Rat TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care
Rat Terrier. · tiarescott (Flickr) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Cropped and resized.
The Rat Terrier is an American terrier with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion, very common on family farms in the 1920s–1930s. The AKC describes it as alert, intelligent and friendly, extremely easy to train, sensitive and intuitive, and eager to please its owner. It comes in two sizes, miniature and standard. It is not recognised by the FCI; the AKC and the UKC recognise it.
Quick facts
| Common name | Rat Terrier |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Official recognition | Not recognised by the FCI; recognised by the AKC and the UKC |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | miniature 25–33 cm; standard 33–46 cm; 4.5–11 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | the same two sizes |
| Coat type | Short, dense, smooth and shiny |
| Common colours | Pied, in several combinations |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes, with enough exercise |
| Temperament | Alert, intelligent, friendly, sensitive |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Very good, according to the AKC |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs of its own size or larger |
| Genetic predispositions | Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, heart and eye diseases |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the Rat Terrier is an American breed with a background as a farm and hunting dog, related to the small hunting dogs known as “feists”. It was very common on family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, and today it is considered a rare breed.
Wikipedia notes that the oldest known ratting dog is “Hatch”, whose remains were found on the Mary Rose, the flagship of Henry VIII, which sank in 1545 and was raised in 1982.
How the breed developed
- 1920s–1930s – Very common on American farms.
- Today – Recognised by the AKC and the UKC.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★★ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★★☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★★ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed; the breed is not recognised by the FCI.
Physical characteristics
The AKC describes it as balanced and compact, tough but elegant. There are two sizes: miniature (25–33 cm) and standard (over 33 cm, up to 46 cm).
General appearance
The coat is short, dense, smooth and shiny and needs very little grooming.
| Feature | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height at the withers | 25–46 cm, in two sizes |
| Weight | 4.5–11 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Short, glossy |
| Colour | Pied |
| Type | Terrier |
The AKC says the smooth, shiny coat comes in various pied patterns.
Training and socialisation
The AKC says it is extremely intelligent and easy to train, although some can be stubborn. It excels at agility, obedience, rally and other sports. It is unusually sensitive and intuitive and loves to please its owner.
Early socialisation is important; it gets on well with dogs of its own size or larger.
Tips for effective training
- Use praise. It is sensitive and eager to please.
- Try dog sports. It excels at agility.
- Socialise it early. The AKC recommends it.
- Keep its mind busy. The AKC gives it 5 out of 5 for mental stimulation needs.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says some are happy with indoor play, but most thrive on daily walks and ball games in a fenced area.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Fitness |
| Ball games | daily | Energy |
| Agility or rally | weekly | A busy mind |
Tips for a balanced life
- It can also live in an apartment.
- The fence must be secure.
- Keep it on a lead in the street.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the short, dense coat is very easy to care for: a weekly brush with a soft brush or a grooming mitt and a bath about once a month.
Common health problems
The AKC says the breed is generally very healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place | Suddenly holds a hind leg up for a few steps, then uses it again |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease | The head of the thigh bone deteriorates | Limping |
| Heart and eye diseases | Hereditary conditions | Tiredness, poor eyesight |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' genetic tests.
- Brush its teeth often.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 kg | 350 kcal | 390 kcal | 88–111 g |
| 7 kg | 480 kcal | 540 kcal | 120–150 g |
| 11 kg | 680 kcal | 760 kcal | 170–220 g |
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The farm dog. Very common in the 1920s–1930s.
- Two sizes. Miniature and standard.
- Related to the feists. Small American hunting dogs.
- Sensitive and intuitive. That is how the AKC describes it.
- Long-lived. The AKC gives 12–18 years.
Frequently asked questions
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No; the AKC and the UKC recognise it.
Is it good with children?
Yes; the AKC gives it the top score.
Is it easy to train?
Yes, very.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–18 years.
