Decker Rat Terrier Dog Breed Overview

The Decker Rat Terrier is a small, energetic dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a rare breed, known for their unique appearance and friendly personalities.

Their short coats are easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing. This makes them a great choice for busy owners or those who aren't fond of grooming.

Decker Rat Terriers are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are key to developing good behavior.

Their small size, typically weighing between 10-20 pounds, makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers or families with small children.

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The Decker Rat Terrier has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1970s when Milton Decker, an avid hunter, developed the breed by breeding a Smooth Fox Terrier mix named Henry with Rat Terriers. He wanted to create a robust dog with a fixed ear set and versatile hunting abilities.

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The Rat Terrier breed itself has a rich history that spans centuries. The oldest record of a dog with a similar job dates back to the 16th century, with a rat-catching mongrel mentioned in records of the English flagship "Mary Rose" sunk in 1545.

Milton Decker's goal was to maintain Henry's calmer temperament and superior hunting instincts, as well as his slightly larger size. By the 1980s, the Decker strain was breeding true, and by 1993, Milton Decker was able to leave further development of the breed in the hands of other breeders.

The Rat Terrier was originally bred to catch rats and other small animals on farms. By the 1910s and 1920s, new strains were added to the breed by crossbreeding them with Toy Fox Terriers, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds, which contributed to a decrease in the Rat Terrier's size.

The Decker Rat Terrier was developed to be larger and more versatile, with the ability to hunt larger animals such as pigs, deer, cougars, and even bears. This strain proved to be proficient in hunting wild game and traditional Rat Terrier roles, while also retaining their affable companion traits.

The Decker Rat Terrier is a small but robust dog, with a height range of 33 to 48 cm (13-19 inches). They can weigh from 10 to 40 pounds, depending on their size.

Their coat is short, smooth, and dense, and they may have markings, such as intermittent spots. Usually, all Decker Rat Terriers have white markings.

Decker Rat Terriers come in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, lemon, blue, chocolate, and orange. They can also have tan points and badger markings.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of Decker Rat Terriers, along with their typical weights and heights:

Their tails can be long or short, and are sometimes docked, although this is regulated in some states.

If you're considering a Decker Rat Terrier but aren't sure if it's the right fit, there are some other breeds you might want to take a look at.

The Jack Russell is a great option, as it shares some similarities with the Decker Rat Terrier.

The Rat Terrier is another breed that's worth considering, it's a similar size and energy level to the Decker Rat Terrier.

The Transylvanian Hound is a bit larger, but it has a similar hunting background and can make a great companion.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a sleek and agile breed that's also great with families.

If you do decide to bring a Decker Rat Terrier or similar breed into your home, you'll want to make sure you're taking good care of their health.

Here are some similar breeds to consider:

The Decker Rat Terrier is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a short, single-layer coat that sheds moderately year-round, but a weekly brushing with a slicker brush or grooming glove will help keep them looking their best.

You won't need to bathe them too often, but when you do, choose a gentle shampoo as they can be prone to skin allergies. A damp cloth will do in between baths to keep them clean.

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Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent infections, and it's also a good idea to check their ears daily for any signs of dirt or wax buildup. You should also clean their teeth regularly to prevent dental disease, as they're prone to it like their Fox Terrier and Rat Terrier ancestors.

Crate training is a good idea if you plan to leave your Decker Rat Terrier alone during the day, but make sure not to leave them in the crate for too long – they're social dogs and need interaction. A few hours a day is the maximum, except when they're sleeping at night.

As a healthy breed, they don't require a lot of special care, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. With a life expectancy of up to 18 years, they're a long-term commitment, but one that's well worth it.

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Decker Rat Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all living creatures, they can be prone to certain health issues.

One of the most common health risks for Decker Rat Terriers is patellar luxation, a condition where the knee joint dislocates, causing pain and lameness.

Hip dysplasia is another potential issue, affecting the hip articulation and leading to tension and inflammation.

Decker Rat Terriers may also be prone to allergies, which can cause itchy skin and potentially lead to bacterial skin infections.

Demodectic mange, or demodicosis, is a skin disease caused by a mite that can lead to hair loss, redness, itching, scaling, and lesions.

Here are some specific health risks to be aware of:

It's worth noting that some of these conditions can be treated with surgery or medication, but prevention and early detection are key to ensuring your Decker Rat Terrier lives a long and healthy life.

