Rat Terrier

Appearance: Compact Dog with a Jack Russell Look

The Rat Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog. It is bred in two size varieties:

• Standard: 33 to 46 centimetres tall, weighing around 4.5 to 11.3 kilograms
• Miniature: 25 to 33 centimetres tall, weighing less than 4.5 kilograms

Its coat is short, smooth, and shiny. It typically has a high proportion of white with various coloured patches. These are usually black and/or brown, but can also be sandy, blue, or red.

Visually, the breed is somewhat reminiscent of the British Jack Russell Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier or the Spanish Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz.

Wedge-Shaped Head and Strong Jaw

The Rat Terrier’s build is compact and athletic. Its head is wedge-shaped, with brown, oval eyes set wide apart. According to the American breed standard, both triangular erect ears and folded “button” ears are permitted.

A strong muzzle is typical, which may feature a reddish-brown tan marking. Some puppies are born with a natural bobtail. A normal-length tail is carried in a curve over the back.

© George / stock.adobe.com

Temperament: What is the Rat Terrier’s Character Like?

The Rat Terrier was originally bred to hunt rats. This original purpose still influences its character today. Dogs of this breed are considered lively, courageous, and – in true terrier fashion – can be quite headstrong.

With its family, this energetic bundle of joy is friendly and affectionate. It tends to be wary of strangers, which makes it a good watchdog. Aggressive it is not, provided it has been well socialised.

Who is the Rat Terrier suitable for?

Unlike many other terriers, the American Rat Terrier wants to please its owner – a trait that makes training and education easier. Motivated beginners can certainly learn to handle a dog of this breed.

If given enough physical and mental stimulation, the Rat Terrier also makes a great family dog. It usually gets along well with other dogs.

Cats or small pets, however, are best not kept in the same household, as they could trigger the hunting instinct of this eager ratter.

Loyal Office Companion

This affectionate, social dog does not like to be left alone for long periods. For people who work full-time, this breed may not be the best choice.

However, it is possible to train this compact, friendly dog to be a well-behaved office dog. To ensure good “teamwork” with human colleagues, your four-legged friend needs plenty of activity during breaks.

Keeping and Activity: What Does the Rat Terrier Need?

In the USA, chemical pest control has partly put these canine rat catchers out of work. Nevertheless, the Rat Terrier is still kept as a hardworking farm dog and is also becoming increasingly popular as a loving family pet.

Hunters often train these lively, curious dogs to hunt squirrels, raccoons, or even wild boar.

Dog Sports with the Rat Terrier

If the Rat Terrier is not kept for hunting, it should undergo anti-hunting training to prevent unwanted incidents with wildlife or cats.

To burn off the energy of this spirited hunting dog, a variety of dog sports are suitable, such as agility, obedience, dog dancing or flyball. It also learns small tricks very quickly and with great enthusiasm. In addition, it can be trained as a search or police dog.

The Rat Terrier Needs Plenty of Activity

Due to its high energy levels, it is best for the American Terrier to live in a house or flat with a garden. However, the garden must be well fenced, as this agile dog loves to dig and can jump high.

In a city flat, this sporty dog will only feel comfortable if it is regularly taken to the park, woods, or dog field.

Care and Nutrition: An Easy-Going Companion

The Rat Terrier’s short coat requires very little grooming. It should be brushed about once a week with a grooming glove. During moulting, you should use a brush more often to remove loose hair.

Preventing Dental Problems

When it comes to nutrition, this clever American is not particularly demanding. High-quality dog food for small breeds, whether wet or dry, is gratefully accepted. Ideally, choose a variety developed for small breeds.

Good to know: As this breed is prone to tartar and gum disease, dental care snacks are a must. It is advisable to get your dog used to tooth brushing from puppyhood.

Health: Various Hereditary Diseases

The Rat Terrier is generally considered a healthy breed, provided it gets enough exercise and suitable food. A harmonious family life is also important for the well-being of this little rat hunter.

However, some hereditary diseases do occur in this breed.

For example, American farm dogs are prone to eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and lens dislocation, which can lead to blindness.

How Old does the Rat Terrier Get?

Other diseases observed in the Rat Terrier include mitral valve endocardiosis, a congenital heart defect.

In addition, epilepsy, congenital deafness, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a hip disorder in young dogs, are among the typical health problems of this breed.

Nevertheless, the Rat Terrier has an above-average life expectancy, living around 15 to 18 years.

History: A Famous Namesake

The Rat Terrier originated from a cross between Smooth Fox Terrier and Manchester Terrier. Breeding began in Britain in 1820.

The aim was to breed a dog that could kill as many rats as possible within a set period.

At the end of the 19th century, the Rat Terrier arrived in the USA. There, it quickly became a popular farm dog, keeping homes and farms free from vermin.

The breed was actually named by Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.

Ancestor of the American Hairless Terrier

Over time, more Smooth Fox Terriers were bred in, which changed the original coat colour – black with tan – in favour of a higher proportion of white. Other breeds such as Beagle and Whippet were also involved in its development.

Hairless Rat Terrier

Did you know? The American Hairless Terrier descends from the Rat Terrier. In 1972, a puppy was born carrying the hairless gene by chance. This led to the development of a new hairless breed, which otherwise closely resembles the Rat Terrier.

Unlike other hairless dogs such as the Mexican Xoloitzcuintle, the American Hairless Terrier is not closely related.

© Mark Herreid / stock.adobe.com

Breeding andAcquisition: Where Can I Get a Rat Terrier?

The Rat Terrier is not yet officially recognised as a separate breed by the FCI, the international canine organisation.

Therefore, there are hardly any breeders of this breed in Europe. If you want to buy a Rat Terrier, you may have to search for a long time or even import a puppy from the USA. However, the breed is recognised by the American Kennel Club.

Alternatives for Terrier Fans

Outside the USA, the Rat Terrier is still rarely found. Dog lovers who have fallen for this hardworking ratter may also be interested in other breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier or the Fox Terrier.

Extra tip: In animal shelters, many other terriers and terrier mixes are waiting for a new, loving home.

Conclusion: A Four-Legged Rarity

Its compact size and strong desire to please make the Rat Terrier a sociable companion that will bring a lot of joy even to first-time owners.

Unfortunately, the breed is rarely found in Europe. Prospective owners should always check the credibility of sellers: other, similar-looking breeds and crossbreeds are often sold as purebred Rat Terriers.

Rat Terrier at a Glance

Special features:	Compact, small to medium-sized dog originally used as a rat catcher.
Character:	lively, headstrong, friendly, intelligent
Height at withers:	Standard: 33-46 cm, Miniature: 25-33 cm
Weight:	Standard: approx. 4.5-11.3 kg, Miniature: up to 4.5 kg
Coat:	short, smooth, shiny. White with patches or markings in black, brown, red, blue and/or apricot
Coat care:	low maintenance
Exercise:	needs plenty of activity and enjoys movement
Suitable for beginners:	yes
Barking:	barks when bored
Life expectancy:	15-18 years
Typical illnesses:	hereditary deafness, eye diseases, mitral valve endocardiosis, epilepsy
FCI group:	not recognised
Activity level:	high
Origin:	USA