Rat Terrier

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6-35 lbs
10-18"
United States
Teddy’s Terrier, Rattie

When 19th century American farmers needed a small rodent hunter, they crossbred multiple Terrier breeds with Whippets, Greyhounds, and Beagles to create the lovable Rat Terrier. This dog was quick and adept at hunting rodents and other vermin above and below the ground. Also an excellent watchdog and companion, the Rat Terrier became a staple on farms throughout the nation. Today, this small or miniature dog can be seen playing with his family in the country or city. With little grooming needs and boundless energy, the Rat Terrier excels at dog sports, is ever vigilant of his loved ones, and is a lively addition to any household.
purpose Purpose
Vermin Hunting
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

Rat Terrier Health

Average Size
Male Rat Terrier size stats
Height: 10-18 inches Weight: 6-35 lbs
Female Rat Terrier size stats
Height: 10-18 inches Weight: 6-35 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Demodectic Mange
  • Epilepsy
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Color Dilution Alopecia
  • Teeth Issues
Occasional Tests
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • X-Rays
  • Dental Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Skin Evaluation

Rat Terrier Breed History

The Rat Terrier is truly an American made dog. It was bred in the 1800s in the States by crossing various fox and European Terriers common at the time, such as Bull Terriers, English White Terriers, and Manchester Terriers. Later, these dogs were bred with Whippets, Beagles, Greyhounds, and yet more Terriers until a small dog gifted with speed, versatility, a spectacular nose, and a great disposition was created. The Rat Terrier was a multi-purpose farm dog who could hunt rodents and other vermin both above and below ground, and could course small game. By the early 20th century, this breed was one of the most common working dogs seen on a farm. Demand for the breed grew due to their intelligence and cheerful disposition. Theodore Roosevelt was quite fond of them, and brought them to the White House during his presidency, which gained them the nickname of “Teddy’s Terriers.” As people began to move away from the farms and into the cities, the Rat Terrier began to dwindle in popularity as farm ratting dogs were no longer as needed. The breed was not forgotten, however, and the United Kennel Club recognized it as a distinct breed in 1999. In the media, Shirley MacLaine wrote about her Rat Terrier, “Terry,” in her book, “Out on a Leash.” In 2013, the Rat Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Rat Terrier Breed Appearance

The small Rat Terrier comes in two sizes, a miniature that ranges from 10 to 13 inches in height, and a standard that ranges from 13 to 18 inches in height. Both types are sturdy, compact dogs that are muscular and athletic. Slightly longer than tall, this well-balanced terrier boasts a strong, arched neck that blends into flat shoulder blades. A wide chest and a level back are supported by muscular legs that allow for an efficient and speedy gait. Paws are oval, compact, and moderately arched, with strong nails and thick pads. The dewclaws on the front paws are sometimes removed. Tails can be naturally bobbed or long, and may be docked. The head resembles a smooth and blunt wedge with a moderately wide skull that is flat on top. The muzzle is shorter and tapers along the sides to a pigmented nose. Jaws are strong with a scissors bite. An intelligent and alert expression beams from the face. Oval eyes are set wide apart, and can come in shades of brown, hazel, gray, and blue. V-shaped ears are either bent at the tips or stand upright. The coat consists of short, smooth, and shiny hair in a variation of pied patterning. Pied refers to large patches of one or multiple color combinations mixed with white. Colors outside the pied patterning can include black, browns to tans, red, white, sable, brindle, lemon, or fawn. 

Rat Terrier Breed Maintenance

The Rat Terrier needs minimal grooming. Brush his coat weekly with a brush or curry mitt. You may need to brush him more often in the spring and fall when he tends to shed. An occasional bath when needed can keep the Rattie looking his best. Do not bathe too often, however, as it can irritate his skin. Rat Terriers can have dental issues, so be sure to regularly brush their teeth, at least one to three times weekly. They can have fast growing nails which should be trimmed regularly to prevent splitting and cracking. Ears should be checked and cleaned routinely. This breed of Terrier is an active and athletic dog, and thrives with daily exercise. The Rat Terrier is happy on the farm, or in the city, so long as he gets daily walks and play sessions. Obedience and agility events, and dog sports are other ways to keep this dog stimulated. While they can be crate trained, they shouldn’t be kenneled, tied up, or left outside often, as they need to be around people. 

