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(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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.
They usually dock them to prevent the rats and such they catch from having something to bite at. You see, I have a rat terrier of my own and her tail is just a nub.
We have had 3 litters since 2007. The first litter we had 7 & lost 2. The second litter we had only 1 but he made it. We just had a litter 10 days ago and she had 8. 5 boys & 3 girls. We lost 2 in the first 3 days, 1 boy & 1 girl. So it really depends. I think it is different for each litter and depends and the female & male you bred as to the number of puppies you will have and also the care that is provided during pregnancy and after. Just know you really have to watch them in the first few days very closely. It's a good idea to have puppy replacement milk & a puppy nursing bottle on hand just in case.
buddy is 8 of 9 puppies, unusual but happens ,his front muscle upper arm area was crushed from others resulting in funcioning 3 legs,this did not stop him from normal routine, in fact he can swim-fist litter had 4 puppies from Buddy all normal so far
"Bonnie" is a happy go lucky girl from Maxwell's Rat terriers and is a great snuggle buddy. She is loved beyond belief.
Age :
2
Name:
Elijah (Eli), Winnie and Cricket
Color:
Pearl
Description:
Our Ratties :)
Age :
2
Name:
Elijah (Eli)
Color:
Pearl
Description:
Our first Rattie. He is the "boss" of all of them
Age :
2
Name:
Cricket
Color:
Red Merle
Description:
Our "nature girl" she loves to be outside, hiding chewies and making frequent "perimeter checks"!
Age :
2
Name:
Winnie
Color:
Black and tan/Merle
Description:
One of our 3 special Ratties. We call her Grinny Winnie!
Age :
1 yr 2 mth
Name:
Roman
Color:
Brown w/ white spots
Description:
Roman is a Rat-A-Pap. Roman has loads of energy, almost all of the time. Other than that, he is sitting nodding off tired. (Litterally!) He does well with other dogs but he gets extremely n jealous. Any dog that comes up to you, and guess what? Roman will be RIGHT there, basically trampling the other dog to get to you first. Roman is very big into face licking.
Age :
6 yrs old
Name:
taz
Color:
brown and white
Description:
our brat terror!
Age :
6 yrs old
Name:
Taz
Color:
brown and white
Description:
Our Diva and Daddy's girl definetly the pack alpha and wifes "mini me'
Lots of personality and stays busy all day long helping her mom with chores. She waits for her daddy to come home from work. It is her job t greet him. When she gets into trouble she runs to him and hugs him around he neck and makes cute noises and gives him kisses.
Age :
1
Name:
Lil Ranchin Ali
Color:
Black tan white
Description:
Our little girl Ali.
Age :
5 months
Name:
Johnny
Color:
tri color
Description:
Trying to learn so much about life...
Age :
31/2 months
Name:
Sammy
Color:
White and Chocolate
Description:
My "Bratty Ratty" !!! Definitely a dog to investigate into before selecting. Sammy is fast and fun! He makes you laugh! He has a 5 month old poodle pup and a 10 week old Labrador Husky x Golden Retreiver pup for brothers. Of whom Sammy is the Alfa over. NO QUESTION!!!
He has energy to spare but he does eventually settle down on my lap to relax. He's extremely smart and learns really easy. Same with his brothers. They are all really great dogs. I'm a single 55 year old woman starting a new pack while working full time. But with some limits put on them they are pretty easy to maintain. I actually got them all to sit and stay together using the clicker and treats. That was alot of fun to accomplish! Don't get this breed if you like a quiet and slow moving household! But if you want some energy around you and probably a really good watch dog check out the Rat Terrier!
Age :
31/2 months
Name:
Sammy
Color:
White and Chocolate
Description:
My "Bratty Ratty" !!! Definitely a dog to investigate into before selecting. Sammy is fast and fun! He makes you laugh! He has a 5 month old poodle pup and a 10 week old Labrador Husky x Golden Retreiver pup for brothers. Of whom Sammy is the Alfa over. NO QUESTION!!!
