This breed of dog is rather rare and known for being an intelligent and active companion. They are good family pets and are apt for chasing away pests and rodents. Their ancestry can be traced back to the tough breed of Feasts. The breed of Rat Terrier rose to prominence during the 1920’s and 1930’s when they were used in the American farms to keep the crops safe from rodents and other nuisances.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United States of America
Used for: Family pet, pest control, companion
Average Life Span: 13-18 years
Color: Black, brown, grey, bi-coloured with at least one being white
Coat: Smooth and single coat
Average Height: 13.2-16.8 inches
Average Weight: 10-25 pounds
Group: Terrier
History and Domestication
The Rat Terrier was bred in America using different breeds like the European Terrier and the Fox Terrier that were a common sight during the 19th Century. Some other varieties that were mixed to create a Rat Terrier included the Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, Feist and Italian Greyhound. Since they were predominantly used for chasing away the pests and rodents in the farmlands, its users experimented to create much faster and smell sensitive variety. These were bred with many snap dog breeds like the Whippets, Toy Fox Terrier and other such quick dogs. This resulted in a descendent that is now quick to react, a fast runner and possesses a keen sense of smell.
Standard Physical Characteristics
A Rat Terrier boasts of strong shoulders and a compact yet muscled and meaty body with sturdy legs and a proud neck. They usually have erect ears but sometimes they may be tipped and when they are alert, they stand straight. They are born with full length tail or a bob tail. They have a single coat which is short and smooth. The coat colour for this breed ranges from black, brown, grey to pearl colour. The most common being a bi-colored coat or even tri-colored with an almost equal amount of white in all cases which maybe in combination with the other colors prominent in this breed.
Care, Grooming and Health
A Rat Terrier is an extremely low-maintenance breed and it would be perfectly fine to brush their coat in once every week using a brush with soft bristles or a rubber mitt in order to get rid of the loose hair on their body. It should be noted that this breed tends to shed the maximum during the spring and fall or after a heat cycle. They need bathing only when needed. To ensure that they do not contract a gum disease or tarter, brush their teeth at least two to three times every week.
It’s good to keep a weekly check of their ears for any kind of foul odour or colouration. If in case there is any of it present, the outer ear should be cleaned with cotton dampened in an ear cleaner to preclude any infection. Similar attention should be given to their eyes and mouth. This is a sturdy and healthy breed but due to excessive cross-breeding over the years, they may be prone to some negative health conditions. It’s wise to keep an eye for cardiac problems, patellar luxation and hip dysplasia.
Living Conditions
If they get a regular dose of exercise and play time every day, they make a good house dog in any setting.
Temperament
If anyone is looking for a chirpy companion, this is it. A Rat Terrier is a very affectionate pet and is incredibly lively. They are always alert and have an air of intelligence about them. They are energetic and great with children and don’t shy away from strangers. Since they are inherently alert, they make good watch dogs and keep a house safe without being too fussy in normal course.
