Rat Terrier Show Dogs Characteristics and Care

Rat Terrier show dogs are known for their bold and friendly personalities, which make them a joy to be around. They are highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Rat Terriers typically weigh between 10-25 pounds and stand between 10-18 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short coats come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, parti-colored, and tricolor.

To care for your Rat Terrier show dog, it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water. A high-quality commercial dog food is a great option, but be sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog.

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The Rat Terrier is an American breed that's the result of working with various Terrier breeds, including the Fox Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Manchester Terrier.

The breed was developed to catch prey and pests, and its versatility and speed made it a valuable asset on farms. In the Midwest, Rat Terriers were bred with Whippets and Italian Greyhounds to create a quick-footed dog that could keep up with fast-moving rodents.

The Rat Terrier's strong sense of smell comes from its breeding with Beagles in the Southern and Central American regions. The breed's speed and agility were also influenced by its Whippet heritage.

The Rat Terrier is becoming popular not only as a family pet but as a working dog in several fields.

Their versatility is one reason why they're gaining traction as working dogs.

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The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from the terriers brought over by English miners and other working-class immigrants.

These terriers probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, and the now-extinct white English Terrier. They were used as ratters, and their owners would often gamble on their prowess in killing rats.

In the early 20th century, breeders added new strains to the Rat Terrier, including Whippets and Italian Greyhounds for speed and Beagles for hunting ability.

The breed was popularized by President Teddy Roosevelt, who frequently hunted with his Rat Terriers.

The Rat Terrier is a small and sturdy dog, typically between 13 to 16 inches in height.

They come in a variety of sizes, including the miniature and toy Rat Terrier, which are even smaller. The miniature Rat Terrier weighs between 10 to 18 pounds and should not be larger than 15 inches in height.

Their short, smooth coat is dense and shiny, with a range of colors including white, black with tan or rust, and red. All Rat Terriers have white markings, and they shed heavily in the spring and fall.

The Rat Terrier is a small and sturdy dog, typically ranging in height from 13 to 16 inches.

There are two main varieties of Rat Terriers: Miniature and Standard. The Miniature Variety is not exceeding 13 inches in height, measured at the withers.

The Standard Variety is over 13 inches but not exceeding 18 inches in height, measured at the withers. This makes them slightly taller than the Miniature Variety.

Rat Terriers can vary in weight depending on their size, but they should always be presented in hard, muscular condition.

Rat Terriers come in a variety of coat colors, including white, black with tan or rust, white and black or tan, red, lemon, blue, chocolate, and orange.

All Rat Terriers have white markings, which is a distinctive characteristic of this breed.

Their coat colors can range from solid to multi-colored, making each Rat Terrier unique.

Their coat colors don't affect their temperament or personality, but they do make for a beautiful and recognizable breed.

The Rat Terrier is a muscular, active, small-to-medium hunting terrier. They come in a variety of coat colors, including white, black with tan or rust, white and black or tan, red, lemon, blue, chocolate, or orange.

Rat Terriers have a broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped head that's proportionate to their body size. Their ears are V-shaped and set at the outside edges of the skull, and can be erect or button.

Their tail can be natural, carried in an upward curve, or docked. The preferred ratio of length of body to height is 10:9. This means if a Rat Terrier is 10 inches tall, their body should be about 9 inches long.

A short-legged dog with proportions that vary significantly from the 10:9 ratio will be disqualified from showing. This is because it lacks breed type and can't perform its intended function as a working terrier.

Rat Terriers come in solid white, other solid colors with markings, and white with a variety of colored patches.

Rat Terriers are naturally very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner, thanks to their social sensitivity.

Their friendly nature means they get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats, making them an excellent addition to many families.

Rat Terriers are intelligent and active dogs that require a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise to be happy.

They are loyal to their owners and respectful if they receive proper training at a young age.

Early socialization is crucial for Rat Terriers, and exposing them to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first three months of life, is essential.

Rat Terriers are fearless and tenacious hunters with seemingly unlimited energy, making them a joy to watch in action.

However, they are also friendly companions who enjoy human companionship immensely and will enthusiastically share any activity with their owners.

Rat Terriers have a unique dual personality, which can sometimes be a challenge for owners who are not prepared for their high energy levels.

With the right training and socialization, Rat Terriers can thrive as show dogs and make wonderful companions for those who are willing to provide the necessary care and attention.

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As a responsible Rat Terrier owner, it's essential to prioritize your dog's health and care. Overall, Rat Terriers are a very hardy breed due to regular outcrossings throughout their history.

