Rat Terrier: Your Complete Guide
The rat terrier is quickly becoming one of the more popular breeds in the United States. Rat terriers are an American dog breed with a rich history and unique background as hunting and farming dogs. Throughout most of their history, rat terriers were great companions for people in rural parts of the country. Their history also gave them great traits, including loyalty, bravery, and trainability. This makes the rat terrier a great choice for people looking to purchase or adopt a canine companion.
Whether you have a rat terrier and want to learn more about them, or if you plan on adopting one soon, we have you covered. This article takes you through everything you need to know about rat terriers. We cover their temperament, grooming needs, common health problems, and much more. Read on to learn everything you need to know.
Quick Look at the Rat Terrier
Below is a quick glance at the American rat terrier breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| 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 |
What Is the History of Rat Terriers?
Rat terriers came from England in 1820 and are the result of mixing smooth fox terriers with Manchester terriers. Rat terriers spent the next 70 years developing as a breed in England, and they made their way to the United States in 1890. At the time, these dogs weren’t the most popular, but once American breeders got a hold of them, the breed underwent some changes.
For example, American breeders began to breed them with the beagle and whippet. By breeding them with the whippet, they became fast and agile, while breeding them with the beagle added a layer of thick, dense muscle. Plus, they ended up stockier than whippets, so they had fewer hip problems.
The purpose of breeding these dogs was to help American farmers keep their farms safe from wildlife, so maintaining a strong physical presence with enough agility to chase away predators was essential. Furthermore, many breeders added Chihuahuas into the bloodline to make the American rat terrier even smaller. This made it possible for them to hunt small game like squirrels and other animals that may have endangered their crops.
Today, American rat terriers are a popular dog due to their loyalty, bravery, and Independence. The American Kennel Club (AKC) also recognized the dog in 2013, so official breed clubs can breed them with consistency. This has been great for keeping the breed happy and healthy.
What Do Rat Terriers Look Like?
Rat terriers aren’t the biggest dogs around, and they can sometimes be mistaken for other terriers, so expect similar traits. That said, there are some key differences unique to the rat terrier. Expect rat terriers to have a short coat and expect their coats to come in a wide range of colors. Some might be straight white, while others may have patches of white, black, and even tan or fawn.
Their coat is almost always short, and it hugs their small and muscular bodies. In fact, you can usually see their muscles through their coat, especially their hind legs. It’s also important to note that they can have different types of tails. Some tails may be docked, upward curved, or even a natural bobtail.
When it comes to their face, rat terriers have sharp features and a lot of definition. They have a wedge-shaped head, pointy ears, and a long snout. Their eyes tend to be black and small, and their nose is flat and black (mostly). There may be slight variations in their appearance based on the litter.
What Size Is a Rat Terrier?
Rat terriers vary in size depending on the specific dog and the genes of the parent. Therefore, it’s important to ask your breeder if you plan on purchasing a rat terrier. However, if you see one at a shelter that’s more than a year old, there’s a good chance they’re fully grown.
Expect rat terriers to weigh around 10-35 pounds and stand at around 10-18 inches at the shoulder. Male rat terriers are often larger than female rat terriers, so keep this in mind when adopting.
What Is a Rat Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?
Rat terriers have short coats that are easy to maintain and will rarely get to medium length, even if you don’t trim them. That said, their coat does require maintenance, as knotting and shedding are common. As for the type of hair, it’s short and straight but not very soft; it almost feels coarse if you go against the way the hair naturally falls. It’s also worth noting that their coats are often shiny but the texture can vary.
What Is a Rat Terrier’s Temperament?
The rat terrier has a calm temperament and can handle a lack of attention well, at least to an extent. They’re known for being reserved, kind, caring, and loyal to their companions. For this reason, developing a bond with them is important from a young age, and focusing on socialization can help them feel like members of the family.
While rat terriers are known for being calm and gentle, they can get anxious if you don’t give them enough attention. This can result in barking, biting furniture, and being rebellious. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have someone around when possible. You can also train them to reduce the impact of separation anxiety.
Are Rat Terriers Good With Kids?
Rat terriers are great with children! These dogs are loyal, playful, and ready to have some fun with your little ones. That said, make sure you watch over them as they play. Your child should be gentle with them to avoid injuring the rat terrier and it’s important to keep an eye on your dog to see if they get snippy or upset during play sessions. Thankfully, you can always correct any bad behaviors that rat terriers display when playing because they’re easy to train.
Are Rat Terriers Good With Other Animals?
Rat terriers are great with other animals, but there can be some problems if you don’t properly train and socialize them. This is because rat terriers have a prey drive and may chase after smaller animals like rats, rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals. The good news is that socialization from a young age and positive reinforcement training can prevent these problems from developing and correct bad behavior.
Are Rat Terriers Aggressive?
Rat terriers are not aggressive dogs. They may snap or bark at people who make them feel threatened, but this is rare. In fact, rat terriers won’t even be aggressive during playtime or with other animals in your home. The key to preventing aggression is early socialization and positive reinforcement training.
Do Rat Terriers Bark?
Rat terriers don’t bark unless they’re provoked, but what provokes them comes down to the individual dog. For example, if you don’t spend enough time with them, they may bark frequently when you’re not home. Their bark can be loud, so they’re not the best breed for small apartments and shared housing.
Even though rat terriers do bark sometimes, you can always correct this behavior with the right training. Crate training can help when you’re not in the house, and training for excessive barking is possible.
Are Rat Terriers Affectionate?
Rat terriers are affectionate dogs. They love to feel included and will quickly become a loving member of the family. While they’re affectionate, you may find that some rat terriers are too affectionate. You may have to train them to avoid sitting with you on the couch or lying in your bed if that’s something you’re not comfortable with. Additionally, their attachment to the family can cause separation anxiety, so this is something you should monitor.
