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The breed name comes from the occupation of its earliest ancestors brought to the US by working-class British migrants as the dogs were used in rat-baiting. However, they were, for the most part, bred for speed.
- Single, smooth
- 12-18 years
- 10-18 inches (25-46 cm)
- 10-25 pounds (4.5-11.3 kg)
- Breed Overview
- Rat Terrier Puppies
- Rat Terrier Origin & History
- Temperament & Intelligence of The Rat Terrier 🧠
- Things to Know When Owning A Rat Terrier
- Male vs Female
- 3 Little-Known Facts About The Rat Terrier
- Final Thoughts
The Rat Terrier is a sturdy, spunky Terrier that lives up to their name. They were originally bred to keep away small vermin like rats and other rodents. The Rat Terrier still has hunting instincts, so they might not match with every household. Rat Terriers are generally very healthy and have lengthy lifespans. There are several other amazing thing...
Rat Terriers are very small and fragile as puppies. Although they are easy to hurt, they are otherwise very structurally sound. You will be impressed with their might and strength. These brave little dogs are not 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 re...
The Rat Terrier is an American farm dog and hunting companion. They’re related to other small European hunting dogs known as Feists. The Rat Terrier was most active on farms between 1920 and 1930. However, Rat Terriers are considered a rare breed today, and kennel clubs still recognize them. They make remarkable pets and can provide a valuable serv...
The Rat Terrier is an incredibly sharp and alert dog. They are incredibly keen on their surroundings and can detect even the slightest movement. Because their instincts make them talented hunters, their prey drive is incredibly high. If a Rat Terrier sees a mouse run across the room, they’ll catch it and kill it. That means you should always keep t...
Food & Diet Requirements🦴
The Rat Terrier is an exceptionally healthy little dog that doesn’t require a specialized diet. They simply need a high-protein, lifestyle-appropriate diet to keep them healthy. Your dog’s daily portions should be based on their weight and age, but remember that some dogs might need more or less food based on other factors, such as their health and energy level. If there are any special tweaks to the diet related to allergies or sensitivities, your vet can recommend a brand or provide a presc...
Exercise🐕
The Rat Terrier is a highly athletic dog with a lust for activity. They love to play fetch, find snacks, and track scents they find interesting. 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 since Rat Terriers can jump 4 to 5 feet high. You can enjoy many activities with your Rat Terrier because they don’t tire easily but...
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 since they are food-motivated. You can also entice them with their favorite toys, and they are always ready to play. Since they are so prey-driven, they might quickly tear up their toys. Be prepared to get them durable toys that will be a match for their predator instincts. Although Rat Terriers have a bad reputat...
Male and female Rat Terriers will only differ slightly. As adults, themales are larger than the females, though this may not be as noticeable until they are side by side. Males have more muscular frames, while the females are a bit daintier. As far as personality is concerned, males can exhibit little dog syndrome. They think that they rule the roo...
1. A Rat Terrier Starred in a Shirley Temple Film.
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 hunt rodents. You never have to worry about the mouse in your housewith the Rat Terrier around!
3. Teddy Roosevelt Owned a Rat Terrier.
The 26th president of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt, owned a Rat Terriernamed Skip. Teddy allegedly coined the name “Rat Terrier” to describe this dog’s behavior.
The Rat Terrier is an energetic, loyal companion, and they make excellent pets for families and single owners. They aren’t ideal if you have small animals like gerbils or hamsters, but they can be trained to get along with other dogs and cats. They respond well to training, even though they can be stubborn occasionally. They’re spirited little pups...
The Rat Terrier was a common farm dog in the early 1900s, bred for catching barn rats in haystacks. Purportedly a rat terrier hold the record for most killed in a single infested barn: 2501 rats in 7 hours.
Jun 10, 2024 · The rat terrier breed was created by combining traits of the fox terrier, bull terrier, Manchester terrier, and old English white terrier—among others. Rat terriers were originally bred to catch prey and hunt pests, such as rats, on farms, which is how they got their name.
- Christina Donnelly
Learn more about the Rat Terrier including personality, history, grooming, pictures, videos, and the AKC breed standard. Is the Rat Terrier the right breed for you?
President Theodore Roosevelt named the breed the ultimate farm dog after his Rat Terrier, Skip, who eliminated rats at the White House. Rat Terriers have long been featured in literature and...
People also ask
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What is a Rat Terrier dog?
Apr 23, 2023 · The Rat Terrier is a lovely companion dog who is feisty, friendly, affectionate, energetic, and athletic. Plus, they make an excellent watchdog. This doggo makes a great family pet for any household. They’ll love to cuddle with you on the couch or to run around in an enclosed yard with the kids.
