Rat Terrier
Thank you for using our site to find Rat Terrier information. Feel free to add any information about the Rat Terrier breed we may have missed. If you have any specific questions about the Rat Terrier, feel free to ask them below. We've found that most breeders are more than happy to reply and answer your questions. We love your photos and reviews! We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your Rat Terrier check out our dog training reviews. | ![]() |
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.
It can also be black and white in addition to the colors above.
The Rat Terrier is divided into two varieties for conformation exhibition: Miniature and Standard. Miniature Variety: Not exceeding 13 inches, measured at the withers. Standard Variety: Over 13 inches but not exceeding 18 inches, measured at the withers. Weight will vary depending on the size of the individual dog. Rat Terriers are working terriers and should be presented in hard, 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.Rat Terriers are extremely fun to be around. They are very easy at house breaking and obedience training.
Size
8 – 23 inches
Weight
4 - 35 pounds
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 also have Von 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 has had some history of dieabitis but it only contracts dieabitis 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.History of the Rat Terrier:The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from the 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. CharacteristicsThe Rat Terrier is an energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence make him easy to train. The Rat Terrier has sometimes been described as having a dual personality. He is a fearless, tenacious hunter with seemingly unlimited energy. When he is not hunting, however, 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. 'History' and 'Characteristics' taken from UKC's site.
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.
Dog Training!If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. |
Find your new Rat Terrier
Discuss the Rat Terrier breed on our Forum!
Ask a QuestionRat Terrier Q&A






View more Rat Terrier Questions and Answers
Upload a PhotoRat Terrier Photos
View more Rat Terrier Photos
Write a ReviewRat Terrier Reviews
Review
I have a Decker which is the largest of the breed, up to 40 pounds, and he is the best dog I've ever owned. I know the breeders like to keep them as hunting dogs but this breed makes such wonderful pets. I don't understand why there are not more of them out there. You surly don't find many in rescues shelters, I've looked. I searched the net for information on the perfect dog and found it in the Rat Terrior.
Pros: LovableFlexibleAdaptableFriendlyPleaserEasy to trainSmartCleanNo known health problemsLoves people and other dogsEnergetic but have their down timeQuietWill alert when hears noise
Cons: Can be slightly territorial with their space, toys and food
rat terrier review
These dogs make great companions. They love kids, and adults. They literally, love being a member of the family. They will spend more time in your lap than their own beds. Very clingy. They are not outside dogs. They get cold easily. If you didn't know better, you would think they were not scared of anything, but really, they are big babies, and chickens:)
Pros: Very affectionate, and loving. Great with kids.
Cons: Our 'Gracie' is very territorial, but only with other dogs in our house. Unfortunately, she does not welcome other dogs because we want another one. She's soo territorial that the last time we were dogsitting, she climbed in my lap an peed on me. She also started pooping, right in front of us, in the house. She was not happy.
Awesome Dogs to own
We adopted our Rat Terrier named Nikki when she was just 6 months old. What makes her unique are her ears though many people think they are too large for a small dog. She resembles a small deer but that's what makes her special. She has been an enjoyable additional to our family. She adapted very well to living with a young child and 3 female cats. She loves the indoors just as much as the outdoors, except in the winter. She is everything a great dog should be to a family who has the time for affection and playfulness I would recommend a Rat Terrier to anyone looking to adopt or purchase a new dog or puppy.
Pros: Extremely happy, lovable, gets along great with other animals even cats! Very Loyal and affectionate as well as playful.
Cons: Very territorial when it comes to their toys, bed and food
LOVE1LOST
I had a rat terrier, and we also had another dog she was a black lab mix german shep. and she would run every night and come back so she could get excersize (we lived out in p.v.) and one night my puppy thought he could run after her and my dad isn't much of a cryer, so a car was coming and d.j just missed the car(black lab)and little E.D. hit his head on the tire of the moving car and he snaped his neck. My dad brought him down in the house and he was bleeding and my dad started crying. and that was a shock and he burried him and then i made him a sighn, and we prayed, and i hope he went to puppy heaven.
Pros: Me and my brother we not there when it happened.
Cons: I lost my puppy:^(
Just rescued a Rat Terrier
I have wanted a dog for a long time now, I just could not find the right one. We went to the Humane Society, and there she was-Dixie, our new family member! We love her, we could not have rescued a better dog. I was told that she is a mix of some sort? I am not sure does any one have a good way of telling? Sorry to hear about your loss, I am glad you and your brother were not there to see it though.
Pros: Very well behaved dog. Great with the kids, and lovable!
Cons: Hates our cat!
I WANT MORE
I just love this breed! I have had several breeds of dogs, and the Collie and the Rat Terrier were two of the best breeds for me. My 14 year old daughter wants to show our 9 month old male. He is gorgeous. I am going to see what I can do to help preserve the quality of the breed. They are nearly perfect dogs now, and I would hate to see the breed messed up by overbreeding, and bad breeding. Love1lost, I feel your pain, as we had a collie who was hit by a truck in the country. He thought it was my husband coming home, and he got too close to the road. We were devastated.
Pros: Very loving, sturdy, intelligent, easy to train, well-behaved, not excessive yappers, gets along well with other dogs and cats, one doesn't take up the whole couch by themselves
Cons: My female can be territorial with food and toys with my male, although stopping when I scold her.
my "little girl'
I can't say enough about my "Little Girl." She loves to cuddle, sleep, run, cuddle, sleep....... She thinks shes' a Mastiff (I'm not telling her any different!) Very protective. Sometimes she gets along with other dogs or strangers, sometimes not and is not fond of young children. Likes to play!!! When she feels neglected or bored, she chews on blankets on the couch or will relieve herself in front of me. (I have a 3 legged 15yr old corgi rescue she gets along well with, but who is starting to need extra attention getting around). I got Little Girl when she was just about 3, shes now 4. Not sure why her other family gave her up, but I'm glad to have her. She always puts a smile on my face :)
Pros: great apartment dog, very lovable, usually well behaved, lots of personality-good and bad-
Cons: can't think of any
