Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is a small, sturdy dog that was first bred to guard farms against pests. They have a sleek and balanced body with a short, smooth fur coat. Energetic and fun-loving, these dogs are bundles of energy who thrive on exercise, training, and running after objects.

Quick Info

Size
Small
Colours
Various
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
10 to 18 inches
Type
Terrier
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
8 to 25 pounds
Family
Terrier

Personality

The lively Rat Terrier is bursting with energy and constantly seeks new experiences. They are keen to make their owners happy and pick up new skills quickly, though, like many terriers, they can be a bit headstrong. They may lose interest or get sidetracked easily. While they tend to be cautious around unfamiliar people, they are generally friendly with other dogs and can get along with cats if introduced correctly. They are determined but don’t usually bark too much.

History

It’s hard to say for sure which breeds led to the creation of the Rat Terrier, but it probably has roots in Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, and Bull Terriers, among others. In the late 1800s, working people brought these dogs from Britain to the United States, where they helped catch rats. These dogs were mainly farm helpers and gained a lot of popularity in the early 1900s—President Theodore Roosevelt even owned one called Skip.

Ideal Owner

People who have Rat Terriers need to be energetic and like spending time outside since these dogs are very lively and need plenty of physical activity. It’s important for owners to know that while these dogs want to make their owners happy, they can also be a bit headstrong, which might make training them a bit more challenging compared to other breeds. Rat Terriers are loving and devoted pets, and they enjoy being part of family fun.

Exercise Needs

To keep the energetic minds and bodies of Rat Terriers engaged, they need daily walks, free play, puzzles, and various activities. If they get bored, they might start to cause trouble, so it’s essential to offer them a variety of fun things to do.

Space Requirements

The Rat Terrier is a compact dog that fits well in various living situations, even in apartments. They do best in country or suburban areas where they can run freely outside. It's essential to have a safe, fenced yard because this breed loves to dig and might escape through any openings.

Training

The Rat Terrier is clever but often loses focus, making training a bit challenging. Using rewards is the most effective method, and starting socialization and obedience training early helps them grow into polite pets. Being consistent and keeping a light-hearted attitude when they act like they didn’t hear you is crucial for achieving good results.

Grooming

The Rat Terrier has a short and sleek coat that is easy to care for. It needs regular brushing to get rid of loose fur. You don’t have to bathe this dog often—only when it gets dirty.

Suitability for Family Life

Rat Terriers make great pets for lively families, especially those with older kids or no kids at all.

Did You know?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a type of Rat Terrier with short legs. President Theodore Roosevelt owned a Rat Terrier called Skip.

Similar Breeds

Jack Russell Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier

Need to Know

Could do well with a first-time dog owner
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Small to medium dog
Requires grooming
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
Generally friendly with other dogs