Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–18 years
Weight
4–11 kg
Height
25–46 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
White and Black · White and Tan · Tricolor · Blue and White
Rat Terrier
About This Breed
The Rat Terrier is an American farm dog and hunting companion prized for its rat-catching abilities. President Theodore Roosevelt is credited with naming the breed. They are lively, intelligent, and loyal family dogs.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Rat Terrier
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Terriers |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 4–11 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years |
| Height | 25–46 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | White and Black · White and Tan · Tricolor · Blue and White |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Intelligent · Alert · Lively · Loving |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
Rat Terriers are every bit as tenacious and active as they are entertaining and funny, which makes this adorable little dog a fantastic fit for some families—but a challenge for those who aren’t patient or ready to laugh at their antics. Between this, their intelligence, and their energy levels, they’re typically best suited to experienced pet parents. Bred to hunt rats, as their name suggests, Rat Terriers are bright and nimble. While they can still certainly excel in the hunt, this is a very family-oriented dog that wants to join in with whatever his people happen to be doing.
Care Guide
“Rat Terriers are, in general, the ‘jack-of-all-trades’ of the terrier world,” says Tracey Kallas, an AKC judge, vice president and judges education coordinator for the Rat Terrier Club of America and owner of K2 Rat Terriers. She’s been breeding, training, showing, and loving the breed for 30 years. Rat Terriers are incredible hunters, containing the intelligence and sense of humor that you’d expect in a terrier. They also have a strong desire to be with their people; this is not a breed that enjoys being left alone for long periods. Athletic and playful, Rat Terriers are feisty, funny dogs that need an appropriate outlet for their energy. If they’re restless or bored, they may use their bright mind to come up with a way to entertain themselves that you’re unlikely to appreciate. Grooming, however, is generally a cinch thanks to their slick, tight coat—but be aware that they do still shed.