Rat Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

2-16 kg

Height

20-59 cm

Lifespan

13-18 years

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About the Rat Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

The Rat Terrier was bred to be a hunting and farm dog but has since become a very good companion dog to many families. This intelligent, energetic breed is a mix of a variety of breeds, and has also been part of the development of others.

It is always best to know what you can expect from a breed before adopting them, and this article will teach you everything there is to know about Rat Terriers.

What is the history & origin of the Rat Terrier?

Rat Terriers originated in the U.S. as farm dogs designed to control rodents.

They’re a blend of Fox Terrier and several European breeds, including Bull Terriers and Manchester Terriers. In an effort to adapt them for different tasks, they were crossbred with Whippets and Italian Greyhounds in the Midwest for speed, and with Beagles in the South for pack behavior.

The 1920s saw the emergence of a shorter-legged variant after being bred with Toy Fox Terriers. Another significant breed variation is the Decker Rat Terrier, known for hunting larger game, and the hairless offshoot, the American Hairless Rat Terrier, that appeared in the 1970s.

With the advent and widespread use of rat poison in the 20th century, the breed’s primary role declined significantly. This decline paved the way for their rediscovery as household companions. Today, beyond their hunting prowess, Rat Terriers are cherished as affectionate and loyal family pets.

Officially, the Rat Terrier Club of America was founded in 1993, and the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999 and the American Kennel Club in 2006.

What is a Rat Terrier breed?

The Rat Terrier is an American breed known for its agile and compact stature. Physically, they sport a short, smooth coat that can come in a variety of colors, and their build is muscular yet sleek, giving them an appearance of alertness and agility.

At their core, Rat Terriers are intelligent and tenacious, originally bred for their keen hunting abilities. But it’s not all work for these spirited canines; they also have a playful and affectionate side. Loyal to their families, they often form strong bonds with their human counterparts and are protective when the need arises.

However, their spirited nature can sometimes translate to stubbornness, making consistent training essential. Their alert disposition makes them excellent watchdogs, but this also means they can be wary of strangers. Despite their independent streak, with proper socialization and training they fit seamlessly into family life, proving to be both loving companions and energetic playmates.

Who is a Rat Terrier best for?

The Rat Terrier is a highly intelligent dog who was bred to hunt and catch rodents. These natural instincts are still with them today, but do not overshadow their ability to be wonderful companion dogs.

They love to be the family pet and will be very protective of their owners. They will follow you around the house and require owners who are willing to give them plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

They are ideal for owners who have active lifestyles, especially those who live on farms or do outdoor work, as this is what they were bred for. But as they are not large dogs they can do well in both an apartment and a stand-alone home setting as well.

They are also known to interact well with children.

Rat Terrier Grooming & Shedding

The Rat Terrier requires very little grooming time but they do tend to shed. Their coat is short and has dense fur that comes in a variety of colours.

They need to be brushed weekly with either a soft brush or a rubber curry brush. Brushing gets rid of any loose hair that may be stuck within their coat.

They do not need to be bathed regularly; instead, it is best to bathe them only when it is needed.

Brushing their teeth can help down the build-up of tartar on the teeth and gums.

Clip their nails monthly or as needed.

Do Rat Terriers bark a lot?

The Rat Terrier is known to bark and makes a very specific sound called “yipping”.

They are not very welcoming to strangers and take a long time for them to get used to them, which can also contribute to excessive barking.

Training is always going to be the answer to this problem as they are going to have to unlearn these habits while learning new ways in which their owners prefer them to engage.

What is the average weight & height of a Rat Terrier dog?

Keep in mind that there are two size variants of the Rat Terrier – miniature and standard.

Weight: They can weigh anywhere from 2 kg to 16 kg, depending on whether they are miniature or standard size.
Height: (measured at the shoulder, also known as the withers): They can stand anywhere from 20 cm to 59 cm tall.

Are Rat Terriers easy to train?

Rat Terrier Training

When it comes to training your Rat Terrier, you are always going to want to start from a young age. This will not only avoid behavioural problems when they are older, but it help strengthen the bond between owner and dog.

This breed is known to be highly intelligent but also very stubborn. Being patient and prepared is going to count in your favour, as well as keeping training sessions short and engaging. Focus on consistency and positive reinforcement training techniques. Puppy classes and socialization are also highly recommended.

How do Rat Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Temperament & Personality

What to expect from the Rat Terrier dog breed:

Stubborn
Intelligent
Loyal
High Energy
Loving towards their family
Great with older children
Tendency to bark
Tendency to dig
Tendency to chase
Wary around strangers

Does the Rat Terrier have any common health issues?

Rat Terriers are generally healthy dogs. There are, however, health issues to look out for such as:

Allergies: Rat Terriers can suffer from food, contact, and inhalant allergies, leading to itching or digestive issues.
Incorrect Bites: This breed can have misaligned jaws, such as overshot (top jaw extends beyond the bottom) or undershot bites (bottom jaw extends further than the top). Wry mouth is another condition where one side of the mouth grows faster than the other.
Canine Hip Dysplasia: This condition occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, potentially causing pain or arthritis.
Patella Luxation: Common in many small breeds, this is when the kneecap can easily become dislocated.
Demodectic Mange: Caused by the Demodex mite, this condition can result in red, scaly skin and hair loss, especially if the dog has a weakened immune system. Puppies often outgrow this condition.

What is the lifespan of a Rat Terrier?

The life expectancy of the Rat Terrier is 13 to 18 years.

How much does a Rat Terrier need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Avoid boutique diets such as raw and grain-free, as these have been linked to infection and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour.

Fresh water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Rat Terrier in Australia?

Rat Terrier puppies will generally cost you around $1500 if you decide to purchase one from a breeder. It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Be sure that you find a breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

You can always visit your local animal shelter or seek out a breed-specific rescue to adopt a puppy or an adult dog – rescue dogs can make fantastic pets too!

Rat Terrier FAQs

Do Rat Terriers like to cuddle?

Rat Terriers love to cuddle and are the perfect snuggle buddies. They are very affectionate dogs and will be right next to you in bed or on the couch!

Are Rat Terriers aggressive?

Despite their tendency to bark, these are not aggressive dogs. They are, however, wary of strangers and take a long time to warm up to people they are not familiar with. Proper socialization from a young age is extremely important.

Are they good around other animals?

Rat Terriers are may not be the best breed for households with other small pets, due to a strong prey drive. This, however, does not mean that they are incapable. With training and socialisation, they can learn to get along with other animals.