Very intelligent, obedient, active, agile, highly energetic, and watchful dogs.
Russell Terriers enjoy tennis ball retrieving, agility, flyball, Frisbee, and have the keen sense of smell necessary to participate in earthdog trials.
Reputation as a good family dog, but with careful training needed to avoid development of "small dog syndrome".
May be difficult to disengage from an activity or behavior, bark, or chase wildlife or other dogs.