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Rat Terriers are compact little dogs that are attractive to canine lovers for various reasons. From their size to their larger-than-life personality, these companions can match perfectly with a large variety of people.
In this article, we aim to explore all of the aspects of the Rat Terrier breed that make them stand above the rest. By the end of it, you will be able to decide whether the Rat Terrier is for you and have a little more knowledge on where to find one.
Breed Overview
Height:
10–18 inches
Weight:
10–25 pounds
Lifespan:
15–18 years
Colors:
White, tri-color, white and chocolate, black and white, fawn and white, blue and white
Suitable for:
Active families, growing families, rural homes
Temperament:
Cheerful, energetic, adventurous, independent
The Rat Terrier is a sturdy, spunky terrier breed that lives up to its name. It was originally bred for keeping away small vermin like rats and other rodents. The Rat Terrier still has a lot of their classic instincts, so they might not match with every household.
Rat Terriers are generally very healthy and have lengthy lifespans. There are several other amazing things to learn about them from puppyhood onward. Let’s explore.
Rat Terrier Characteristics
Rat Terrier Puppies
As puppies, Rat Terriers are going to be very small and fragile. Even though they will be easy to hurt, they are otherwise very structurally sound. You will be impressed with their might and strength.
These brave little dogs won’t be afraid of much and will constantly want to be on the go. If you’re considering getting a Rat Terrier puppy, you should always look for reputable breeders with positive reviews that can provide health records and clearances for their dogs.
Always steer clear of backyard breeders and puppy mills. Often, pet shops are also not a good option as they often buy from puppy mills or similar facilities, where dogs are in less than favorable conditions. This can lead to illness and poor temperament.
Rat Terrier Origin & History
The Rat Terrier is an American breed of farm dog and hunting companion. They have much ancestry with other small European hunting dogs known as feists. The Rat Terrier was most commonly found on farms between 1920 and 1930.
However, these dogs are considered a rare breed today, and kennel clubs still recognize them. Today, these dogs are best for family companions and pest control. Their rich history and rodent-seeking make them excellent mousers, so who needs a cat around when you have a dog so awesome?
Temperament & Intelligence of the Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an incredibly sharp and alert dog. They are incredibly keen on their surroundings and can pick up on even the slightest movement. Because breed instincts make them very keen hunters, their pre-drive tends to be incredibly high.
If a dog sees a mouse run across the room, the objective would not be to catch or play. The objective would be to kill. That means you should always keep the family hamster up and away from your dog and never leave them unsupervised around any other smaller pets.
Your Rat Terrier is an exceptionally cunning little dog that can find a way. They are very determined and can figure out how to do just about anything. So, if there’s somewhere you don’t want them to get to or there’s something you don’t want them to have, they can be quite resourceful when they want to be.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?👪
The Rat Terrier can acclimate well to a variety of lifestyles. As far as families go, this dog can acclimate pretty well into a growing family. You should always supervise any small children around the Rat Terrier as they can nip if they feel threatened. Because they are so tiny, they could be face-level to a crawling baby or small toddler.
These dogs make very good companions to single owners, permitting you give them the physical outlets they require. A Rat Terrier is an adventurous little breed devoted to their owner. Their spirited nature makes some fun companions, and their compact size makes them perfect for smaller living spaces.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽
The Rat Terrier will get along fantastically with other dogs. In fact, they prefer households with which they have another canine companion to run around. Not only will it help to have a buddy around to expel their energy, but it is also good for their mental health.
That isn’t to say that these dogs can’t get bossy occasionally, as it is in their terrier nature. They can be a little bossy or headstrong, which can clash with different personalities. However, when it comes to smaller animals, it can always be a hit or miss.
They might constantly chase the household cats or interrogate the squirrels in the backyard.
Things to Know When Owning a Rat Terrier:
Food & Diet Requirements🦴
The Rat Terrier is an exceptionally healthy little breed that doesn’t require any specialized diets. They simply need a high-protein, lifestyle-appropriate meal to keep them healthy.
You will ultimately feed your Rat Terrier based on their weight and age, but always keep in mind that some dogs might need more or less food based on other factors, such as overall health.
If there are any special tweaks to the diet related to allergies or sensitivities, your vet can recommend a type of dog food to eliminate the trigger. Raw or fresh food are becoming more common options for dog owners.
