Rat Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Rat Terrier?

Rat Terriers were farm dogs and were bred to catch rodents and other small animals. They originated in America and are a cross between a Fox Terrier and a mix of European terriers like Bull terriers and Manchester Terriers.

In the midwest, they were bred with Whippets and Italian Greyhounds to create a faster dog to catch jackrabbits that were becoming a problem for farmers. In the Southern and Central regions of America, they were bred with the Beagle for them to be more of a pack animal.

The Toy Fox Terrier breed was mixed with the Rat Terrier in the 1920s to create a short-legged version. It was popular as a farm dog from the 1910s to the 1940s, and they started becoming widespread again in the late 1970s.

The Decker Rat Terrier is becoming more popular these days and received its name from the original owner Milton Decker. It was used as a hunting dog, to hunt animals such as bears and cougars.

In 1972 a new hairless Rat Terrier strain was developed called the American Hairless Rat Terrier. They are two sizes, Miniature Rat Terriers and Standard Rat Terriers.

The Rat Terrier Club of America was established in 1993 and received recognition from the United Kennel Club in 1999. The Rat Terrier only received recognition from the American Kennel Club in 2006.

Who are Rat Terrier dogs best for?

The Rat Terrier is a highly intelligent dog who was bred to hunt and catch rodents. These inherited instincts are still with them 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 will need owners who are willing to give them physical and mental stimulation.

They are not large dogs, so they can do well in both an apartment and a stand-alone home setting. They are known to interact well with children, so if you are a family with children, the Rat Terrier will do just fine.

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, so they will thrive in these kinds of environments.

How much grooming does a Rat Terrier need?

The Rat Terrier requires very little grooming time. The Rat Terrier's 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 their hair gets rid of any loose hair that may be stuck within their coat. They shed the most during whelping and their heat cycle as well as during the Spring and Fall seasons.

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

Brush their teeth two to three times a week to break down the build-up of tartar on the teeth and gums.

Clip their nails monthly as needed, especially if they are not able to naturally trim them themselves.

Check and clean the dog's ears weekly to avoid any kind of infection and odours.

Do Rat Terrier bark much?

The Rat Terrier is known to bark and makes a very specific sound called "yipping". They have an extinct to bark and may not be the best choice for apartment living.

They are not very welcoming to strangers and take a very long time for them to get used to them. This means that most people may pose as threats to the Rat Terrier when they are around their family, which may lead to excessive barking in public and at home.

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.

Do Rat Terrier bite?

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.

Using commands such as "stop barking" as well as teaching them that not all people are threats will help you and them.

What is the temperament & personality of a Rat Terrier?

What to expect from the Rat Terrier dog breed:

• Stubborn

• Intelligent

• High Energy

• Loving towards their family

• Child friendly

• Tendency to bark

• Tendency to dig

• Tendency to chase

• Weary around strangers

• Dependable

• Easily to train

What is the weight & size of a Rat Terrier?

Keep in mind that there are two size variants of the Rat Terrier.

The Rate terrier can weigh between 2 kg to 16 kg, with a height of 20 cm to 59 cm. This big weight and size difference is dependent on whether they are miniature or standard size.

How much training does a Rat Terrier need?

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 grows the bond between owner and dog.

This breed is known to be highly intelligent but also very stubborn. Being patient, consistent and prepared is going to count in your favour.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Rat Terrier?

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

• Allergies - There are 3 allergies to look out for that are prone to dogs. These are food allergies, contact allergies and inhalant allergies.

• Incorrect Bites - This is a slightly deformed or misaligned jaw. An Overshot bite is when the top jaw is over the bottom jaw. An undershot bite is when the bottom jaw extends further than the top jaw. A wry mouth is when creates a twist of the mouth by one side growing faster than the other.

• Canine Hip Dysplasia - This is when the thigh bone does not fit into the hip socket properly.

• Patella Luxation - This is when the knee joint gets dislocated often.

• Demodectic Mange - This is caused by Demodex mites and is passed on by the mother of the Rat Terrier puppy. These mites live in hair follicles and will not cause problems unless the dog has a weakened immune system. It can cause red scaly skin and balding. The puppy normally grows out of it.

What is the lifespan of a Rat Terrier?

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

How much should you feed a Rat Terrier?

Your Rat Terrier should be eating high-quality dog food. It should consist of lean protein, carbohydrates, and fibre.

They should be fed 1.5 cups of food twice a day.

The amount of food given to your Rat Terrier is very much dependent on its size as well as its dietary requirements.

What is the price of a Rat Terrier in Australia?

Rat Terrier puppies will generally cost you around $1500 if you decide to purchase one from a breeder.

This is what you should keep in mind:

• food costs

• veterinary care

• vaccinations

• medication

• pet insurance

• dog toys

• pet supplies