He has energy to spare but he does eventually settle down on my lap to relax. He's extremely smart and learns really easy. Same with his brothers. They are all really great dogs. I'm a single 55 year old woman starting a new pack while working full time. But with some limits put on them they are pretty easy to maintain. I actually got them all to sit and stay together using the clicker and treats. That was alot of fun to accomplish! Don't get this breed if you like a quiet and slow moving household! But if you want some energy around you and probably a really good watch dog check out the Rat Terrier!
Age :
3
Name:
izabell
Color:
pokabrown
Description:
sleeps under the covers and keeps your feet warm and cozy and she never barks and keeps you up all night,she like to ride on our boat and motorcycle.Sometimes I think she is a cat .she is the 2nt best dog in the world!
Age :
10
Name:
speckles
Color:
black
Description:
Born mostly a top black coat, he has one "spec" of white on his back. He has been a wonderful dog, and loves to play. He still at ten seems to be like a puppy. Best watch I have ever owned.
Age :
7
Name:
Lilly
Color:
Tri-spotted
Description:
Lilly
Age :
3 years
Name:
Becky
Color:
Black and white
Description:
Becky is a curious, loveable, fun dog. She's one of the best dogs we ever had! Becky loves walks, squeaky toys, and laying on people's laps. :)
Age :
1 years
Name:
Seegmillers Sylvia
Color:
Black/Tan/White Tuxedo
Description:
This girl is a beauty beyond compare we truly are lucky to have her at our kennel and as part of our family too. Sylvia has a sweet temperament with great hunting instinct. I love that she is so willing to please and never leaves my side. We are happy to watch this girl grow up and cannot wait to see what she will do in the future!
Age :
2 years
Name:
Trig
Color:
Calico Piebald
Description:
Seegmiller's Endless River aka Trig, he is one of a kind amazingly sweet and even temperament. I love his self assured attitude but also that loyalty that never ends and a supreme obedience! Trig is built on a truly awesome frame with exceptional conformation. He is putting some of the best traits on his puppies.
Age :
8
Name:
Inky
Color:
Tri
Description:
Loves lounging
Age :
2 years
Name:
Dakota
Color:
White and Brown
Description:
Ms Couch Potato
Age :
around 1
Name:
Srcaps
Color:
White with tri markings
Description:
Adopted from the pound as a very abused sensitive little dog. Fell in love with my 4yr old the minute he saw her. Took weeks to warm up to me. After about 9 mths of having him he has become a true joy I couldn't ask for a better little guy for our home! He is spirited and goofy and still adores my daughter, learns quickly and is so happy when you just say good boy! Amazing little guy that i have no idea how someone abused!
Age :
11 weeks
Name:
Sable
Color:
light brown & white
Description:
she is lovable
Age :
1yr. 7months
Name:
Roxy Gray
Color:
blue
Description:
Born May 28,2008 . Her mom (molly)and dad(flash)Had alitter of 5, 2 of them were born with no hair (mom and dad have hair). We thought something was wrong Very suprised when we discovered there breed! Rozy is also the runt of the litter and is very petite weighs about 2.5lbs.
Age :
2
Name:
Russell
Color:
white,black and brown
Description:
i love my dog! he is the best dog anyone could ever ask for! if you are thinking about getting a dog get a rat terrier. today is his b-day!
Age :
3
Name:
Mr. Big
Color:
Multi
Description:
Mr. Big has a unique personality. He's amazingly smart and loyal. He's very loving but has his moments when he's quite fierce. He has a stolid streak and acts like an old man most of the time, but he has his playful side too. He's a huge part of our family.
Age :
13
Name:
Cowboy
Color:
tri
Description:
Cowboy and his 2 year old friend Indy running down the trail.
Age :
6
Name:
George
Color:
Black and White
Description:
Are we ready to play yet?
Age :
3 1/2
Name:
Misty
Color:
Tricolor
Description:
She is very energetic, but constantly barks at any one, or anything that moves. She could really be a pain, but my family adores her in every single way. Even is she has very sensitive skin.,...it doesn't stop us from bringing her along for many trips. (we always have allergy stuff in hand!)
