How to Adopt a Rat Terrier in New York

The rat terrier is a compact yet spritely breed with a reputation for being one of the best hunting dog companions around. Although they possess all the traits of a stellar working dog — an alert nature, athletic build, and high energy level, to name a few — they can make an excellent family companion too! They’re loyal and incredibly affectionate with their loved ones.

While you can find reputable rat terrier breeders all throughout New York, choosing to adopt means you’ll be helping a dog have the second chance at life they deserve. Your money will also go towards funding the rescue or shelter’s mission to help other animals too.

Below, we’ll discuss exactly how to adopt a rat terrier in New York to ensure you know what to expect. We’ll also cover what you need to know about the breed, from their care needs to their temperament and energy level.

What Are Rat Terriers Like?

The rat terrier is a small-to-medium-sized dog who possesses all the traits you would expect to see in a sturdy terrier breed, including an athletic physique, perky ears, alert expression, and short coat. The rat terrier’s fur comes in an array of colors and often has pied patterning.

Despite their tough appearance, the rat terrier is incredibly loving and devoted to their owners. They will feel right at home with a family in New York who have plenty of time to care for them and can put their muscles to good use.

What Is a Rat Terrier’s Temperament? The rat terrier is a tenacious, courageous, and alert dog. Like most terriers, they’re adept at staying calm under pressure and are work-driven at heart. They can be strong-willed and tend to follow their own gut (and nose). However, they thrive under the care of a confident yet patient owner. They also appreciate being given a job to do, whether in the form of training or dog sports like lure coursing or agility. When they’re not out on the field, the rat terrier transforms into a gentle, faithful, and affectionate companion. They form strong bonds and will soak up all the attention on offer. In fact, the rat terrier is so attached to their humans that they often experience separation anxiety when alone. They fare best with people who can spend time playing, training, and bonding with them throughout the day.

How Active Are Rat Terriers? The rat terrier is relatively calm considering their terrier heritage, though that doesn’t mean they require less exercise. Packed within their small frame is plenty of energy. Most rat terriers need at least an hour of exercise each day. With this in mind, the rat terrier is best suited to families in New York who have access to a spacious backyard and enjoy vigorous activities such as running and hiking. Rat terriers are also quick-witted dogs who require plenty of mental stimulation. Without enough mental stimulation, rat terriers can quickly become bored and restless, which can manifest as destructive behaviors like excessive barking. Obedience training, interactive games, puzzle toys, and agility can be great ways to mentally stimulate these pups. Rat terriers enjoy variety and love to have their brains challenged, so you may want to consider enrolling them at one of New York’s doggy daycare facilities, such as DOGMA. Here, they’ll be able to partake in a wide array of activities under the supervision and guidance of a professional. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Rat Terriers?

The rat terrier comes in two recognized size varieties: miniature and standard. Miniature rat terriers stand 10 to 13 inches at the withers and weigh around 10 to 15 pounds, while standard rat terriers reach 13 to 18 inches tall and weigh up to 25 pounds.

Your rat terrier’s exact size will ultimately depend on the genes of their parents and factors like their upbringing, health, age, and lifestyle. In general, expect males to be slightly larger than females.

What Are a Rat Terrier’s Grooming Needs?

The rat terrier has a short, smooth, and shiny coat that is generally easy to manage. A brush once a week will keep their fur looking glossy and prevent mats from forming. They do shed moderately, however, so they aren’t the best fit for those who struggle with fur allergies.

Rat terriers usually won’t require professional grooming, though it’s important to wash them once every month and clean their ears regularly. You should also brush their teeth daily with a pet-friendly toothpaste.

What Are Common Rat Terrier Health Issues?

The rat terrier is a sturdy dog with a long average lifespan. However, as is the case for every breed, they are prone to certain health issues that you need to be mindful of when deciding to adopt. This includes conditions such as:

• Patella luxation
• Hip dysplasia
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Cardiac disease

Although some of these conditions may seem frightening at first glance, many can be prevented or managed with regular vet checkups, a nutritious diet, and daily exercise.

