Is the Parson Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist better for families with children?

The Treeing 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 Parson Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist?

The Parson Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Parson Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Parson Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist bigger?

Parson Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Parson Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist?

Treeing Feist tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Parson Russell Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist?

For apartment or apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Treeing Feist: Which Is Quieter?

Parson Russell Terrier vs Treeing Feist: full comparison

Trait	Parson Russell Terrier	Treeing Feist
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	Very High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Parson Russell Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Treeing Feist is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. 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 Parson Russell Terrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Treeing Feist requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Parson Russell Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Treeing Feist needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Parson Russell Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. The Treeing Feist is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Parson Russell Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Treeing Feist will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Treeing Feist has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Treeing 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, Parson Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Parson Russell Terrier if you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Treeing Feist if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Parson Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist better for families with children?: The Treeing 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 Parson Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist?: The Parson Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Parson Russell Terrier or the Treeing Feist?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Parson Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist bigger?: Parson Russell Terrier and Treeing Feist are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Parson Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist?: Treeing Feist tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Parson Russell Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier or Treeing Feist?: For apartment or apartment living, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Treeing Feist