The Parson Russell Terrier is a bold, athletic breed developed in the 19th century by Reverend John Russell for fox hunting in England. Energetic, fearless, and highly intelligent, Parson Russell Terriers are wonderful companions — but like most terriers, they require consistent dental care to prevent the plaque and tartar buildup that leads to periodontal disease.
Dental Characteristics
Parson Russell Terriers have a strong V-shaped head with powerful jaws and a full set of 42 adult teeth. Their scissor bite is characteristic of the breed. As a small-to-medium terrier, they fall into a size range where dental disease is especially prevalent — small dogs have proportionally less jaw space, which can lead to crowding and accelerated tartar formation.
Common Dental Problems
Plaque and tartar buildup is the primary concern for Parson Russell Terrier owners. Without daily attention, bacteria accumulate along the gumline, triggering gingivitis and eventually irreversible periodontal bone loss. The breed is also prone to tooth fractures — Parson Russells are enthusiastic chewers, and hard objects like bones or antlers can crack teeth.
Some dogs may also develop retained deciduous teeth, where baby teeth fail to fall out on schedule and must be extracted by a veterinarian to prevent crowding and infection.
How to Brush Your Parson Russell Terrier Teeth
Daily brushing dramatically reduces plaque accumulation. Use enzymatic dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste — xylitol is toxic to dogs) and a finger brush or small-headed toothbrush.
- Start during puppyhood to build tooth-brushing acceptance early.
- Let your dog sniff and lick the toothpaste first to create a positive association.
- Lift the lip and brush the outer surfaces in small circular motions.
- Work back-to-front, paying extra attention to the upper molars and canines.
- Keep sessions under 2 minutes; end with a reward every time.
Dental Aids and Supplements
- VOHC-accepted dental chews — Greenies, Virbac CET, or similar
- Water additives — antimicrobial solutions added to drinking water
- Dental wipes — for quick daily maintenance
- Appropriate chew toys — soft rubber toys that flex without fracturing teeth
Professional Dental Cleaning
Even with excellent home care, Parson Russell Terriers typically need professional dental cleaning under anesthesia every 12-18 months. The procedure includes ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and dental X-rays to identify hidden disease. This is the only way to fully address subgingival tartar and early bone loss.
Professional cleaning costs typically range from $300-$700 depending on your area and whether extractions are needed. Dental X-rays are strongly recommended as part of any comprehensive cleaning.
Warning Signs of Dental Disease
- Persistent bad breath that worsens over time
- Yellowish-brown tartar visible at the gumline
- Red, puffy, or bleeding gums
- Reluctance to eat hard kibble or chew toys
- Pawing at the mouth or one-sided chewing
- Visible loose or fractured teeth
Starting Early: Puppy Dental Care
Parson Russell Terrier puppies begin losing their 28 baby teeth around 3-4 months, completing the transition to 42 adult teeth by 6-7 months. This teething phase is the ideal time to introduce regular mouth handling and toothbrushing. Puppies habituated to dental care rarely resist it as adults.
Related reading: Skye Terrier dental care guide