in 1819 bought Trump, a white-bodied terrier with head and tail markings. The Royal Kennel Club regards Trump as the founder of the breed. The terriers that followed were bred to go to ground after fox or badger — a handy size for working underground, but with the stamina and raciness to keep up with hounds.
The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1990 as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier, and in 1999 the name was changed to Parson Russell Terrier to tell it apart from the Jack Russell. The RKC describes it as small and racy with great stamina, and the breed standard asks that it can be spanned behind the shoulders by average-sized hands. A compact, energetic dog like this does well on a routine that puts exercise first and food second, once it has settled.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 5.5–8 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 1 tablet/day
- One bottle lasts
- 120 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 12 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 13-17 pounds” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Parson Russell Terrier need?
A typical adult Parson Russell Terrier weighs 5.5–8 kg, which sits entirely in the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days | Every 12 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Parson Russell Terrier
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablet/day | 120 days | 240 days | 360 days | from £0.17 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Parson Russell Terrier owners
- Adult Parson Russells sit well inside the smallest band of the feeding guide, but weigh your own dog every few months rather than assuming.
- Feed after exercise once your dog has calmed down, rather than as the lead comes off the hook.
- Fix the daily tablet to one point in the day — for example the evening meal — so it is not missed on busy days.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Parson Russell Terrier: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Parson Russell Terrier have a day?
Typical adult Parson Russell Terriers weigh 5.5–8 kg, which is the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Parson Russell Terrier?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 1 tablet/day one bottle lasts 120 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
How should I fit meals around a Parson Russell’s exercise?
Exercise first, then feed once your dog has settled, and keep the meal at roughly the same time each day. Giving DIGEST+ with that meal keeps the routine simple. If your dog is sick after eating or exercise, speak to your vet.
How do I keep a Parson Russell’s routine consistent when the day is busy?
Anchor the supplement to something that happens every day regardless, such as the evening meal, rather than to a walk that may move. The tablet can be eaten directly or crushed into food. If you notice changes in appetite or digestion, speak to your vet.
Can every Parson Russell Terrier have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Parson Russell Terrier is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Parson Russell Terrier Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Parson Russell Terrier | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Parson Russell Terrier | Breed Standards | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated