Types of Rat Terrier Dogs: Temperament, Exercise, and More

Rat Terrier dogs are a delightful breed known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are highly social and love being around people.

One of the most notable characteristics of Rat Terriers is their intelligence - they are highly trainable and can learn a wide range of commands and tricks. They thrive on interaction and mental stimulation.

Rat Terriers are relatively small in size, typically weighing between 10-25 pounds and standing between 10-23 inches tall. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

These dogs are natural athletes and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk and some playtime should suffice, but they do enjoy more energetic activities like running and agility training.

The Rat Terrier is a small and sturdy dog that comes in a variety of sizes, including a miniature, standard, and toy.

The standard Rat Terrier should be between 13 to 16 inches in height, while the Decker Rat Terrier is slightly larger, ranging between 16 to 19 inches in height for males and 16 to 17 inches for females.

The miniature Rat Terrier weighs between 10 to 18 pounds and should not be larger than 15 inches in height, making it a great option for a house pet and companion dog.

The toy Rat Terrier is an even smaller version of the breed, weighing between 5 to 10 pounds and should be no larger than 12 inches in height.

Rat Terriers typically range from about 10 to 25 pounds and stand 10 to 18 inches at the shoulder, with some larger strains developed over time.

The Rat Terrier comes in a variety of coat colors, including black tan point with piebald spotting, chocolate, tan, blue, isabella, lemon, and apricot, often with some amount of white present.

Ear carriage is erect, but can also be tipped or button, contributing to an intelligent and alert expression.

The tail has been traditionally docked to about 2-3 inches, but some breeders prefer a natural, undocked tail, which is accepted in the breed standards.

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Rat Terriers are intelligent and trainable, but they require extensive socialization from an early age to live harmoniously with their owners.

They tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise, which is essential for their well-being.

Rat Terriers are wary of strangers and may not warm up to them immediately, but most will eventually warm up to visitors, especially if properly socialized.

Their fearless nature can be a wonderful trait, but it can also be a problem if they become aggressive.

Rat Terriers are amazingly perceptive and intuitively respond to their owner's moods, which makes them great family pets.

They have a great desire to please and love praise, which makes training a breeze if done correctly.

A tired Rat Terrier is a happy Rat Terrier, so regular exercise is a must to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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Rat Terriers are highly trainable due to their social sensitivity, making them a great choice for the average pet owner.

Early socialization is critical for Rat Terriers, and it's essential to expose them to a wide variety of people and places, especially during the first three months of life.

Rat Terriers are intelligent and active, requiring a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy.

If not properly socialized, Rat Terriers may become aggressive to strangers and other animals.

They are wary of strangers and may not warm up to them immediately, but most will eventually warm up to visitors.

Rat Terriers are loyal to their owners and are very respectful if they receive the proper amount of training at a young age.

They are amazingly perceptive and intuitively respond to your moods, making them great family pets.

Rat Terriers have a great desire to please and love praise, which makes them easy to train with positive reinforcement.

A tired Rat Terrier is a happy Rat Terrier, so make sure to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

If they don't get enough exercise, their sharp little minds can turn devious to amuse themselves, leading to destructive behavior.

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Rat Terriers are known to bark a lot, which can be a challenge for apartment dwellers or those sensitive to sound.

Their barking is a result of thousands of years of inherent terrier instincts, making it a hard habit to break.

Training your Rat Terrier to listen to commands like "hush" can help, but it'll take a lot of patience and consistency.

Rat Terriers are feisty, funny, and never boring, but they can be stubborn and not big on pleasing people.

They love to dig, dig, dig, and are notable escape artists, so be prepared for some energetic and adventurous moments.

Rat terriers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular exercise and training. To keep your rat terrier happy and healthy, make sure to provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Daily ear cleaning is a must to prevent waxy build-up, and you can use a cotton cloth to gently clean your dog's ears. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the delicate inner ear structures.

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Rat terriers also need regular dental care to prevent dental and oral disease. Brushing your dog's teeth daily is ideal, but brushing at least weekly can help keep their teeth clean. Dental treats are fine in moderation, but shouldn't be the only method of dental care.

To keep your rat terrier's coat looking its best, brush them regularly with a rubber mitt or soft brush to remove loose hair and debris. They may also need a bath on an as-needed basis, especially during the fall, spring, and heat cycles when they experience heavier shedding.

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Exercise is crucial for rat terriers, who need at least an hour of physical activity each day.

They were bred as working and hunting dogs, so their high energy levels require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Rat terriers are fast runners and high jumpers, so make sure the area they exercise in is securely fenced – 5 to 6 feet high is the minimum.

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Allowing them to play off-leash in an open space isn't recommended, as they have a strong prey drive and might take off after small animals.

