Rat Terrier: Pet Profile

The rat terrier is a small yet spirited breed known for its intelligence, agility, and boundless energy. Originating in the United States in the early 19th century, these dogs were bred to hunt and eradicate vermin, particularly rats, on farms and in homes. Their compact size and fearless disposition made them excellent hunters and loyal companions.

Today, rat terriers continue to have excellent hunting instincts and make great family pets due to their lively personalities. Read on to learn more about the rat terrier dog.

• History & Origin of Rat Terriers
• Physical Attributes of Rat Terriers
• Behavioral Characteristics of Rat Terriers
• Rat Terrier Health Risks
• Caring For a Rat Terrier
• FAQs
• Final Notes

History & Origin of Rat Terriers

The rat terrier's history traces back to the early 19th century in the United States, where they were developed for their exceptional hunting abilities. The breed's exact origins aren't well documented, as they likely descended from a mix of European terriers, including fox terriers, bull terriers, whippets, and Manchester terriers, among others.¹

Rat terriers were primarily bred to control vermin populations on farms and rural households. Their name reflects their proficiency in hunting rats, a common nuisance in agricultural areas.² These dogs were valued for their compact size, which allowed them to maneuver into tight spaces, and their intelligence, agility, and tenacity when confronting pests.

Over time, rat terriers gained popularity beyond their original role as working dogs. They become cherished companions for farmers and families alike, appreciated for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and versatility.¹

Today, rat terriers are cherished pets. While still capable hunters, they thrive in a range of environments, from rural settings to urban households, where they continue to bring joy to their pet parents.

Physical Attributes of Rat Terriers

• Height: 10-18 inches
• Weight: 10-25 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12-18 years³

The rat terrier is a small to medium-sized dog with a sturdy, athletic build, with females being slightly smaller than males. They have a long lifespan of up to 18 years with proper care. Despite their compact size, rat terriers are well-muscled and agile, capable of easily covering ground and maneuvering.⁴

One of the defining features of the rat terrier dog is its expressive face, characterized by bright, alert eyes and erect ears that stand at attention. Their eyes are usually dark and oval-shaped, radiating intelligence and curiosity. The ears may be erect or semi-erect, adding to their attentive appearance.⁴

Rat terrier dogs have a short and smooth coat that lies close to the body, protecting without excessive bulk. Their coat comes in various colors and patterns, including solid colors like black, white, chocolate, or tan, as well as combinations such as tri-color, bi-color, or sable. Some rat terriers may also have ticking or spots on their coat.⁴

These dogs have a tail traditionally docked to about one-third of its original length, although many rat terriers today have natural, undocked tails. The tail is typically erected or slightly curved when the dog is alert or in motion.⁴

Behavioral Characteristics of Rat Terriers

While individual dogs vary in temperament and behavior, rat terriers tend to share similar behavioral traits. For instance, this breed tends to be energetic, intelligent, and affectionate. They possess a lively and playful disposition, enjoying interactive playtime and engaging in activities stimulating their minds and bodies.³

Due to their history as working dogs, rat terriers may retain a strong prey drive and exhibit tendencies to chase small animals. This instinct can manifest in digging, barking, or darting after squirrels or other small creatures. Early socialization and training can help channel this energy appropriately and minimize unwanted behaviors.⁴

Keep in mind that rat terriers are high-energy dogs, especially when young.⁴ They thrive on physical activity and enjoy playing, running, and exploring opportunities. Daily exercise is essential to keep your rat terrier mentally and physically stimulated and to prevent boredom or destructive behavior.

When it comes to barking, rat terriers can be vocal, especially when they perceive a threat or feel the need to alert their owners.⁴ Their alertness and protective instincts make them quick to bark at unfamiliar sights or sounds.

Rat terriers are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families, often forming strong bonds with their families. They enjoy attention and enjoy being involved in family activities. However, they may also display independence and assertiveness stemming from their terrier ancestry.⁴

These dogs are known for their intelligence and quick learning ability, making them relatively easy to train.⁴ However, like all dogs, they can also be strong-willed at times, requiring patience and consistency from their owners.

Additionally, rat terriers are typically good with children and other pets when properly socialized.⁴ However, as with any dog, supervision is recommended to ensure a positive interaction, especially with small children.

