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Rat Terrier
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
10-13 inches at the shoulder, 10-25 pounds
Coat Type:
Short, soft, shiny
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Lively, alert, smart, kind
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
15-18 years
Adopting a Rat Terrier: An Overview
If you’re looking to bring some energy and spark into your life, a rat terrier is just the breed to get. As suggested by their name, rat terriers were developed to hunt vermin and rats. Because of their intelligence combined with nimble movement, they made great vermin hunters and were used on farms in the 20th century. Another characteristic that made them excel in their work is their speed, thanks to their light frame and compact, muscular build.
Over the years, the breed has transitioned from champion prey hunters to beloved family pets. Rat terriers are super friendly and love being involved in their family’s day-to-day lives. They’ll want to follow their human around and aren’t hesitant about demanding attention. They have feisty personalities and are always up for play. This is also because they were bred to be active and work all day long, staying alert for any mice to catch.
Rat terriers, also known as Ratties, come in two sizes, miniature and standard. Miniature rat terriers stand 10 to 13 inches tall, while standard terriers are generally taller and can be as tall as 18 inches. Their weight ranges between 10 and 15 pounds. Despite being small dogs, rat terriers have a distinguished air to them.
Their coats are short, dense, and smooth, which further adds to their lithe, athletic appearance. Their fur comes in several colors, including black, white, and tan. These pups have bright, expressive eyes that offer a glimpse into their mischievous personalities. Rat terriers can have long, short, or docked tails, depending on the traits they’ve inherited.
The adoption process for rat terrier dogs can be slightly complicated, as they are not easily found in rescue or adoption shelters. They are among the less commonly surrendered breeds, so their numbers are low in rescue centers. You may have to wait a fair few months before you can be matched with a rat terrier. It can help to search for rat terriers in a breed-specific shelter, since they only house a specific breed. There are many shelters dedicated to rescuing and rehoming rat terrier dogs, so you can begin your adoption journey by connecting with them. To find breed-specific shelters near you, you can conduct a Google search and verify the reputation of the organizations and shelters you come across. You can also join local groups for rat terrier dogs and ask the dog owners for information on breed-specific shelters.
Once you’ve shortlisted the organizations you want to explore for adoption, you can reach out to them to fill out an application. They will review your details and match you with a dog. Good rescue organizations make sure to find the right match for the dog rather than for the prospective owner. If they’ve found a rat terrier dog that matches your application details, the shelter will reach out to you to begin the adoption process.
You will have to visit the dog to interact with it. If everything clicks, then the shelter may conduct a house check to ensure that the details you’ve filled out in your application are correct. Once the verification is complete, you will have to pay the adoption fee.
For rat terriers, the adoption fee differs based on the shelter or organization you are adopting from. Public shelters usually have lower fees, ranging between $100 and $200. On the other hand, private shelters have higher fees to cover health checks, vaccinations, and training on their end. You expect to pay up to $500 in adoption charges if the organization is breed-specific.
To learn more about adopting a rat terrier and their care needs, read ahead.
Rat Terriers For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted Rat Terrier?
If you’ve been matched with a rat terrier or you’re thinking about adoption, it is essential to know about the breed’s care requirements. When you first bring your adopted rat terrier home, expect your pup to be a little shy and reserved in the beginning. They may not be very enthusiastic and behave in a way that you think is uncharacteristic of the breed. But your adopted rat terrier will need some time to adjust to their new environment.
To make it easy for your dog to transition into its new home, be patient with them and give them their space. If they are not too cuddly or want to keep their distance, respect their boundaries. Allow them to settle into the house by providing them with a structure. Schedule their feeding and playing times consistently so they can have a sense of routine to their days.
You can also create a dog corner for them where you place their bed and toys so that they have a safe space to retreat to whenever they feel like. Rat terriers are loving dogs, but they are also very attentive and curious toward their environments. A big change from their previous living situation can make them feel anxious in the beginning, but slowly, they will start to warm up.
It is recommended to provide them with training early on. They are clever dogs and are friendly with their humans. This makes them fairly easy to train. Your adopted rat terrier dog might take some time to respond to training, so it is important to be patient, yet persistent. They may act a little stubborn, but you will have no problem breaking the ice as long as you employ positive training methods. Give them a lot of praise or reward them with treats when they are obedient to your commands. This will help them learn better and also help bond with you.
Rat terriers are also great family pets, so early socialization is recommended for them. Introduce them to family members, children, and other house pets gradually. They feel best when they feel like they are a member of the family, so be proactive about including them in any activities you do.
When it comes to day-to-day care, keeping up with grooming needs is important. Rat terriers have short, dense coats that don’t shed much, so you’ll have to brush them only about twice per week. They need regular ear cleaning and dental hygiene. Brush their teeth once per day to avoid cavities or dental disease.
The most significant part of caring for a rat terrier is ensuring their mental stimulation and exercise needs are met. These dogs are very active both physically and mentally, so owners should be prepared to keep up with their energy levels.
They were bred to be on their feet all day, staying attentive and hunting vermin. This translates into their temperament as well, making them curious dogs. You should plan at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise for them every day. This can be in the form of walks, or games such as fetch and tug of war.
Ratties love a good puzzle or mental challenge, so look into problem-solving games and toys for them. If a rat terrier feels bored, know that it will find a way to entertain itself, and you may not necessarily like it!
Rat terriers also have a habit of getting into corners or finding ways to escape, so you’ll have to redirect their attention by keeping them active and involved in your life. When you take them outdoors, make sure to keep them on a leash. They may get excited when they see a prey animal and try to chase after them.
Planning the right diet is another aspect of caring for your adopted rat terrier. Feed them a balanced, nutritious diet to support their activity levels and fast metabolism. Divide their food into two portions served at separate meal times to replenish their hunger. You can also visit the vet to determine the right foods and quantity to serve for your dog’s weight and activity levels.
Finally, regular health checks are essential to keep rat terriers happy and spirited. They are predisposed to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and dental disease. Keeping up with their symptoms can ensure they live a long life.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Rat Terrier As Your First Dog?
Rat terriers are great first dogs for inexperienced owners, provided that they are willing to match their activity needs. These dogs are very affectionate and will blend right in as a family member.
They enjoy being considered a part of the group, and will be curious about what you’re doing in your day. Expect your adopted rat terrier to shadow you around the house. Their eager-to-please temperament makes them trainable and obedient.
However, for owners with busy lifestyles, this breed will not be the right fit. Inexperienced owners who cannot commit to giving their dog lots of time and attention should reconsider adopting a rat terrier. It can be difficult to manage their energy if you can’t provide them with an outlet to channel their spiritedness.
Adopt the Right Rat Terrier for You
The right rat terrier for you is one that you can accommodate within your lifestyle and living environment. Keep in mind that younger rat terriers have higher exercise requirements, and older rat terriers may be calmer.
Make sure to ask the adoption center for information on the dog’s temperament and their daily routine. You can also meet the dog in the adoption center to get a better idea of whether or not you’ll be able to care for them.
If you find a rat terrier that matches you, rest assured that you’ll be welcoming an intelligent and lovable companion that you’ll cherish forever.
