Adorable, little Rat Terriers are digging escape artists and true terriers. They are feisty, funny, energetic, lively, vermin-chasing, and never boring. They are stubborn and not big on pleasing people, but their owners love them anyway.
Rat Terriers are the ideal farm dogs. Rat Terriers are public servants, as long as it’s in their own best interest. They are an American tradition just like apple pie, but be careful or you might find your dessert missing. See below for complete dog breed traits and facts about Rat Terriers!
Quick Facts
- Orgin: The Rat Terrier is an American breed that originated in the early 20th century. It was developed from various terrier and other breeds to create a versatile and skilled hunting and farm dog
- Size: Rat Terriers typically weigh between 10 to 25 pounds, showcasing their small to medium size.
- Appearance: Rat Terriers boast a distinctive appearance, characterized by their compact athletic build, short coat, and expressive features that convey their lively and alert nature.
- Temperament: Rat Terriers possess an energetic and lively temperament, characterized by their feisty and spirited nature.
- Health: 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.
- Lifespan: Rat Terriers boast a long lifespan, usually spanning 15-18 years.
- President Theodore Roosevelt named them the ultimate farm dog after his Rat Terrier, Skip, eliminated rats at the White House.
Rat Terrier Pictures
Adaptability
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Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Looking for the best dog for your apartment? Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks.
However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. Opting for a pet that doesn’t excessively bark and behaves politely when encountering others in shared spaces like is crucial for maintaining a harmonious apartment environment.
In high-rise settings, it’s worth noting that numerous small dogs may exhibit a propensity for high energy and frequent barking. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dog For An Apartment
When considering dogs that adapt well to apartments, size alone should not be the sole determinant. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. It’s important to remember that the size of your living space is just one factor to consider. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, it is crucial to consider your neighbors’ comfort when selecting a dog. Opt for a pet that doesn’t bark excessively and behaves politely when interacting with others in shared spaces.
Therefore, it’s important to prioritize qualities such as being quiet, low-energy, calm indoors, and exhibiting good manners when living in close proximity to other residents. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved.
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Good For Novice Owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
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Sensitivity Level
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
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Tolerates Being Alone
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
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Tolerates Cold Weather
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
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Tolerates Hot Weather
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All-around friendliness
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Affectionate With Family
When it comes to unconditional love and unwavering loyalty, few animals can rival the affectionate nature of dogs. These remarkable creatures have earned their reputation as man’s best friend, and many breeds are particularly renowned for their love and devotion to their families. With their warm hearts and wagging tails, affectionate family dogs enrich the lives of their owners in countless ways.
One such breed known for its affectionate demeanor is the Golden Retriever. With their gentle temperament and friendly disposition, Golden Retrievers form deep bonds with their families. They eagerly participate in family activities, whether it’s a game of fetch in the yard or cuddling on the couch during a movie night. Their expressive eyes and ever-wagging tails are a testament to the joy they feel in the presence of their loved ones.
Another family-favorite breed is the Labrador Retriever. Renowned for their playful and patient nature, Labradors are excellent companions for children and adults alike. They readily engage in playtime with the kids, showcasing their boundless energy and enthusiasm. But when the day winds down, they seamlessly transition into loving and gentle cuddle buddies, comforting their family members with their warm presence.
Beyond specific breeds, mixed-breed dogs also have a special place in the hearts of families seeking affectionate companions. The shelter dogs, in particular, form deep connections with their adoptive families. They seem to understand the second chance they’ve been given and repay it with endless love and gratitude.
How To Know If A Dog Is Good With Families
The affectionate nature of family dogs extends beyond play and cuddles. Dogs have a remarkable ability to sense their owner’s emotions, offering comfort and support during difficult times. Whether it’s a wagging tail after a long day at work or a sympathetic nuzzle during moments of sadness, they prove time and again that they are attuned to their family’s needs.
It is important to note that not all dogs of the same breed will be equally affectionate. Some dogs may be more independent or aloof, while others may be more clingy or demanding of attention. The best way to find out how affectionate a dog is is to meet them in person and interact with them.
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Kid-Friendly
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
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Dog Friendly
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
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Amount Of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
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Drooling Potential
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
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Easy To Groom
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
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Potential For Weight Gain
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
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Size
Get ready to meet the giants of the doggy world! Large dog breeds aren’t just big balls of fluff, they’re like loving, oversized teddy bears on a mission to steal your heart. Need some convincing? Let’s dive into the awesome benefits of owning one!