Rat Terrier Temperament

These friendly, confident, and lively dogs make great family companions that thrive with plenty of attention. They are inquisitive and fearless, so give them plenty to do or else they can dig their way to adventure. With their family, they can be courageous watchdogs, and are often wary of strangers. They are playful companions to children when raised with them. The Rat Terrier tends to get along with other dogs. On a farm, they may live peacefully with livestock too. But in any environment, small, quick moving animals like squirrels or rodents may get chased. This breed is sensitive, calm, and eager to please, making them easy to train with consistent and positive reinforcement. They can excel at dog sports, such as agility, coursing, and flyball. Their boundless energy needs exercise, which can include long walks, running, and playing with their family. At the end of the day, these lovable and devoted dogs will be happy to cuddle up with a special someone.
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Written by Darlene Stott

Published: 10/11/2017, edited: 08/18/2021

More articles by Darlene Stott

Rat Terrier Owner Experiences

Bull
15 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loved to run and just lay out in the sun.
My dog is 15 years old and experiencing a lot of health issues. He was so loving and smart growing up. I just hate to see him go through this.
7 years, 1 month ago
Bull
15 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loved to run and just lay out in the sun.
My dog is 15 years old and experiencing a lot of health issues. He was so loving and smart growing up. I just hate to see him go through this.
7 years, 1 month ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
sniff
bark
trot
Rat Terriers are great little dogs but they are very picky about people and other dogs. They think highly of themselves and walk around like they own the place. Rat Terriers are intelligent dogs and can definitely be trained. They’re small but they can walk long distances no problem. They do get cold very easily though.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This one was not hyper but he did have the energy and desire to sprint for a couple of blocks.
6 years, 11 months ago
12 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Run
I have a rat terrier, and she is a very hyper dog! I have to walk or run her in my yard for at least an hour or she'll be bouncing off the walls. If anyone new comes over, she'll jump and lick all over them. Honestly, she just loves to jump around, play-wrestle, and lick all over everybody! But she's fairly well trained, and when she settles down she's so sweet, she just wants to lick everyone to death. She's protective, but not to the point where we can't take her anywhere, and her size makes it easy to travel with her. She's great for hiking with for a few hours too, but I probably wouldn't try 8-hour hikes with her. A great and sociable breed!
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
Tug-of-war
chasing
Fetch
Jumping
Running
Rat terriers are SUPER smart and quick to learn. They are friendly and energetic and make such great family dogs. This one was a puppy and she had endless energy!! She was also very intelligent.. her food was a mixed color kibble, and she would only eat the red pieces!!! They have incredible personalities and are so fun to look after.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The one Rat Terrier I have walked was very affectionate and enjoyed her walk. She warmed up to me the moment she met me and was very sweet. She pulled quite a bit on her walk, but with her being so small, it was not an issue on her walk. She loved to sniff around. She seemed to have a good amount of energy and was always on the move when not sniffing around. She was not a fan of other dogs that would walk near us. She would bark continuously at them, although listened very well when told to “leave it”. She seemed much more energetic on her walk and then when I was at her home, she seemed like she just wanted to hang out and cuddle. I think a Rat Terrier is an all around great dog and a great addition to any family!
6 years, 11 months ago
Chico
9 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Chico is my Rat Terrier who is a very active dog that loves going and walks, to the park, and eating treats. Rat Terriers luckily don't require very much grooming at all just brushing their fur once in a while. most Rat terriers have pointy ears, but Chico has floppy ears and he loves meeting new people and going on hikes with our other dog Rocky!
6 years, 2 months ago
Aretha Claire
5 Months
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is my first Rat Terrier. She is the perfect fit for my life, my acreage, and my activities. Smart? Unbelievably smart. Reserved since at one time a man abused her badly. She (and I) have trust issues. We are learning together.
5 years, 9 months ago
Willow
8 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have a rat terrier and I can’t live without her! I’ve had her since I was 9 and she’s literally my daughter with 4 legs. She’s very friendly with her family but she’s shy with strangers but will go up to them and sniff them to get to know them. She doesn’t like other pets! She will bark at them or run away from them. She’s pretty hard to train because she likes to do what she wants. Every day when I come home from school, she gets all excited. She jumps on me and licks me. What makes her unique is that she has a Black and Tan patched eye and her ear is Black and Tan as well. She is also tiny for her breed and she weighs only 8 pounds. A lot of people mistake her for a chihuahua but she’s actually a miniature rat terrier. I love her so much!
5 years, 6 months ago
Nia
5 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Walk
She is nice and mean but she is very good
4 years, 7 months ago
Daisy May
10 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My husband and I rescued our fur daughter, Dasiy May. She was extremely neglected medically, emotionally, and was physically abused. When we first adopted her we literally brought her back from the brink of death. She was VERY insecure, scared, and in her shell. She is an only child so all of our attention is given to our lil angel. As the yrs. have rolled on she is hilarious. She is back to good health and the bond that we share will NEVER be broke. She is our lil ball of sunshine. She is so smart and very attentive. She has a lot of personality. She can get us laughing at her. Especially when she gets the zoomies! She doesn't care for big dogs but I believe it's because of her past. At home, she's a couch potato but when out She absolutely loves long walks through the park. Overall, she is very sensitive, loving & entertaining. We couldn't have asked for a better companion.
4 years, 2 months ago
Kora
12 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Kora is AMAZING, we got her when she was very young. I trained her since she was a baby, she knows fifteen tricks now! she is an extraordinary swimmer! I love Kora so much, these dogs are worth it.
3 years, 11 months ago
chico
9 Months
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play keep away
Play
Loves to snuggle, likes to be on my shoulders, pulls on me when he wants to play, pouts when I am gone when there are other people that are here. Big Baby
3 years, 9 months ago
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