Rat Terrier Dog Breed

The Rat Terrier, as its name suggests, is a member of the Terrier group of breeds. Dogs of this breed were developed in America in the early twentieth century to hunt vermin; they have a terrier's typical personality of intelligence, spirit, and stubbornness, and are great companions for families of any size.

Some Rat Terrier facts: these dogs exist in two size variations (Miniature and Standard). Miniatures average 11 inches at the shoulders in height, while Standards are about 15 inches in height; weight for both variations averages 17 pounds. All have short-haired, smooth coats that come in a wide variety of colors. Now for some Rat Terrier pros and cons:

PROS:

• Intelligent and eager to please
• Playful and fun-loving
• Fairly low maintenance needs
• Athletic and agile; often considered the best terrier for ratting
• Great with kids and other pets
• Most easily trained of any terrier breed
• Adapts well to apartment living
• Very easy to groom
• Low barking tendency

CONS:

• Excellent escape artists
• Not good in colder climates
• Strong prey drive; will chase and possibly injure smaller pets (especially rodents)
• Prone to excessive digging
• May turn destructive if left alone or bored
• Can be stubborn and strong-willed
• Early/frequent socialization recommended
• Sheds moderately

The Rat Terrier is considered a small dog and comes in two sized. The standard size is from 13-18 inches at the shoulders, while the Miniature is 10-13 inches. There are no weight requirements documented by the AKC, however, the dog should appear athletic, with smooth lean muscle that lies flat to the body (not bulky).

Playful, happy, friendly and athletic are amongst the traits that make Rat Terriers fine family dogs. It is common for them to be reserved around strangers at first and they consider themselves guardians of the house; they will not hesitate to bark at a strange human or pet that passes too closely. They see dogs, livestock, even cats they grew up with as part of their "pack" and may bond very closely with them. Rats, mice, hamsters, ferrets, rabbits and other rodent like pets are not advised to be housed with this breed due to their hunting instincts.

Overall, this breed can be considered low to average maintenance. They are shedders, but a weekly brushing can help to reduce this and keep all of the hair from ending up on the floor. The typical doggie regimen of weekly teeth brushing and bimonthly nail trimming and ear cleaning should keep them in fine shape; bathe as necessary.

Members of this breed have medium energy requirements and their favorite way to relieve them is to do activities with the owner; whether it be a daily run, walk, hike, yard time, hunting or even training - this dog is down for adventure.

The easiest to train of all Terriers, the Rat Terrier is not only intelligent and eager to please but also intuitive and sensitive to its owner. They thrive off praise and petting, and of course, treats and do not do well with tones and body language that are harsh. Not to mention, agility and obedience training are excellent ways to bond with and exercise your Rat Terrier.

This breed is quite the hodgepodge of previous terriers that came about in America during the late 1800s that were brought to America by, mostly English, immigrants. Among those thought to be the forerunners of this breed are: Fox Terriers (Smooth and Toy varieties), White Terrier, Manchester Terrier while these prototypes later mixed with Beagles for hunting and Whippets, Greyhounds and other non-Terriers to increase their speed. During the early 1900s the need was high for a dog that could hunt down the Jackrabbits ruining crops; this called for an athletic and swift worker. Theodore Roosevelt often hunted with Rat Terriers. The UKC has recognized this breed since 1999 and, although allowed to compete in companion and earthdog events, the breed was not officially recognized by the AKC until 2013.

The Rat Terrier was bred from many other Terrier and non-Terrier breeds, therefore, they are often mistaken for Chihuahuas, Jack Russells, and other Terriers. This dog was bred to hunt and course rodents and other pests as well as small game. The overall appearance of the Rat Terrier is a well-balanced and speedy little dog; they are compact and strong with the flat muscles blending into the body.

Their coat is short, dense and looks somewhat smooth and shiny and, while it comes in a multitude of colors, the only acceptable solid coat is white. The chest is somewhat wide and reaches the elbows while the back is straight. He has a wedge shaped head that tapers towards the large, bat-like ears; the ears can also frequently be button or semi-erect. The eyes are small, widely set and a shade that varies from darkest brown to hazel (depending on coat color); not to mention they always display an inquisitive and alert expression. The shoulders are flat and front legs are straight and parallel, ending in compact, well-padded feet; the lean muscled hind legs are well balanced with the front, save for the slightly smaller feet. Rat Terriers have a either a naturally bobbed tail or one that is help up and curved; owners can also choose to have the tail docked.

There are two main varieties of the Rat Terrier (Miniature and Standard) and several lesser-known variations. Some details on each:

• Miniature Rat Terrier: Sometimes called the Toy Rat Terrier; 10-13 inches in height; short, smooth coats
• Standard Rat Terrier: 13-18 inches in height; short, smooth coats
• Decker Giant Rat Terrier: Technically still a Standard, but part of a breed bloodline started by American breeder Milton Decker; larger than a typical Standard, averaging 20 inches in height
• Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Also called the Type B Rat Terrier; closely related to the Standard; noticeably shorter legs and more muscular than a Standard
• American Hairless Terrier: Directly descended from coated Rat Terriers (both Standard and Miniature); developed in the late 1900s in the U.S. state of Louisiana; little to no body hair; size varies widely, from 7-18 inches in height

Originally, this breed came about from the need to keep away pests such as rodents, vermin, raccoons, etc. Presently the Rat Terriers is, first and foremost, an owner's companion whether they are hunter or homemaker, old or young. Friendly, loveable and inquisitive they are ready for adventure and are happiest when accompanying you on any activity. This breed is great with kids and pets if socialized at a young age, the only exception being rodent like pets, which may activate their hunting instincts. They are often said to be so friendly with other dogs that they may bond more with the other pet in the household than you.

Eager to please, these dogs will excel at obedience and agility training. In fact, they are referred to as the "most trainable of terriers." This training is also a great way to burn off some of your pet's energy as well as socialize them. They are dedicated workers and intelligent enough to learn quickly. Rat Terriers are also said to be intuitive and sensitive, so harsh words or tones are not necessary to capture their attention; instead, they thrive on praise and attention.

Although the majority of Rat Terriers will be healthy dogs, there are a few issues commonly known to afflict them. Incorrect bites and allergies are the most inconsequential of those issues. Hip Dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, resulting in the degeneration of the hip joint, are common in this breed. Patellar luxation is also a frequent skeletal and joint abnormality. Two other notable problems to anticipate are eye and cardiac disease. Regular visits to the veterinarian should help you catch any of these conditions early. These guys will regularly live to be anywhere from 12-18 years old.