First things first, these pooches are a living security system! With their impressive size and thunderous barks, they’ll have any would-be intruder running for the hills. Talk about peace of mind! Plus, who needs an alarm when you’ve got a furry giant protecting your castle?
But that’s not all. Large dog breeds are all about loyalty and devotion. They’ll stick by your side through thick and thin, becoming your most dedicated bestie. Their love knows no bounds! When you have a giant fluffball showing you unconditional love, you’ll feel like the luckiest human on the planet.
Now, let’s talk about their talents. These big fellas are the ultimate working partners. With brains and brawn, they’re up for any challenge. From search and rescue missions to lending a helping paw to those in need, these dogs are superheroes in fur coats. They’ll make you proud every step of the way!
Don’t let their size fool you—these gentle giants have hearts as big as their paws. They’re incredible with kids and other pets, spreading their love like confetti. Their patience and kindness make them perfect family pets, ensuring harmony in your household.
Oh, and get ready to break a sweat! These dogs are fitness enthusiasts, and they’ll keep you on your toes. Daily walks, jogs, and play sessions will not only keep them happy and healthy but will also give you a reason to ditch the couch and join in on the fun. It’s a win-win situation!
So, if you’re ready for a dose of big love, go ahead and consider a large dog breed. They’re the best wing-dog you could ever ask for, ready to make your life a thousand times more exciting, loving, and downright awesome! Get ready for the big adventure of a lifetime!
Trainability
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Easy To Train
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Related:
10 Fun, Impressive Tricks You Can Teach Any Dog
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Intelligence
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
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Potential For Mouthiness
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
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Prey Drive
Dogs with a high prey drive have an instinctive desire to stalk, capture, and prey upon potential food sources. Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase — and sometimes kill — other animals. Anything whizzing by — such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars — can trigger that instinct.
How to address a high prey drive
Off-leash adventures are too great a temptation for pups who will wander and hunt. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed. And, even on a leash, you may experience your dog pulling on the leash to reach rodents or birds in their sight. Otherwise, these pups should be kept in a fenced area when outdoors. If your pup has a high prey drive, you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard.
These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Other behavioral concerns
Observing your dog’s prey drive, which is instinctual and biologically-rooted, is not the same as observing aggression. Much aggression is born of fear and anxiety, especially in the case of dog aggression toward humans.
The tendency to wander, even into oncoming traffic, can produce diasterious results for pups with predatory instincts. It can also lead to pups being bitten by snakes or attacked by other wild animals they may pursue while on the hunt.
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Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes. Learn more about breeds with a tendency to bark or howl.
If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
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Wanderlust Potential
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Exercise needs
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Energy Level
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
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Intensity
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
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Exercise Needs
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
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Potential For Playfulness
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Rat Terrier Overview
The intelligent Rat Terrier can be an invaluable member of your family with training, socialization, and forgiveness of their “bad” habits. The breed is making a comeback thanks to breeders and fanciers, and they make excellent watchdogs and farm dogs. They are often mistaken for smooth-coated Fox Terriers or Jack Russells, but owners and breeders know the many unique traits that make them special.
Rat Terriers are typical terriers and exhibit all the behaviors and stubbornness associated with the breed. They love to dig, so give them one area in the yard to dig to their heart’s content. They are also escape artists, so it’s best to be with them in the yard or have them wear a collar, tag and microchip at all times. They are fast and can jump high, so a 5- or 6-foot fence is recommended. Rat Terriers are also known for their shrill barking, so if you live in an apartment or a neighborhood with noise rules, be aware of their barking instinct. They were bred to be quick runners and need the space and time to exercise, so make sure they get plenty of exercise.
When training a Rat Terrier, be patient and firm. They are highly intelligent but can also be stubborn. Many different training techniques can be used, so don’t give up if one method doesn’t work.
Rat Terriers puppies are born with their ears up, but they usually drop when their eyes open. Some ears may stay dropped, while others may pop back up in a few weeks or months.
Rat Terrier Highlights
- Lots of visitors to your home? Though devoted to his family, the Rat Terrier takes time to warm up to strangers.