What Is a Rat Terrier’s Lifespan?

The rat terrier has an average life expectancy of 12 to 18 years if cared for properly, making them one of the longest living breeds around. Some rat terriers may be able to live even longer if they avoid serious health issues throughout their lives.

Are Rat Terriers Good With Other Animals or Kids?

Rat terriers are loving companions, though they aren’t the best fit with other animals due to their high prey drives. While training and socialization can help minimize their prey drive to an extent, they are terriers at heart, and these instincts will always be a part of them.

Rat terriers are gentle, loyal, and playful, and their rambunctious energy level is sure to be a hit with kids. That said, they should only be housed with older kids who can handle them with care. Rough play with younger children can potentially lead to injuries.

Are Rat Terriers Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

The rat terrier typically isn’t the best choice for first-time dog parents in New York. They have a high energy level, strong prey drive, and tenacious, independent spirit — qualities that can be challenging for both experienced and novice owners alike.

However, they can still be a good option for those who are willing to put enough time into their care and training. The rat terrier will particularly thrive with an owner in New York who leads an active lifestyle and has access to a spacious backyard where they can freely run and play. They’re also better suited to suburban or more remote areas rather than bustling cities like NYC.

If you’re prepared for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with a faithful, adventure-loving companion like no other.

How Do You Adopt a Rat Terrier in New York?

Rat terriers often end up in rescue shelters at no fault of their own; many sadly purchase these dogs unaware of the full extent of their needs. By choosing to adopt a rat terrier, you’ll be showing them what true love and care are all about while helping the shelter with their mission too.

Adopting a rat terrier in New York isn’t as daunting as it seems, either. While every shelter will have their own specific adoption policies and protocols, they typically follow similar steps:

• Fill out an adoption application form for the rat terrier you’re interested in. You will usually be expected to provide details about your home environment, lifestyle, household members, and finances.
• Wait to hear back from the shelter or rescue organization. If they feel you might be a good match, they’ll usually be in touch within a few weeks to schedule an in-person meeting.
• Attend an in-person meeting with staff so that they can further assess your compatibility. You will also be able to meet the rat terrier at this stage and learn more about their history and care requirements.
• Arrange for a home check. Some shelters may conduct home checks to verify your claims and ensure your neighborhood environment is suitable for the rat terrier.
• Pay the adoption fee. If the shelter accepts your application, you will pay the adoption fee and sign any necessary paperwork.
• Schedule a time to pick up your new forever companion. Most rescue organizations will allow you to take your rat terrier home with you within a few weeks.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Rat Terrier in New York?

Adopting a rat terrier in New York typically incurs a fee of $50 to $150, though you may need to pay more in certain circumstances. For instance, you may need to pay more if you reside in a city like NYC, where the cost of living is higher overall. Some rescue organizations also increase the adoption fee if the rat terrier is a puppy due to greater demand.

How Should I Train a Rat Terrier?

Like most terrier dogs, rat terriers are known to be strong-willed and love to challenge their owners. Although they are more difficult to train than eager-to-please breeds, they often respond extremely well to reward-based training methods or ‘positive reinforcement.’

Positive reinforcement techniques keep your rat terrier motivated with the use of high-value rewards like treats and praise. They also help to build your rat terrier’s trust and confidence in you, which can mitigate their urge to challenge your commands.

While we can’t go into too much detail here, you can learn more about this training approach, and crucially, how to use it effectively, by investing in an online dog training course. Dog Academy’s Basic Obedience Training Program is a great option for first-time owners as it’s affordable and covers the essentials in a digestible, study-at-your-own-pace format.

Find the Right Rat Terrier in New York for You

The rat terrier can be more challenging to handle than other breeds. However, with a family who can give them the exercise and mental stimulation they need to thrive, they make a truly perfect forever companion.

There are plenty of rat terriers available for adoption in New York, but it’s important to take your time and not rush the process. When reviewing adoptable rat terriers, you should speak to the rescue staff to learn about their temperament, history, and care needs. The more information you know, the better chance you’ll have of finding a rat terrier who matches your personality and lifestyle.