"A Near Thing"
Artist  Arthur Wardle

The Parson Russell Terrier was developed in England by the Rev. John Russell to chase the fox out of his hiding spot so that the hunt could go on. Though historically bred to go to ground to fox, the Parson Russell Terrier has been used for years on various vermin which helps the farmer who is losing chickens to fox, tractor axles to groundhog holes or rats who are eating his grain. In England not only was the Fox hunted but so was the Badger, the Hare and even the Otter. Here in the United States once people found out useful they could be, the Parson Russell Terrier was used to groundhog, opossum, red fox, grey fox and raccoon.

Childs Play Parson Russell Terriers  believes wholeheartedly in keeping the Parson Russell Terrier true to its foundation, which is working live quarry in the earth. There is a reason that the Parson Russell Terrier is known as the "Demon of the Dens" and here you will find pictures of our dogs in the field doing what they do best - hunting below the ground - for "where goeth the fox, so goeth the Parson Russell Terrier". Enjoy!
             


Childs Play Rhythm N Blues (Inky) doesn't waste any time and dives right into the first hole she can find. This hole was underneath an old oak tree and there was no way to dig her out once she got in, so when she hit an obstruction and couldn't go any further we took her out and went on. This particular farm is riddled with quarry including groundhog and opossum so there was plenty more to find in a more accessible place.


             


Hunting is done in all kinds of weather conditions not just when it's sunny. Fox hunting is best in the winter and groundhog hunting is best in the summer. In the picture on the left (above) you see the terriers have traversed a frozen pond to explore a hole under a fallen tree. In the other picture, on the right, we are out exploring a large farm in the summer.


       Ch. Childs Play Chase exploring a badger sette in Sweden while out with Berit. Badger hunting is done in the winter in Sweden and they have a 'season' for them just as we do for fox. He found this sette very interesting and just couldn't resist checking it out but wasn't allowed in just yet as it isn't hunting season.