Feist vs Parson Russell Terrier: full comparison
| Trait | Feist | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Energy level | Very High | Very High |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | High | High |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 15 years | 15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Feist is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Parson Russell Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Feist is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Parson Russell Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Feist needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Parson Russell Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Feist picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. The Parson Russell Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Feist announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Parson Russell Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Feist has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Feist has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Feist if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more adaptable dog.
Choose the Parson Russell Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Feist on temperament, size and care.
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier better for families with children?
- The Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
- Which sheds more, the Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier?
- The Feist and Parson Russell Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Feist or the Parson Russell Terrier?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Feist or Parson Russell Terrier bigger?
- Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Feist or Parson Russell Terrier?
- Both bark a similar amount (high).
- Which is better for apartment living, Feist or Parson Russell Terrier?
- For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.