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General Description
(Feist, American Rat Terrier) The Rat Terrier is a perky looking little dog. With its small round head and short square muzzle ended with a small black nose, the Rat Terrier seems to be tiny all over. A distinctive feature of this breed is their large bat-like ears that can stand erect or be folded over. Large round eyes give away all of this breed’s emotions. For a petite breed, the Rat Terrier has a surprisingly muscular neck but also long skinny legs. Smooth hair covers the Rat Terrier’s entire body and comes in a variety of colors, including chocolate, red, sable, pearl, black and tan, blue and white, red and white, red brindle, or tri-spotted.
A other name for the American Rat Terrier is a Ratting Terrier. This breed also comes in black. The Rat Terrier is divided into two varieties for conformation exhibition, Miniature and Standard. The Miniature variety must not exceeding 13 inches, measured at the withers. The Standard variety is over 13 inches but not exceeding 18 inches, measured at the withers. Each variety will weigh in proportion to it's size. Rat Terriers are working terriers and should be presented as hard and muscular.
Character
Rat Terriers are energetic and cheerful dogs. Family members are important to these little, eager-to-please dogs. Easily used as companions to children, the Rat Terrier enjoys playing with kids of all ages. Some strangers will be ignored and some will be enthusiastically greeted by this breed. These dogs can often be territorial but are mostly sweet. Training makes this breed happy, and they do an excellent job at it. Their lively and always wanting to have fun attitude is what makes a Rat Terrier unique.
The Rat Terrier is an energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence make it easy to train. The Rat Terrier has sometimes been described as having a dual personality. It is a fearless, tenacious hunter with seemingly unlimited energy. When it is not hunting the Rat Terrier is an exceptionally friendly companion, getting along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. Rat Terriers enjoy human companionship immensely and will enthusiastically share any activity with their owners. Rat Terriers should not be sparred during conformation judging.
General Health
The Rat Terrier is extremely healthy and has no common diseases. They have a long life expectancy of 15-18 years.
Some Rat Terriers may have allergies and dry skin.
Rat terriers can be afflicted with luxating patellae (slipping knee caps) and hip dysplasia. They may also have inherited eye diseases such as juvenile cataracts and luxating lenses. Rat terriers may developVon Willebrand's Disease (a condition where the blood cannot clot properly) and thyroid issues. While no breeder can guarantee you a perfect rat terrier, savvy puppy buyers should seek out breeders who regularly screen and OFA certify their breeding dogs against these common genetic diseases. The Rat Terrier also has had some history of diabetes but it only contracts diabetes when over weight.
History
Rat Terriers originated in England in 1820 as a result of breeding Smooth Fox Terriers with Manchester Terriers. By the end of the 19th century, the breed had already crossed the Atlantic and was being embraced by American dog lovers, including President Theodore Roosevelt who actually is credited with naming this happy-go-lucky breed. After their arrival in the U. S., Rat Terriers were crossbred with other dogs, including Beagles, Whippets, and Chihuahuas, in order to achieve the three distinct sizes of the breed.
The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from terriers brought over by English miners and other working class immigrants. These terriers probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and the now extinct white English Terrier. These dogs were used as ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of their owners. Some of these dogs were crossed with Whippets or Italian Greyhounds (for speed) and Beagles (for hunting ability). Eventually, these tough little terriers evolved into today's Rat Terrier. The breed was popularized by President Teddy Roosevelt, who frequently hunted with his Rat Terriers. Many are still used as ratters and squirrel hunters, particularly in the South, where they are sometimes known as "Feists." The hairless variety appeared for the first time in a litter in 1972.
Maintenance
Grooming is extremely easy for this smooth coated dog. Brushing once a week is enough to keep them looking their best. Baths are not necessary. Exercise is very important to these highly energetic dogs. Playing games or running off leash are good ways to keep this little dog busy. Never worry about walking or playing the Rat Terrier too much because they rarely run out of energy.
Ideal Environment
The Rat Terrier does great in a variety of living environments. Family is important to them, and children can have these gentle dogs as companions. Strangers will not be threatened but may be ignored; however, some Rat Terriers are very friendly to everyone. Their reaction to new people just depends on their personality. Sometimes these dogs can be territorial but they are not aggressive. Plenty of exercise and training is needed to keep this breed happy and healthy. Owners need to have lots of time and energy for playing and walking this active dog. An apartment or house is a good living environment for this versatile breed.
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Can my dog live outdoors?I have two ratties and my landlord is trying to force me to keep the dogs outside. I live in Yakima Washington. Night time temps, especially during the fall, winter and spring can be below freezing. My dogs never react well to...
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helpMy neighbor has a rat terrier, she comes to visit often and my family enjoys her company. However, I'm concerned because she is really skinny. All of her ribs are visible and her hip bones. My neighbors state her appearance is...
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