Rat Terrier Dog Breed

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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.

Members of this breed come in a myriad of colors in combination with white. In fact, 18 variations of this breed's coat are considered standard by the AKC. The following are all acceptable coat colors and although several sound similar, they are all considered distinct: white, black and white, white and black, white and blue, white and apricot, white and chocolate, white and fawn, white and red, white and silver, white and tan, white and lemon, white and blue fawn, black tan and white, black white and tan, blue white and tan, red white and sable, white black and tan, and white chocolate and tan.

To add to the confusion, there are also a plethora or markings that may or may not be present. White mask with white markings, white markings with tan points, blanket backed, and piebald are several of these possibilities. Badger markings, irish marked, spotted or patched, tan points, or sable white markings are also common. Refer to the images for examples of all types.

Black & White

Black, Tan, & White

White & Fawn

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).

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.

Playful, happy, friendly and athletic are amongst the traits that make Rat Terriers fine family dogs. Members of this breed are eager to please and love hanging out with the family, in addition, they are not very large and can be trusted to spend time alone with kids if trained at the appropriate age.

Most owners would agree that their Rat Terrier get along very well with dogs and large farm animals. Cats in the household should also not be a problem as long as your pet is socialized at an appropriate age. However, small rodent like pets will entice their natural inclination to hunt and chase, so owners with these pets should consider another breed. This also goes for wild outdoor rodents and vermin; your Rat Terrier should be exercised in a fenced area or kept on leash at all times. They are not naturally aggressive but will defend their territory if aggressed upon.

These dogs are considered friendly and playful once they become familiar with the person, however, it is common for them to be reserved around strangers at first. Those looking for an alert and dedicated watchdog will find the Rat Terrier a fine choice. They consider themselves the guardians of the house and yard and will alert the owner to strangers by barking.

Below are pictures and images of the Rat Terrier.

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.

Rat Terriers are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Besides the typical doggie regimen of weekly teeth brushing and bimonthly nail trimming, very little is required. The short hair should be brushed once per week to reduce seasonal shedding while bathing is only required as necessary to keep these dogs looking and smelling their best. This breed does shed noticeably and it is heavier during the spring, fall, after heat, and if they are indoor pets.

This breed has moderate energy requirements which can be met by a daily walk or outdoor playtime in an enclosed area. Rat Terriers will enjoy any activity you are doing and taking them on your daily walk, run or hike would please them very much. They enjoy toys and hunting games and obedience or agility training is also a way to exercise their minds and bodies.

Members of this breed are small and easily trained, making them great indoor dogs, including apartments. They are adventurous and curious so they should spend outdoor time in a fenced yard or leashed. True Terrier fashion dictates your fence should be secure; they are masters at digging and escaping. They are at their optimal living condition when around their family, however than can be crated while the owner is at work. They can be prone to anxiety and mischief if left alone outside or tied up for the majority of time.

Rat Terriers have no documented temperature restrictions. However, it is safe to assume with a short coat, this dog should not be left outdoors in very cold temperatures for longer than necessary.

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.

• Eye Problems
• Heart Problems
• Hip Dysplasia
• Legg-perthes Disease
• Patellar Luxation
• View all 5...

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Rat Terrier as a dog breed:

• American Canine Registry
• American Kennel Club
• America's Pet Registry
• Continental Kennel Club
• Dog Registry of America Inc.
• National Kennel Club
• North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
• United Kennel Club
• American Canine Association, Inc.
• View all 9...

• Sources
• http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rat-terrier/detail/
• http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/Breeds/Terrier/RatTerrier01012004
• http://artaukc.org/breed-information/things-to-know/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Hairless_Terrier
• http://www.ratterrierresq.com/about-the-breed/