- A propensity for digging combined with a high prey drive means your Rat Terrier will leap over — or dig under — any fence he can.
- A Rat Terrier has lots of energy; you should be able to spend at least 40 minutes a day exercising your dog. If you do not, the Rat Terrier can become destructive as a way to release pent up energy.
- They need plenty of mental stimulation too. A bored Rat Terrier will resort to barking and chewing if he doesn’t receive it.
- The Rat Terrier’s compulsion to chase doesn’t make him the best choice for an off-leash dog. Even the most well-behaved are likely to “forget” their training in the face of tantalizing prey.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
Rat Terrier History
The Rat Terrier is an American breed that is the result of working with the Fox Terrier, Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and Old English White Terrier, to name a few. Being a farm dog and hunter, the need for the Rat Terrier to catch prey and pests drove breeders to start adding new strains to the breed in the 1910s and 1920s.
In the Midwest, the Rat Terrier was bred to Whippets and Italian Greyhounds to produce a more versatile and quick-footed dog who could help control the jackrabbit problem. The new and improved Rat Terrier was able to keep up with the fast-moving rodent and continued to prove his value. In the Southern and Central American regions, the Rat Terrier was bred to the Beagle to create a more pack-oriented dog. This is where the Rat Terrier earned his strong sense of smell; his speed came from the Whippet.
In the 1920s, Toy Fox Terriers that were too big for their own breeding program were introduced into the Rat Terrier’s breeding program. With this newest strain, Rat Terriers began producing their own toy-sized offspring. President Theodore Roosevelt is said to have named the breed but not everyone agrees. He called his own dog, who had solved the White House rat problem, a Rat Terrier. There is debate on whether the dog that President Roosevelt owned was in fact the same Rat Terrier as appears today. The short-legged dog that Roosevelt had has become the accepted breed standard for the Terrier named after him, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is also known as the short-legged Rat Terrier.
The Rat Terrier was a familiar presence on farms between the 1910s and 1940s. However, the breed’s prevalence waned when poison became the primary method for rodent control. By the 1950s, the breed was on the decline, but a few dedicated breeders sustained its existence until a resurgence in the late 1970s.
One notable strain that emerged during this time was the Decker Rat Terrier, developed by Milton Decker, an avid hunter, who wanted to create a robust Rat Terrier with a fixed ear set and versatile hunting abilities, including water retrieval. Deckers proved to be proficient in hunting wild game and traditional Rat Terrier roles, while also retaining their affable companion traits. In 1972, the first hairless Rat Terrier was born, which led to the development of the American Hairless Terrier. This distinct strain now encompasses miniature and standard sizes.
Rat Terrier Size
The AKC does not recognize the Rat Terrier breed — although the UKC does — but breed clubs have defined the sizes.
The Rat Terrier is a small and sturdy dog and should be between 13 to 16 inches in height. The UKC doesn’t have a specified weight for standard Rat Terriers as each individual dog has a different weight for their height.
The Decker Rat Terrier is slightly larger than the Rat Terrier and should range between 22 to 40 pounds. A male should be 16 to 19 inches in height while a female should be 16 to 17 inches.
The miniature Rat Terrier should weigh 10 to 18 pounds and should not be larger than 15 inches in height.
The toy Rat Terrier is an even smaller version of the breed. His weight should range between 5 to 10 pounds and he should be no larger than 12 inches in height.
Rat Terrier Personality
The Rat Terrier is an intelligent, wary, and stubborn dynamo. They are wary of strangers and may not warm up to them immediately, but most will eventually warm up to visitors. If they are not properly socialized, they may become aggressive to strangers and other animals. They are also fearless, which can be a wonderful trait, but it can also be a problem if they are aggressive. Rat Terriers are good family pets. They are amazingly perceptive and intuitively respond to your moods. They have a great desire to please and love praise. They will follow you around the house and love to play.
Rat Terriers were bred to work all day on the farm, so they need a lot of exercise. If they don’t get enough exercise, their sharp little minds can turn devious to amuse themselves. Their people live by the mantra that a tired dog is a good dog.
As with every dog, the Rat Terrier needs early socialization. This means exposing them to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they are young. Socialization helps ensure that your Rat Terrier puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
There are many ways to socialize your Rat Terrier puppy. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.
