Old Rat Terrier: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Ownership

Old Rat Terriers are a beloved breed, known for their feistiness and affectionate nature. They typically live between 12 to 18 years.

Their small size requires less space, but they still need regular exercise to stay healthy. A daily walk and playtime can help keep them active.

As they age, their energy levels decrease, and they may need more frequent breaks. This can be managed with shorter, more frequent walks and play sessions.

Old Rat Terriers are prone to certain health issues, including kidney disease and dental problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify these issues early on.

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The Rat Terrier breed has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s in the United States. It was bred by crossing various fox and European Terriers, such as Bull Terriers, English White Terriers, and Manchester Terriers.

The breed was created to be a multi-purpose farm dog, capable of hunting rodents and other vermin both above and below ground. Theodore Roosevelt was a fan of the breed and even had them at the White House during his presidency.

Rat Terriers come in two sizes: miniature and standard. The miniature Rat Terrier ranges from 10 to 13 inches in height, while the standard Rat Terrier ranges from 13 to 18 inches in height.

Both types of Rat Terriers are sturdy, compact dogs with a strong, arched neck and flat shoulder blades. They have a wide chest and a level back, supported by muscular legs that allow for an efficient and speedy gait.

The head of a Rat Terrier resembles a smooth and blunt wedge with a moderately wide skull that is flat on top. The muzzle is shorter and tapers along the sides to a pigmented nose.

Here are the different types of Rat Terriers:

The Rat Terrier breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010, and it was accepted into the Terrier Group in 2012.

Rat terriers are generally a hardy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their average lifespan is 16-19 years, making them a long-term companion.

Regular outcrossings throughout their history have contributed to their overall healthiness. However, some issues are becoming more common due to their growing popularity.

The Canine Health Information Center recommends that Rat Terriers be tested for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, pancreatic issues, hip dysplasia, and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome. This can help identify potential problems early on.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper training can go a long way in ensuring your Rat Terrier lives a long and healthy life.

Here are some common health issues that may affect your Rat Terrier:

Rat Terriers are generally a hardy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular outcrossings throughout their history have helped to minimize these problems.

The Canine Health Information Center recommends that Rat Terriers be tested for patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome. These are common issues that can affect the breed.

Some Rat Terriers may also be susceptible to cardiac abnormalities and pancreatic issues. These are serious conditions that require veterinary attention.

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A well-bred Rat Terrier's average lifespan is 16–19 years. With proper care and attention, many Rat Terriers live long and healthy lives.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Rat Terriers:

Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent or manage these health issues.

Crate training is a great way to prevent your Rat Terrier from getting into trouble, especially when you're not home. Crate your Rat Terrier for a few hours at a time, except at night when he's sleeping.

Rat Terriers are people dogs and don't thrive in isolation, so make sure to give them plenty of attention and interaction. They're not meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.

To keep your Rat Terrier in shape, feed them high-quality dry food according to their size and activity level. Here's a rough guide to get you started:

Keep an eye on your Rat Terrier's weight by doing the eye test and the hands-on test. You should be able to see a waist and feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.

Old Rat Terriers are ideal companions for active families with a large, fenced-in space to run around and help manage their high energy.

Their boundless energy needs exercise, which can include long walks, running, and playing with their family. They are also prone to digging, so a secure yard is a must.

Rat Terriers have extremely strong prey drives, so they shouldn't be allowed to romp off-leash in open spaces where they can meet up with small animals unless you've done extensive recall training or desensitization.

Their intelligence and trainability make them easy to train with consistent and positive reinforcement, but they can be stubborn at times.

Here are some key characteristics of the old Rat Terrier breed:

Overall, old Rat Terriers are lovable and devoted companions that thrive with plenty of attention and exercise.

The old rat terrier is a breed that's known for its short, smooth coat which requires minimal grooming. They have a dense, shiny fur that's easy to maintain.

Rat terriers come in a variety of coat colors including black, tan, white, and various shades of brown and red. They always have some amount of white present, which is a distinctive feature of the breed.

To keep your rat terrier looking its best, weekly brushings with a soft brush or rubber curry mitt are sufficient to remove loose hair. They shed heavily in the spring and fall, so be prepared for more frequent grooming during these times.

Here's a quick rundown of the essential grooming tasks for rat terriers:

The Rat Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog, weighing between 10 to 25 pounds, and standing 10 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Their size makes them perfect for families with smaller living spaces.

They come in a variety of coat colors, including black, tan, chocolate, blue, isabella, lemon, and apricot, often with white markings. These colors can be tricolor or bicolor, with some amount of white present.

The Rat Terrier's ears are erect, but can also be tipped or buttoned, giving them an intelligent and alert expression. Their tail can be docked or natural, with some breeders preferring the latter.

A larger strain of Rat Terrier, called the Decker or Decker Giant, has been developed, weighing over 25 pounds. This strain is recognized by the National Rat Terrier Association, but not by the UKC or AKC.

Here's a breakdown of the Rat Terrier's size varieties:

Their coat colors can vary, but they often have white markings, and some breeds may have ticking or brindle patterns. However, merle is not commonly accepted due to associated health problems.

Small Rat Terriers are a delight to behold, weighing in at around 10-23 pounds.

Their compact size makes them the perfect companion for city dwellers or those with limited space.

Rat Terriers are relatively small in size, but they pack a big personality.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

A tired Rat Terrier is a happy Rat Terrier, so be sure to provide them with plenty of exercise to keep them content.

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If you're considering bringing an old rat terrier into your family, you'll want to know about ownership and adoption options. You can find rat terriers or rat terrier mixes at your local animal shelter, or search online using websites like Petfinder.com.

To increase your chances of finding a rattie in a shelter, search by breed, size, sex, and more. If you're having trouble finding one, look for rescue organizations in your area.

Older rat terriers can make wonderful pets, especially for families with older kids who will appreciate their loving and loyal nature. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and bathing.

Here are some things to keep in mind when adopting an old rat terrier:

If you're looking to bring a Rat Terrier into your life, you have two main options: adoption or buying from a breeder.

Rat Terriers may be easier to find than you think, so start by checking your local animal shelter for available Rat Terriers or Rat Terrier mixes.

Websites like Petfinder.com make it easy to search shelters in your area by breed, size, sex, and more.

If you can't find a Rat Terrier in a shelter, look for local rescue organizations.

To ensure you're working with an ethical breeder, ask lots of questions like "Where are the puppies kept?" and "How many litters do you produce per year?"

If possible, ask to visit the breeding site and meet the litters' parents to get a sense of the breeder's operation.

Be on the lookout for signs of backyard breeding, like unsanitary conditions or unhealthy dogs.

For your interest: Rat Terrier Breeder

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you'll want to know about the pros of owning a Rat Terrier. They're loving, loyal, and affectionate to family members.

One of the best things about Rat Terriers is that they make excellent playmates for older kids. They're energetic and playful, but not too high-strung, making them a great match for kids who want a companion to run around with.

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Rat Terriers are also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and bathing. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal brushing and can be bathed as needed.

If you're looking for a dog that will be by your side, a Rat Terrier is a great choice. They thrive on attention and will often follow you around the house to be near you.