Are Rat Terriers Intelligent?
Rat terriers are among the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet. They can be trained to watch over farms, help people who have a disability, and be productive members of the family. Rat terriers are also smart, curious, and willing to learn if you approach them properly. That said, sometimes their intelligence may get the better of them. For example, if you don’t dog-proof your yard, they may escape. Additionally, they can be rebellious if you don’t train them properly.
Are Rat Terriers Energetic?
Rat terriers are one of the calmest of terrier breeds, but that’s not saying much. Terriers are known for being energetic and needing a lot of exercise and playtime. Even in adulthood, these dogs need 1-2 hours of exercise per day. Unfortunately, 30-60 minutes won’t usually cut it, and they may act out at night or be restless before bed. For this reason, rat terriers are great for people who need a walking, running, or hiking companion.
Are Rat Terriers Easy to Train?
Rat terriers are easy dogs to train. While they can be rebellious if you’re not using positive reinforcement methods, you shouldn’t have a hard time training them. Their high intelligence helps them remain alert and curious to learn new things.
Rat terriers also have the ability to learn dozens of complex commands and can perform well in agility competitions or at show-dog events. That said, this will require more work and often assistance from a professional unless you’re a professional dog trainer.
Are Rat Terriers Good Watchdogs?
Rat terriers make great watchdogs. They’re loyal, affectionate, brave, and caring, so they have your back when you need it. You can also train them to bark at strangers or protect your belongings. While they’re not the scariest dogs to look at, you’ll find that they can function as a deterrent with their loud bark. For these reasons, you shouldn’t have any issues turning rat terriers into good watchdogs.
Are Rat Terriers Good Service Dogs?
Rat terriers make great service dogs! They’re smart enough to handle complex tasks, and if you teach them from a young age, they can do just about anything. Rat terriers can open doors and escort people through thick crowds in the event of a panic attack, in addition to retrieving various items. That said, you’ll have to work with a professional for this level of training or spend a few years training them on your own. Rat terriers are not suited for mobility support or tasks that require lots of strength due to their smaller size.
Additionally, rat terriers make great psychiatric service dogs. They’re emotionally intelligent and have no issues remembering when someone should take medication. Plus, they can be trained to help with panic attacks and spot the signs of anxiety before it gets worse. That said, psychiatric service dog training is needed before they can handle these tasks.
Lastly, rat terriers make great emotional support dogs. You can bring them with you to otherwise non-pet-friendly housing if you have an ESA letter; you’ll need to contact a licensed mental health professional to get one of these letters.
How to Care for a Rat Terrier?
Caring for a rat terrier is pretty standard, and if you’ve had a dog in the past, don’t expect anything too different. They need a healthy diet, routine checkups with the vet, and grooming every four to six weeks. Most health problems can be prevented with routine care, and if you care for them properly, they can live long and healthy lives.
Do You Need to Groom a Rat Terrier?
Every dog needs to be groomed, and the American rat terrier is no exception. Therefore, make sure you take them to a professional every four to six weeks to have them cleaned. Groomers should also check their nails, anal glands, and ears for signs of infection. Routine brushing will help them bond with you and prevent knots, so that’s something you can do at home.
One important factor to consider is their teeth. Rat terriers are known for having bad teeth, so make sure you have healthy treats that promote dental health and brush them at least three times per week.
Do Rat Terriers Shed?
Rat terriers are low-maintenance in most cases. However, they do shed seasonally. Expect more hair to collect around the house when the seasons change. The most excessive shedding you’ll experience is during the fall and spring months, so keep this in mind and your vacuum handy. That said, they don’t shed more or less than other dogs.
What Health Problems Do Rat Terriers Have?
Rat terriers are a healthy breed, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to health problems. You’ll find that some rat terriers can come down with illnesses later in life, along with gum disease and other dental health issues. Fortunately, brushing their teeth should be enough to help them here. Rat terriers have also been known to develop hip dysplasia or loose kneecaps (patellar luxation). Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is also common in rat terriers. Unfortunately, this condition can impact the blood flow to the hip and result in the bone collapsing.
Cardiac problems, eye degeneration, and joint pain are also common rat terriers as they grow older. The good news is that many conditions can be prevented with routine care, proper diet, and plenty of exercise. However, generic conditions are more challenging to treat, so ask about any pre-existing conditions before adopting or purchasing a rat terrier.
How Long Do Rat Terriers Live?
Rat terriers can live long and healthy lives if you care for them properly. Feed them well, make sure they get plenty of exercise, and address health conditions early to prevent problems. If you care for them properly, you’ll find that rat terriers can live for about 15-18 years, and sometimes even longer!
What Should a Rat Terrier Eat?
Rat terriers should eat a diet that’s high in protein and carbohydrates due to their energy levels. Fat is also important, but you don’t have to worry about this nutrient as much. Look for kibble and wet food that’s formulated for medium-sized dogs for the best results. You can usually find this online or at your local pet store. Table food can be a good addition to their diet, along with treats, but make sure they’re healthy.
Is a Rat Terrier the Right Dog for Me?
Rat terriers are great dogs, but they’re not for everyone. They work best for people who have enough time and space to care for them due to their separation anxiety. People who have the time to train and bond with them will also find the relationship more rewarding than people who don’t have time to participate.
Rat terriers can also be a good choice for people who need a watchdog that’s not overly aggressive or a service dog. Ultimately, rat terriers are a good choice for people who have the time and patience to care for them.
The only time we would recommend against adopting a rat terrier is if you’re out of the house often or if you don’t have a lot of space. Living in small studio apartments is also not the best for a rat terrier unless you have access to a dog park and places to walk.