However, some issues are becoming more common with the breed's growth in popularity. The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends testing for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, pancreatic issues, hip dysplasia, and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome.

With proper care, the average lifespan of a well-bred Rat Terrier is 16–19 years, which is a testament to their robust health.

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The Rat Terrier's health is a topic worth discussing, especially considering its relatively long lifespan of 16-19 years.

This breed is known for being very hardy, thanks to regular outcrossings throughout its history.

However, with its growing popularity, some common issues have started to arise. The Canine Health Information Center recommends testing Rat Terriers for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, and pancreatic issues.

Hip dysplasia and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome are also potential health concerns for Rat Terriers.

Feeding your Rat Terrier is an important aspect of their health and care. The recommended daily amount of high-quality dry food varies depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

For a Rat Terrier weighing less than 10 pounds, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per day is sufficient. For 10-15 pounds, 1/2 to 1 cup per day is ideal.

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

You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your Rat Terrier, and feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. If you can't feel their ribs, they need less food and more exercise.

Here's a guide to help you determine the right amount of food for your Rat Terrier:

Regularly checking your Rat Terrier's ears is also essential. Look for signs of redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Wipe their ears out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections.

The Rat Terrier has been recognized by several organizations, but there's been some debate about which type of dog best represents the breed. The Rat Terrier Club of America is the official breed parent club for the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The AKC accepted Rat Terriers into the Terrier Group in June 2012, and they've been competing in companion events since 2006. The first Rat Terrier to earn a title under AKC Sanctioning was Harpur's Giddy Upp "Gigi" in Agility on January 14, 2006.

The UKC recognized the breed on January 1, 1999, and the National Rat Terrier Association is the largest independent registry, maintaining lineage records for decades. They're opposed to Kennel Club closed-registry breeding rules, which they believe will sacrifice the breed's working qualities.

The Decker Hunting Terrier Registry was created specifically for the Decker Giant, with the mission of retaining and improving upon the hunting ability. The first AKC Champion Rat Terrier was "Annie" GCH GRCH King Pen RnB's Queen Ann, bred and owned by Sherry & Dud Lee Hendrix of Modesto, California.

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If you're new to dog sports, getting started can be overwhelming. Intro to Dog Sports is a great place to begin, covering the basics and setting you up for success.

To find the right sport for you and your rat terrier, consider their breed characteristics and your lifestyle. Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog? is a helpful resource to determine the best fit.

If you're looking to get started in dog training, Get Started in Dog Training is a great place to begin, offering guidance and support for you and your rat terrier.

The Rat Terrier's gait is truly something to behold. It's smooth and effortless, with good reach of forequarters.

Their legs move in perfect harmony, without any sign of hackney gait.

As they move, their rear quarters demonstrate strong driving power, with hocks fully extending. This allows them to propel themselves forward with ease.

Viewed from any position, their legs turn neither in nor out, nor do their feet cross or interfere with each other. This is a testament to their agility and balance.

As they pick up speed, their feet tend to converge toward the center line of balance. This is a natural result of their athletic build and powerful muscles.

Dog Sports Basics are a great way to engage with your furry friend and build a stronger bond. You can start by getting an introduction to dog sports, which will give you a solid foundation to work with.

To get started, you can enroll your mixed-breed dog in a canine partners program, which is a great way to socialize and train your dog. This will also help you determine which sport is best suited for your dog.

If you're new to dog sports, it's essential to understand the titles and abbreviations used in the different disciplines. This will help you communicate effectively with other dog owners and trainers.

If you're unsure which sport to choose, consider your dog's breed, age, and energy level. Some sports, like conformation dog shows, are more suited for specific breeds, while others, like companion sports, are more focused on the human-dog bond.

To get started in dog training, you can begin with basic obedience commands and gradually move on to more advanced skills. This will not only help your dog become a better sportsperson but also strengthen your relationship.

Here's a list of some popular dog sports and activities:

Rat Terriers are an American breed that originated in the early 20th century.

Their size is quite manageable, typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds, making them a great fit for many families.

These dogs boast a distinctive appearance, characterized by their compact athletic build, 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, with a lifespan of 15-18 years.

They were even named the ultimate farm dog by President Theodore Roosevelt himself, thanks to their ability to eliminate rats at the White House.

Their intelligence and feisty nature make them excellent watchdogs and farm dogs, but they do require patience and firm training.

Here are some key characteristics of Rat Terriers to keep in mind:

So, if you're considering bringing a Rat Terrier into your family, be prepared for their love of digging and their tendency to be escape artists – a 5- or 6-foot fence is recommended!