A Decker Rat Terrier's diet is a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. They require high-quality food that meets their individual needs, which can vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

To determine the right amount of food, measure your Decker Rat Terrier's daily intake in cups, as follows: Less than 10 pounds: 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day, 10-15 pounds: 1/2 to 1 cup per day, 20-30 pounds: 3/4 to 1.5 cups per day, and 30-40 pounds: 1.5 to 2 cups per day.

A highly active Decker Rat Terrier will need more food than a less active one, so consider their energy level when deciding how much to feed. You should also choose a high-quality dog food that will go further in nourishing your dog, requiring less food overall.

To ensure your Decker Rat Terrier stays in good shape, feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. This will help maintain a healthy weight and prevent overeating.

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The Decker Rat Terrier is a lively and feisty breed that loves to be with you and go wherever you go.

They're typically good with children, especially if socialized with them at an early age, and get on well with dogs that are their size and bigger.

However, smaller animals may be chased, so it's essential to socialize them properly.

Decker Rat Terriers are intelligent and attentive, making them fairly easy to train, but their prey drive can sometimes mean they get distracted.

They're energetic and playful, but don't respond well to boredom or a lack of obedience training, which can result in anxious, territorial, or destructive behaviors.

This breed needs a firm, confident, and consistent pack leader to keep their feisty attitude under control.

They're not suited to living in an apartment and will do better in a house with a yard, but they do like to dig, so you should be aware that they could try and escape even if you have a fence.

Rat Terriers are funny little dogs that are full of energy, inquisitive, and happy, and they love exercise and digging.

However, they can also be couch potatoes and love to sleep with their owners.

They tend to be quite stubborn and fearless, always looking to serve their own interests, but they love to please and will always follow their owners around the house.

Rat Terriers get along well with children, especially from their family, and tend to be wary of strangers, making them good watchdogs.

They have an instinct to bark, which helps with this role, and they're friendly with other animals if correctly socialized, but they do have a prey drive and will chase small prey if given the opportunity.

They're quick to react, clever, and impulsive, which can be both loved and disliked, and they need lots of exercise to vent their energy.

A special place in the garden where they can dig as much as they want will make them satisfied and prevent destructive behaviors around the house.

Decker Rat Terriers are high energy dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day.

They need a long daily walk or to join you on a jog, as well as challenging games to keep them engaged. They'll excel at hunt-related activities, agility training, and advanced obedience-centered activities.

This breed has a high prey drive, so they should be kept on a leash unless they're on the hunt or in a controlled environment, as they may chase smaller animals. They'll be happy in the water and enjoy swimming.

Rat Terriers need at least 40-minutes of exercise every day, or they may display destructive behaviors like chewing on objects and barking. They're intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation too, or they'll become bored.

They're people-oriented and will be satisfied with any activity involving their owners and some kind of movement – be it indoors or outdoors.

Decker Rat Terriers are known to bark, and it's essential to consider this trait if you're an apartment dweller or have noise sensitivity.

Rat Terriers have thousands of years of inherent terrier instincts that drive their barking behavior, so training them to listen to commands like "hush" requires patience.

You can work with your Decker Rat Terrier to reduce barking, but it's crucial to understand that this breed has a strong instinct to vocalize.

If you're considering adopting a Decker Rat Terrier, prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a dog in need.

Reputable breeders who prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs can also provide you with a well-adjusted pup.

The Decker Rat Terrier is a wonderful breed, and I'm excited to share some general information about them. They originated in the early 20th century in the United States.

Their size is quite small to medium, typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds. This compact athletic build makes them a joy to be around. They boast a distinctive appearance, characterized by their short coat and expressive features that convey their lively and alert nature.

Rat Terriers are generally robust and healthy dogs, known for their longevity and resilience. However, like all breeds, they may be prone to certain genetic health issues, including patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. They tend to have a relatively long lifespan, often living between 12 to 18 years with proper care.

Here's a quick rundown of their key characteristics:

Their energetic and lively temperament makes them excellent companions for active individuals or families. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them quick learners and adaptable to various training tasks and dog sports.

Rat Terriers are clever dogs that will respond to food and praise as training rewards.

Their trainability is heavily influenced by early socialization, so it's essential to expose them to different people, situations, sounds, animals, and experiences.

Rat Terriers have an independent temperament and are instinctively wary of other people, which can lead to aggression if not properly socialized.

To ensure your Decker Rat Terrier becomes well-behaved around other people and animals, provide them with plenty of positive interactions and experiences.

With consistent training and socialization, your Rat Terrier will learn to respond to commands and behave politely in various situations.