While these options are more appetizing and canine-specific, these subscription-based services are often pricey and not within everyone’s budget quite yet.
Exercise🐕
The Rat Terrier is a highly athletic dog with a lust for activity. They love to be chasing, sniffing, finding snacks, and anything else they can sniff out. They require stimulating lives and need their owners to respond accordingly.
On average, they require at least an hour and a half of daily exercise. If you have a backyard, it should be fenced in with a very tall fence, as these dogs can jump 4 to 5 feet. How impressive! But if you’re unprepared, it can mean that your little guy is on the loose, and you’re out of luck.
You can enjoy many activities with your Rat Terrier because they don’t tire easily but are satisfied with short bursts of exercise. So, they can work for a wide range of people.
Training🎾
Training your Rat Terrier should be pretty simple. They usually pick up on concepts pretty easily and are generally pretty easy to train. You can easily incentivize them with treats as they are food-motivated.
You can also entice them with their favorite toys as they are always down to play. Since they are so prey-driven, they might quickly tear through toys. Be prepared to get them durable toys that will be a match for their predator instincts.
These dogs can learn quite quickly. Little dogs get a pretty bad reputation for being hard to potty train. However, Rat Terriers are generally pretty straightforward. They can also learn basic commands with ease. Plus, you can teach them to sniff out or chase down just about anything.
Grooming✂️
Grooming your Rat Terrier will be very straightforward and easy! They require next to no special treatment, as their coats are short and straightforward.
Now, they aren’t hypoallergenic or low shedding. They shed just as much as any average dog and will require weekly brushing. But you don’t have to get too fancy! With a bath every 4 to 6 weeks, nail trims, ear cleanings, teeth brushing, and general upkeep, you’re good to go.
Health and Conditions🏥
Health is an incredibly important aspect of care for a dog. Everything from exercise to nutrition matters. However, one of the most important forms of care you can give your dog is vet care. Just like we need to see the doctor to make sure we are healthy, so do our pets.
It is especially tricky to keep up with pet health since they can’t speak to let us know when they are feeling a little crummy. Often, we don’t find out that our pets have health issues until they’ve become significant. It is important to establish a vet early on and maintain scheduled appointments.
The Rat Terrier is a generally healthy dog with a lean muscle structure and few genetic health concerns. However, there are certain health conditions that can plague any purebred. Here are a few.
- Eye disorders
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Male vs Female
Male and female Rat Terriers will only differ slightly. The males are larger than the females as adults, though it may not be as noticeable until they are side by side. Males tend to be a little sturdier framed, while females are a bit daintier.
As far as personality is concerned, many males exhibit little dog syndrome. They tend to think that they rule the roost, and no one will convince them otherwise. Females are a little bit livelier and more spirited, with less focus on being the boss, and more focus on being the center of attention.
However, sex really does not play a role in overall personality, and every dog is different from the other. When it comes to problems, males can start marking when they reach sexual maturity, so it is important to get your pets fixed before they reach sexual maturity, between 4 and 6 months.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Rat Terrier
1. A Rat Terrier starred in Shirley Temple.
In the 1930s, when Rat Terriers were at an all-time level of popularity, they made their debut in the Shirley Temple movie The Little Colonial.
2. Farmers once relied on Rat Terriers to keep barn vermin to a minimum.
Rat Terriers are fantastic at what they do. They were relied upon for hundreds of years and will continue to be relied upon to keep vermin to a minimum. You never have to worry about the mouse in your house with the Rat Terrier around!
3. Teddy Roosevelt owned a Rat Terrier.
The 26th president of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt, owned a Rat Terrier named Skip. Teddy allegedly coined the name “Rat Terrier” to describe this dog’s behavior.
Final Thoughts
No, you’ve learned the whole scoop on Rat Terriers. This is an energetic, loyal companion, with a lot to offer a potential owner. If you’re the kind of person who has a lot of smaller pets, this might not be the right breed for you.
However, if you’re virtually anyone else, the Rat Terrier might acclimate to virtually every lifestyle. Keep in mind that they are terriers, and they do have some of the attributes. However, these are loving, chipper pups for sure!
Featured Image Credit: annapowa, Shutterstock