Rat Terrier Health
Rat Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Rat Terriers will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Rat Terriers, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).
- Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Rat Terrier is no exception. There are three main types of allergies: food allergies, which are treated by eliminating certain foods from the dog’s diet; contact allergies, which are caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, and other chemicals; and inhalant allergies, which are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes.
- Incorrect Bites: Malocclusion is a misaligned jaw structure that can cause problems in Rat Terriers. There are three types of malocclusion in Rat Terriers: overshot bite, undershot bite, and wry mouth. Overshot bite occurs when the upper jaw is extended past the lower jaw. Undershot bite occurs when the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw. Wry mouth occurs when one side of the mouth grows faster than the other. In some cases, malocclusion can self-correct, but if it does not self-correct by 10 months of age, surgery may be needed. Corrective surgeries can include tooth extraction, crown height reductions, or the use of spacers.
- Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
- Demodectic Mange: Sometimes called demodicosis, this condition is caused by the demodex mite, which a mother dog passes to her pups in their first few days of life. (The mite can’t be passed to humans or to other dogs; only by mother to pups.) Demodex mites live in hair follicles and usually don’t cause problems, but if your Rat Terrier has a weakened or compromised immune system, he can develop demodectic mange. In its localized form, patches of red, scaly, balding skin appear on the head, neck and forelegs. It often clears up on its own, but even so, you should take your dog to the vet to prevent it from turning into the generalized form of demodectic mange, which covers the entire body and causes infection.
Rat Terrier Care
Crate train your Rat Terrier if you wish to leave the puppy out when he reaches adulthood. Regardless of breed, puppies explore, get into things they shouldn’t, and chew things that can harm them. It can be expensive both in fixing or replacing destroyed items and the veterinary bills that could arise. Never stick your Rat Terrier in a crate all day long, however. It’s not a jail, and he shouldn’t spend more than a few hours at a time in it except when he’s sleeping at night. Rat Terriers are people dogs, and they aren’t meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.
Rat Terrier Feeding
Recommended daily amount of high-quality dry food a day for your Rat Terrier:
- 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
- 30-40 pounds 1.5 to 2 cups per day
NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you’ll need to shake into your dog’s bowl. Keep your Rat Terrier in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.
If you’re unsure whether he’s overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can’t, he needs less food and more exercise. For more on feeding your Rat Terrier, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.
Rat Terrier Coat Color And Grooming
Rat Terriers have a short, smooth coat with dense, shiny fur. They can be white, black with tan or rust, white and black or tan, red, lemon, blue, chocolate, or orange. All Rat Terriers have white markings. Rat Terriers are low-maintenance dogs and only need weekly brushings with a soft brush or rubber curry mitt to remove loose hair. They shed heavily in the spring and fall, as well as after whelping or heat cycles. Bathe your Rat Terrier only as needed.
Brush your Rat Terrier’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Trim their nails once or twice a month if they don’t wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long.
Check their ears weekly for 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.
Get your Rat Terrier used to being brushed and examined when they’re a puppy. Handle their paws frequently and look inside their mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards. This will help them be easier to handle for veterinary exams and other procedures when they’re an adult.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Their eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Rat Terrier Children And Other Pets
Although Rat Terriers who aren’t used to children should be supervised, most are wonderfully patient with kids, even kids who aren’t part of the family. They are extremely fond of their family kids. Parents who don’t like the idea of the family dog sleeping under the covers with the kids might be in for trouble. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.
Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Although there may be a few disagreements regarding food and sleeping arrangements, the Rat Terrier likes other dogs.
He doesn’t spar with them and generally is not aggressive towards them. As a matter of fact, many Rat Terriers want to play with other dogs, so you need to be on your lookout for dog-reactive or aggressive dogs. Once an aggressive dog provokes a fight, these terriers return the emotion. Unfortunately, they are size-blind and don’t care if the aggressor outweighs them five times over.
Rat Terriers are prey-driven so any small, quick moving animal, including a hamster, mouse, chinchilla, and of course, a rat, is seen as prey, and may be chased. If a Rat Terrier is raised with a cat, bird, chicken, or other animal in a household, they will generally get along as family members.
Rat Terrier Rescue Groups
Rat Terriers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Rat Terriers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don’t see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Rat Terrier rescue.
Rat Terrier Breed Organizations
Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support.
On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues.
