Rat Terrier

Thinking about purchasing an Rat Terrier? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Rat Terrier breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Rat Terrier owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Rat Terrier and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Rat Terrier Breeder:

When were your Rat Terriers born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Rat Terrier, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Rat Terrier and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

Other Breed Profiles
Puppy Care & Training
Breeder Listings

Rat Terrier Profile

The Rat Terrier is small, powerful, and very intelligent. They are great for sports, utility, or as a companion dog. Very loyal, loving, and protective of their loved ones and possessions, the Rat Terrier is also a great hunter. In fact their original use, hence the name, was for ratting. And if the occasion call, they can be quite the comedian. Rat Terriers are very low maintenance and once you have one...you've got to have another! They are energetic, intelligent and curious. They are game dogs, very tenacious when hunting and affable at home. They are not overly energetic, and tend to have moderate activity. They are very affectionate, playful and desire to be with their people all day. They get along well with their peers, including other pets as well as children. Rat Terriers are small and quaint, but not quite as small as the Chihuahua. They are still rather sturdy little dogs, and somewhat resemble a miniature Jack Russell Terrier. There are several different standards with this breed that vary greatly from country to country. In America, there are Miniature and Standard Rat Terriers, while in other countries they recognize those as well as a Hairless version. Either way, the personality is the same. With lots of praise, Rat Terriers can be trained to do anything, they love to please!

Type: Terriers

Height: Standard: 13 - 18 inches; Miniature: under 13 inches.
Weight: 10 - 25 lbs. (both)

Colors: Black/white tri, blue/white, red, red brindle, apricot, chocolate, lemon, sable, fawn, and tan. They are often white with black and tan tricolors, or white with chocolate or black or tan patches.
Coat: Smooth, short hair.

Temperament: Rat Terriers are semi-active, easily trained, sociable, loving, and loyal. They are very affectionate, and love to be around their owners. They are also eager to please, energetic but not overly excited, curious, and intelligent. Rat Terriers are hardy and tenacious in the field, and affable at home. They get along well with children and other pets. They are very alert, and make good watchdogs.
With Children: Yes, Very protective and loving of children it lives with.
With Pets: Yes, whatever a Rat Terrier is raised with, it will love and protect.

Watch-dog: High. Rat Terriers are very sensitive and ALERT to sounds, great alarm dog.
Guard-dog: Medium. They are protective and alert, but not the most threatening breed. They can deliver a painful bite if provoked though.

Rat Terrier Care and Training: Rat Terriers are low maintenance and need little grooming. They are easily trained and this should be done so with positive reinforcement. The Rat Terrier needs a brushing every once in a while. Ears, teeth and nails should be checked and/or groomed on a regular basis, as with any breed.
Learning Rate: High. Rat Terriers have a fast learning rate and are highly intelligent. Obedience - High. They love to please. Problem Solving - High.

Activity: Medium.
Special Needs: Exercise, human companionship, socialization, sun protection and training.
Living Environment: Rat Terriers prefer to be inside with their family, but can be
outdoors. They are very adaptable as well, and can cope with either active or sedentary people. The best owner for this breed would be a wide range of people, including active to sedentary people living in a rural to city environment.

Rat Terrier Health Issues: Allergies, bite problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas and mange.

Life Span: 13 -16 years.
Litter Size: 5 - 7 puppies.

Country of Origin: Originated in England, but developed in the United States.
Rat Terrier History: Considered an all American Breed, they originated in England in 1820. The Rat Terrier was a cross between a Smooth Coat Fox Terrier and a Manchester Terrier. They were bred and raised for the sport of "rat baiting", and the all time record of rats killed in a seven hour span within one barn by this breed was 2,501! Brought to the U.S. in 1890, President Theodore Roosevelt reintroduced them while in the "White House" for pest control, and for their great companionship and hunting abilities. He often took them on hunting trips, and created the popularity for the breed that still continues today. When they were brought to America there only existed the black and tan version, until it was bred with the Smooth Fox Terrier again, which created the white color. They were also bred with the Whippet, which added to their speed and probably the blue coloring, and Beagle, which added to the red color and their extensive trailing abilities and bulk. Later the Chihuahua was added to create the Miniature version. The Standard type has mostly been used for hunting rats, squirrels, raccoon, and other vermin. Even today, some believe the breed is only valuable as a hunter: "They don't deserve to be ruined by people who might just want 'pets'."

First Registered by the AKC: FSS (Foundation Stock Service - not yet eligible for the AKC)
AKC Group: Terrier
Class: Terrier
Registries: UKC, UKCI, NRTR, CKC

Rat Terriers

Home Page

Rate Chart
Directory of Breed Profiles.

Thursday, July 17, 2008