If you don't have a fenced-in area, you can still provide exercise and mental stimulation with long walks each day and other training games.

These activities will help keep your rat terrier's mind and body active, and prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Grooming is an essential part of Rat Terrier care. Regular grooming helps prevent health problems and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Rat Terriers have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal maintenance. They need weekly brushings with a soft brush or rubber curry mitt to remove loose hair. Brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week is also crucial to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Daily brushing is even better, as it helps prevent bad breath and promotes overall oral health. To keep their nails healthy, trim them once or twice a month if they don't wear them down naturally. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, they're too long.

Here are some essential grooming tasks for Rat Terriers:

Regular grooming also helps you detect potential health problems early on. Check your Rat Terrier's skin, eyes, nose, and mouth for signs of infection or irritation. With regular grooming, you'll be able to spot any issues before they become major problems.

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Rat Terriers are generally a hardy breed, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have an average lifespan of 16-19 years.

Regular outcrossings throughout their history have made them a robust breed, but some issues are becoming more common due to their growing popularity. The Canine Health Information Center recommends testing for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, pancreatic issues, hip dysplasia, and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome.

Some common health problems in Rat Terriers include incorrect bites, demodectic mange, and allergies. These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention from a veterinarian.

If your Rat Terrier has a misaligned bite, it's unlikely to grow out of it after 10 months. Surgery may be necessary to correct serious misaligned bites that interfere with chewing or swallowing.

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Demodectic mange is caused by demodex mites and can affect Rat Terriers with suppressed or weakened immune systems. Look for signs like redness, patchiness, or balding on the head, neck, or front legs.

Allergies can be found in all breeds, and Rat Terriers are no exception. Treatment depends on your dog's specific allergy and reaction.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Rat Terriers:

The Rat Terrier breed has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally bred to catch rats and other pests on farms, the breed's ancestors were brought to the US by working-class British migrants.

The breed's name comes from its early occupation as a rat-catcher, and it's believed that the breed's earliest ancestors were mongrels. The breed was also used in rat-baiting, a popular blood sport in the 19th century.

Rat Terriers were cherished as loyal hunting companions and efficient killers of vermin on 20th-century American farms. However, the widespread use of chemical pesticides and the growth of commercial farming led to a sharp decline in the breed from the 1950s onward.

The Rat Terrier Club of America is the official breed parent club for the American Kennel Club (AKC), and Rat Terriers were accepted into the AKC's terrier group in June 2012. The breed has also been recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) since 1999.

Here's a brief overview of the breed's recognition:

Rat Terriers have also been used as service dogs in hospice, treatment for depression, and other human-care jobs due to their affectionate and calm temperament.

The Rat Terrier breed has a rich history that spans centuries. The earliest-known record of a rat-catching dog is that of "Hatch", whose remains were recovered from the Mary Rose, the flagship of Henry VIII, sunk in 1545 and re-raised in 1982.

Rat Terriers were originally bred to control the rat population on farms, and their speed and agility made them well-suited for this task. They were also bred to hunt small game such as squirrels and hares.

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In the United States, the breed was developed by working-class British migrants who used their dogs in rat-baiting. However, they were bred for speed, not just for fighting rats. Their speed is still one of their most valuable assets today.

The genetic diversity of the Rat Terrier has contributed to their overall health, keen intelligence, and soundness. This is in contrast to many modern breeds, which were developed from a few founding dogs and then propagated from a closed gene pool.

Rat Terriers were cherished as loyal hunting companions and efficient killers of vermin on 20th-century American farms. They were one of the most popular dog types from the 1920s to the 1940s.

However, the widespread use of chemical pesticides and the growth of commercial farming led to a sharp decline in the breed from the 1950s onward. Breed loyalists maintained the bloodline, leading to the modern Rat Terrier.

Today, Rat Terriers are used as service dogs in hospice, treatment for depression, in Assisted Living, and other human-care jobs. Their affectionate and calm temperament, combined with their small size, make them ideal for these roles.

The Rat Terrier breed has had its fair share of recognition struggles. The Rat Terrier Club of America is the official breed parent club for the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Rat Terriers were accepted into the AKC's terrier group in June 2012, after being recognized by the UKC in 1999. The AKC allowed them to compete in companion events starting January 1, 2006.

The first Rat Terrier to earn a title under AKC Sanctioning was Harpur's Giddy Upp "Gigi" in Agility on January 14, 2006. This marked a significant milestone for the breed.

The AKC officially accepted the Rat Terrier into the Terrier Group in June 2012. The first AKC Champion Rat Terrier was "Annie" GCH GRCH King Pen RnB's Queen Ann.

Here's a brief overview of the breed recognition timeline:

The National Rat Terrier Association is another prominent organization that has maintained lineage records for decades, and is opposed to Kennel Club closed-registry breeding rules.