Age :
2
Name:
baby
Color:
white/black
Description:
22lbs. of pure energy. Loves to chase tennis balls. Loves to go bye-bye. Doe not do well with strangers but alittle time she is ready for them to throw the ball.
Age :
2 days
Name:
Meg's Babies
Color:
black and white and tri
Description:
Day two of Meg's litter of eight
Age :
one year
Name:
meg
Color:
tri
Description:
Day one of Meg's litter of eight
Age :
2 years
Name:
Charlie
Color:
Brown
Description:
hes sleeping
Age :
4yrs
Name:
Marmaduke
Color:
Tri
Description:
Loving the Calif sun !!
Age :
9 mos./3 years
Name:
FRODO/ PENNIE
Color:
blk/white and choc./white
Description:
Frodo is the 9 mo. old blck and white male.
Pennie is the 3 year old chocolate and white female
Age :
5 years old
Name:
UKC Grand Champion KnD's Diamond in the Ruff
Color:
Black and Tan with White
Description:
This is how a Rat Terrier is to look. This boy is a mini,,, 12.75 inches at the withers,,,, he does not shake or tremble when you look at him and he will not take a backward step with rats etc... ever.
Photo Credit to Electra Blair.
Age :
1 1/2
Name:
3bF Re-Kendal The Romance
Color:
White/Black/Tan
Description:
This is a beautiful standard Rat Terrier female.
Age :
1.5 years
Name:
Who Who
Color:
Black Tri Piebald
Description:
Who Who stands 13 1/2" and weights 17 lbs. She is a standard variety
Age :
1 year
Name:
Marti
Color:
Black Tri Tuxedo
Description:
Marti stands 14 1/2" tall and weighs 18 lbs. He is a standard rat terrier
Age :
10 mo
Name:
Mickey
Color:
Black Tri Peibald
Description:
Mickey stands 15" tall weighs 19 lbs and is considered a standard variety
Age :
3
Name:
Hannah
Color:
Black Tri Peibald
Description:
Hannah is a standard in height rat terrier. 16" tall and weighs 23 lbs. She was ranked #1 in United Kennel Clubs Top Ten 2008 Rat Terriers.
Age :
3 yrs
Name:
Cal Val Mountainman of Maxwell
Color:
chocolate tri
Description:
Rudy Roo Roo is a stud of 13 inches and 15 lbs. He is a natural hunter which is unfortunate for all vermin,birds and snakes around our home!
Age :
3 yrs
Name:
Maxwell's Buster Weenus
Color:
blue tri
Description:
Buster is a miniature stud of 11 inches and 12 lbs. He is the smartest bRAT on 4 legs and of course is loved beyond belief!
Age :
6 months
Name:
Olivia
Color:
Lemon and White
Description:
Constantly curious and energized this little girl has been a loving addition to our family. Athletic too she's learned to leap 4 ft into the air (at 6 months old) and knock plates of food off the kitchen counter.
Age :
8 mos
Name:
otis
Color:
tri
Description:
otis takes a bath with a friend
Age :
3
Name:
Maggie
Color:
black & white
Description:
This is Maggie relaxing on the couch
Age :
don
Name:
Auggie and Gusty
Color:
Tri
Description:
Tri color, well mannered, house trained
Age :
5
Name:
Augie
Color:
Black and white
Description:
last one
Age :
5
Name:
Augie
Color:
Black and white
Description:
It was a good year for us!
Age :
3 years
Name:
Augie
Color:
Black and white
Description:
Say What?
Age :
6 mos
Name:
otis and meg
Color:
tri
Description:
Relaxing on 'their' couch
Age :
6 mos
Name:
otis and meg
Color:
tri
Description:
Waiting for the food bowl
Age :
6 mos
Name:
otis and meg
Color:
tri
Description:
Rulers of their domain
Age :
4
Name:
LEXI - my baby!
Color:
White grey & light brown patches
Description:
She is my soul mate and the best friend I ever had.
Age :
3
Name:
Heidi
Color:
Apricot
Description:
This is Heidi. She is a Toy Rat Terrier and weighs 7 pounds.
