AKC Dog Breeds: Rat Terrier

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Foundation Stock Service® Breed
Height: 14-23  inches  Weight: 12-35 pounds  
Color:
  red and white, tri-spotted, solid red, black & tan, blue & white and red brindle

The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a rich and varied background as an all-around farm dog. The breed name comes from the occupation of its earliest ancestors; brought to the US by working class British migrants, these quick, tough little dogs gained their fame in rat pit gambling. However they were, for the most part, bred for speed. Their speed is used for controlling vermin and hunting squirrels, hare, and other small game. Like all terriers of this type, Rat Terriers most likely developed from crosses among the extinct English White Terrier, Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and Whippets. After the 1890s, as the breed type became popular in America, other breeds were added to the mix. Beagle, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers, and Chihuahuas were likely used to add scenting ability, speed, and smaller size. Rat Terriers were cherished as loyal and efficient killers of vermin on 20th century American Farms, as well as excellent hunting companions. As a result 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 onwards. Fortunately breed loyalists maintained the bloodline, leading to the modern Rat Terrier we enjoy today. The Rat Terrier has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2004.

General Appearance
The Rat Terrier is a well-muscled dog with a deep chest, strong shoulders, solid neck, and powerful legs. Their bodies are compact but meaty. The ears can be upright or tipped and are carried erect when the dog is alert. They can be born with short or full length tails, each being left in its natural state or docked at two days of age. The coat colors include, pearls, sables, chocolates, red and white, tri-spotted, solid red, black & tan, blue & white and red brindle. Breeders concerned with working dogs are not as fussy about the specifics of the looks.

Temperament
Although often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a different profile and a very different temperament. Rat Terriers are finer of bone and have a more refined head. They always have a short single coat, i.e. they are never wire coated. Rat Terriers tend to be less aggressive than Jack Russells; while they have a definite terrier personality they also have an "off switch" and love lounging on the sofa in a lap as much as tearing about the yard. Rat Terriers are normally cheerful dogs but they tend to be more sensitive and at times calmer than Jack Russells to changes in their environment, owner's moods, or to unexpected noises, people, and activities. The "social sensitivity" of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Proper socialization of a rat terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first 3 months of life. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise.

Grooming

Rat Terriers do not require much in the grooming area. The Rat Terrier has a very short coat lying close to the body of the dog. Brushing with a firm bristle or rubber brush occasionally will remove any loose or dead hair. Baths are only necessary approximately once every six months. Bathing too often will remove the natural oils from the coat, which can cause skin problems that this breed is prone to having. The Rat Terrier should be protected from cold weather via sweaters as this breed has a very short coat and gets cold very easily.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy

Rat Terriers have a life expectancy of 15-18 years. They are a hardy breed with few known problems. Rat terriers have a tendency to overeat and become lazy and need to be exercised regularly to avoid the complications associated with obesity. 

Activity Level
A small yard should be sufficient for the small yet energetic Rat Terrier. They love regular romps free, however are escape artists and should always be kept on lead or in a fenced area. This breed should be trained not to pull on lead, and does very well on long walks or jogs. Rat Terriers should have at least 40 minutes of exercise per day to avoid overeating and/or laziness, which this breed is prone to.






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Rat Terrier dog featured in dog encyclopedia