Rat Terrier Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names:

Common Misspellings:  Rat Terrior, Rat Terror

Learn all about Rat Terrier Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Rat Terrier dog breed. You'll find solid information about Rat Terrier dog history, Rat Terrier life expectancy Rat Terrier dog appearance, Rat Terrier temperament and personality, Rat Terrier health problems, Rat Terrier puppy care, training Rat Terrier puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Rat Terrier dog breeder.

The Rat Terrier is a dog of early immigrants who made their way into America. Designed as a capable farm or ranch dog, his purpose was to protect the property from the rats and other vermin that plagued the farms during those days and this was a job which he performed wholeheartedly. For a time, the Rat Terrier declined in numbers but recent years has seen a resurgence of the breed, this time as a capable and affectionate little companion animal.

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Rat Terrier Facts

The Rat Terrier Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United States of America

Rat Terrier Height: 10-13 inches at the shoulder for miniature, 13-19 inches for standard

Rat Terrier Weight: 10-25 pounds

Rat Terrier Color Variations: Can be found in almost all hound colors as well as pied and solids.

Rat Terrier Size Variations: Miniature and Standard

Rat Terrier Exercise Needs: Moderate

Rat Terrier Grooming Demands: Minimal

Rat Terrier Trainability: Easy

Rat Terrier Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Average Rat Terrier Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: Usually

Breed Group: Terrier

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Rat Terrier Dog History

The Rat Terrier owes his existence to early immigrants who made their way over to America during the 19th century. Taking popular dogs of the day - the Bull Terrier, Old English White Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and other similar scrappers, they crossed them with various dog breeds, such as the Beagle, Toy Fox Terrier, Whippet and Italian Greyhounds. The results of this breeding would create a small-to-medium sized dog which a smooth coat, medium bone, and an athletic build. Fast, aggressive and with strong jaws, these early ratting dogs were more than capable at clearing out rats and other pests.

Every new cross brought something unique to the breed; the terrier blood gave the dogs an aggressive and ‘feisty’ disposition that was needed for this kind of work, while the Beagle and Fox Terrier breeding gave the dog a better 'nose' that was needed to track his prey. With the infusion of Whippet and Italian Greyhound blood, he was granted the speed that was needed to flush out hare, rabbits and other game when taken out hunting.

The Rat Terrier is not a very well-known breed, mainly due to the fact that there was little documentation about them for many years. In fact, the Rat Terrier did not even have a breed standard until 1994 and was not even accepted into the American Kennel Club until January of 1999. While still a new breed, fans of the Rat Terrier are adamant about getting these wonderful little dogs known and respected.

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Rat Terrier Dog Appearance

The Rat Terrier is known as a very sturdily-built, compact member of the Terrier family that is moderate in both size and shape. Not too heavily muscled and yet not too fine-boned, he is a small-to-medium sized dog and is a bit more refined and polished-looking than the more widely-known Jack Russell Terrier. While he is occasionally kept with a full tail, it's preferred that this dog's tail be docked for exhibition.

Available in a wide variety of colors, the Rat Terrier can be found in most hound shades, including bi and tri-coloreds, chocolate, orange, blue, lemon, or red, and can be either pied or predominantly solid in color. While sable shading on the face or body is permitted, dark coloring on the face, otherwise known as "masks," are considered a fault, as is any rusted or washed out colorations.

The Rat Terrier is shown in two distinct size varieties; the miniature (dogs 10-13 inches) and the standard (13-19 inches). Up until the time that they are 12 months of age, both size varieties are shown together, with dogs over or under the required size limitations being disqualified from competition.

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Rat Terrier Grooming

Care and upkeep of your Rat Terrier puppy is relatively simple. Not overly heavy shedders, you will find that your Rat Terrier sheds the most in the spring and then, again, in the fall. In the meantime, a simple brushing once or twice a week will suffice, and will help to keep his coat glossy by stimulating the oils in his coat and helping to free and remove any dander. To brush him, use a soft-bristled brush and go with the grain of hair, brushing in a gentle and flicking motion. He will undoubtedly love the free back-scratching.

A Rat Terrier shouldn’t need to be bathed too often. Provided he hasn't gotten into anything messy, once or twice a month is usually a good bet. Aside from this, the only other major grooming needs that a Rat Terrier requires are keeping his nails clipped, his ears clean and, if he will let you, his teeth brushed. Should tooth-brushing be an issue, however, there are a variety of toys and treats now available, which help to reduce tartar build up and tooth decay.

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Rat Terrier Exercise Needs

The Rat Terrier is a very active little dog, bred for a variety of uses. Always on the go, they are very high spirited and enjoy an active lifestyle. If you’re considering one of these energetic little dogs, it's highly recommended that you have a fenced yard or are prepared to go for several energizing walks each day. Dog parks are a favorite hang-out of these little dogs and they have a great love of agility and obstacle courses.

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Rat Terrier Temperament

While a member of the Terrier family, the Rat Terrier is not a sparring dog and, because of this, is generally well-behaved and friendly towards other dogs. They are a faithful dog and tend to be very affectionate towards their owners, though they can be somewhat protective and have a tendency to be aloof towards strangers. While the Rat Terrier is a noisy individual, prone to yapping, mumbling and growling during play, his snarls are usually just for show.

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Rat Terrier Training

The Rat Terrier is a highly intelligent and loyal breed, and one that desires to please his owner. For these reasons, he is generally very easy to train and receptive to the praises that he receives for good behavior. Obedience classes are highly recommended, if you are inexperienced with training dogs - not only does it teach your dog basic commands and obedience, but it also teaches you how better to understand your new puppy, and what methods he bests responds to. In no time, you two are sure to be teaching one another new tricks.

Rat Terrier Health

Like any breed of dog, the Rat Terrier is subject to several genetic health concerns. Fortunately, unlike many purebred dogs, the Rat Terrier rarely has the hip and elbow dysplasia or the eye troubles that are commonly seen in other breeds. Some conditions which may affect your Rat Terrier include:

Luxating patella
Allergies
Sensitivity to anesthesia
Demodex mange

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Is the Rat Terrier Right For You?

The Rat Terrier is a very lively and affectionate little fellow. Sturdily built and athletic, they are well-suited as family dogs and make excellent pets. Some concern may be with older dogs and other pets, such as cats, but they are generally well-behaved, provided they are raised in an environment where they may be acclimated to such things. The main things that the Rat Terrier needs are someone to play with and a person to love; if they have these two essential things, they are the happiest little dogs in the world.

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Rat Terrier Prices

Average Rat Terrier Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Rat Terrier dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Rat Terrier puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Rat Terrier dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Rat Terrier puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Rat Terrier breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Rat Terrier prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Rat Terrier puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Rat Terrier Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Rat Terrier puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Rat Terrier Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Rat Terrier breeders. We actively screen Rat Terrier breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Rat Terrier breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Rat Terrier puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Rat Terrier puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Rat Terrier dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Rat Terrier Resources:

• Rat Terrier Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Rat Terrier Breed Profile
• Rat Terrier Pictures
• Rat Terrier Videos

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