Rat Terrier Health Risks

Common health risks associated with rat terriers are:⁵

• Primary lens luxation (PLL): PLL is a genetic condition characterized by the dislocation of the lens in the eye. This can lead to discomfort, vision impairment, and even blindness if left untreated. Keep in mind that many dogs can develop other eye conditions like cataracts, which aren't breed-specific.
• Hip/elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are orthopedic conditions where the joints develop abnormally, leading to instability, pain, and eventually arthritis. While rat terriers are not as prone to hip dysplasia as larger breeds, it's still important to consider testing if you plan to breed your dog.
• Patellar luxation: Patellar luxation, which occurs when the kneecap dislocates, can cause lameness and discomfort. Rat terriers can be predisposed to this condition.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP): LCP is a disease that affects the hip joint, leading to the degeneration of the femoral head. This can result in pain, lameness, and muscle atrophy.
• Congenital deafness: Like many other breeds, rat terriers can be prone to congenital deafness. The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test can assess hearing function in dogs and help identify hearing impairments in rat terriers.

Caring For a Rat Terrier

Rat terriers can make excellent family pets for the right pet parents. Caring for a rat terrier means providing the right care and meeting their health needs. Here's how to care for your rat terrier:

Preventive care

Regular veterinary exams are essential for maintaining your rat terrier's health. Annual wellness exams allow your vet to assess your dog's overall health, administer vaccinations, and discuss any concerns you have.

Additionally, preventive measures like flea, tick, and heartworm prevention should be administered according to your veterinarian's recommendations to protect your rat terrier dog from parasites and diseases.

When deciding what type of pet to get or whether to get a pet at all, make sure to factor in the total costs of pet ownership, including regular vet care, to help you make your decision.

Grooming

Rat terriers have a short, smooth coat, making them relatively low maintenance. However, they still shed, so weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush can help to keep their coat healthy. You can bathe your rat terrier as needed.

Exercise

Rat terriers are energetic and agile dogs that require plenty of exercise. Make sure your dog gets at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Activities like brisk walks, jogging, fetch, and interactive play sessions are excellent ways to burn off excess energy. Engaging in sports like agility, obedience, or rally provides additional mental and physical stimulation for your energetic companion.

Diet and nutrition

Feed your rat terrier a balanced and nutritious diet. Choose a high quality dog food that's appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Give your dog access to fresh water at all times, and monitor their weight regularly to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

Training and socialization

Rat terriers are eager to please.⁴ Start training them early and use positive reinforcement techniques like praise, treats, and play to encourage good behavior.

Socialization at a young age is crucial for any dog. Expose your rat terrier dog to different people, animals, environments, and experiences from a young age to help them gain confidence in unfamiliar situations. Obedience training or working with a professional trainer can provide additional guidance and support.

FAQs

Are rat terriers rare?

Rat terriers are not a rare breed. They've been recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC), which has helped increase their popularity.

While not as widely known as some breeds, rat terriers are still relatively common, especially in areas where they have a history of being used as working dogs.

Are rat terriers cuddly?

Rat terriers can be cuddly, but individual temperament can vary. Many dogs enjoy affection and physical closeness with their pet parents, often seeking out opportunities to snuggle. They may enjoy cuddling up on the couch or in bed with their favorite humans.

However, not all rat terriers have the same level of cuddliness. Some may be more independent or less inclined toward physical affection, preferring to express their love and loyalty in other ways.

What breeds make a rat terrier?

Rat terriers are considered a breed of their own rather than a mix of other breeds. However, they were originally developed from a combination of terriers, including the smooth fox terrier, Manchester terrier, bull terrier, and whippet. They were also crossed with other dogs to create the rat terrier as we know it today.

Are rat terriers good pets?

Rat terriers can make excellent pets for the right owner and household. However, every dog is different and has its own personality and temperament. While some rat terriers may be a perfect fit for certain families, others may not thrive in the same environment.

These dogs are known for their intelligence, energy, and affectionate nature, which can make them wonderful companions for active individuals and families. They tend to form strong bonds with their families and enjoy spending time with them. Their small size also makes them well-suited for apartment living or homes with limited space.

Bonding with your rat terrier can help you build a strong and trusting relationship. Spending quality time together, providing positive reinforcement through training and play, and meeting your dog's physical and emotional needs are all important aspects of bonding.

Your dog will also need enrichment. Providing mental stimulation with interactive toys and training sessions can prevent boredom and behavioral issues like excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Final Notes

The rat terrier is a small, agile, and intelligent breed that can be the perfect fit for the right family. Their short coat makes them relatively low maintenance, but their high energy and activity needs may make them best suited for active families or those who can ensure their dog get enough physical or mental stimulation.

Get a Dutch membership for convenient and accessible veterinary care for your rat terrier. With telemedicine for pets, pet parents can connect with licensed vets from the comfort of their homes for timely and expert advice. Our vets can also prescribe medications when necessary and have them delivered to your doorstep. Talk to a Dutch vet today to ensure the health and happiness of your rat terrier.