If you choose to buy a rat terrier from a breeder, be sure to do your research to ensure you're working with an ethical, responsible breeder. The Rat Terrier lifespan is generally 1218 years. By the middle of the 20th century, as farmers began relying more on traps and poisons to rid their property of vermin, the rat terrier fell out of popularity and the breed was sustained by a handful of dedicated breeders until the dogs gained a boost of popularity as a family pet in the 1970s. This is a relatively small dog that reaches only 1025 pounds, both in the standard and the miniature size. The American Hairless Terrier is derived from Rat . From classic to celeb-inspired and funny to food-based, this list of cute cat names is sure to inspire your naming adventures. All rights reserved. Always make sure youre feeding your Rat Terrier the proper amount. Purebred dogs often need rescuing, too. But, good news for city-dwellers or apartment renters: They are small enough to get their needs met indoors, as long as you're willing to devote some playtime to them. Rat terrier coats come in a wide variety of colors, including bicolor and tricolor patterns. Rat Terriers thrive in busy homes with a loving pet parent. BEAUTIFUL puppies and we are happy to show you several generations of their relatives so you can see the quality genetics they come from. Because theyre very malleable and smart, they can adapt to most situations and make a really nice addition to your family, no matter what your family likes to do, Kallas says. And it is a job, Kallas says. UKC is a family-friendly group that promotes many different venues for dogs to compete. Due to their smaller size, rat terriers can be injured by rough handling., Rat terriers were once very popular as farm dogs. As their name implies, these dogs kind of have a thing for vermin. To make sure your beloved Rat Terrier stays safe when theyre not fenced in, keep them on a leash. While rat terriers are fairly calm for a terrier breed, theyre still very high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise and attention. Is a rat terrier and Teddy Roosevelt terrier the same type of dog? Each Rat Terrier is going to have their own temperament, but they generally can do well living with both cats and other dogs as long as they have been properly socialized from a young age. Rat Terriers tend to be both intelligent and stubborn, knowing how to get what they want when they want it. The Rat Terrier's ears can stand straight up or be semi-erect with the tips pointed upwards or flopping down (which is known as button ears). Paired with their insatiable curiosity and athletic nature, this can make them talented escape artists, so this is not a dog you should leave alone in your backyard. Rat Terriers were accepted into the AKC's terrier group June 2012. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allowed rat terriers to enter competitions in 2006, and finally registered the breed in 2013. Rat Terriers can be very affectionate and good with children; however, not all dogs like kids, just like not all humans like kids, Kallas says. The rat terrier is an active, energetic dog who loves engaging in activities with humans and other pups alike. "American Rat Terrier". this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. The Rat Terrier started to become their own breed when they rose in popularity on family farms throughout the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The tail has been traditionally docked to about 23 inches (5.17.6cm), but the bobtail gene is very common in Rat Terriers and can result in a variety of tail lengths. If its raining or snowing out, all is not lost! But you should not bathe them more frequently than once a month or so, she adds, as this will strip them of the natural oils that keep their skin healthy. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. These regal little dogs are charming and affectionate. Known also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's. Looking for facts and information on Pugs? Take our short quiz to find out! "If compared to a human, a rat terrier would be like the child at a birthday party who is the first to join a fun game, shout in excitement, and eager to open the presents," says Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, veterinary expert for Pumpkin Pet Insurance. If theyre restless or bored, they may use their bright mind to come up with a way to entertain themselves that youre unlikely to appreciate. As long as they are raised with children, they do well co-habitating with them. Theyre affectionate and love family life, and they are adaptable enough to be anything from apartment-dwellers to farm hands. The dog isn't big on pleasing its human, which can be frustrating for a new dog owner. They are also considered good family pets because of their energy and compatibility with kids. The rat terrier breed was firmly established as a reliable farmhand by the 1920s. An American original with a breed name said to be coined by Teddy Roosevelt, the Rat Terrier is a compact, tough, smooth-coated exterminator dog. Celebrating their 15th birthday is quite common for this hardy little breed. Theyll go where you go; theyll love who you love (mostly). Be on the lookout for signs of backyard breeding, like unsanitary conditions or unhealthy dogs. Johnson says rat terriers can also develop environmental allergies, which can cause skin infections and require long-term maintenance. Like all dogs, rat terriers need regular veterinary care. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 20:56. Proper socialization of a Rat Terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first three months of life. The Rat Terriers coat doesnt require too much to stay smooth and shiny. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. If you notice a waxy build-up in your dog's ears, gently clean it with a cotton cloth. In contrast, the Rat Terrier has benefited from a long history of refinement with regular outcrosses to bring in useful qualities and genetic variability. The miniature size 13 inches (33cm) and under as defined by the UKC has become more popular as a house pet and companion dog, but the miniature is still a hunting dog. These small-sized dogs are usually very friendly and tend to get along with kids and other dogs, but its important to remember that all dogs are individuals so this can differ from Rattie to Rattie. Dental hygiene is also extremely important when it comes to caring for your dog. If you're interested in breeds similar to the rat terrier, check out: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! Training and obedience may be challenging but it's vital for proper behavior and socialization. health issues for which the national breed club recommends testing, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), bathe them more frequently than once a month. They are good with kids, cats and other dogs as long as they're well socialized as puppies. They take to training incredibly well and pick up on tasks quickly, but will also show a propensity to be willful. Since Rat Terrier dogs were bred to both function as a working dog and live with a family, they can master both equally. They have a wide combination of colors in a pied pattern (large colored patches mingled with white). Regular exercise is non-negotiable, but they dont need to be kept moving at all times. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Gails family have been Rat Terrier breeders since the 1900. They need consistent attention during daily exercise simply being let outside to play in a fenced yard wont be adequate. Rat Terriers also fit right in whether you live in an apartment or wide-open farm land. Mountain Top Rat Terriers in California | Rat Terrier puppies | Good Dog Breeders Purebred Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Alaskan Husky Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Bully American English Coonhound American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Hairless Terrier The color ranges from dark brown to hazel, and sometimes gray, usually corresponding with the color of their coat. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Health Problems to Watch for With Rat Terriers. Rat Terriers have a lot of energy, but they dont need a lot of exercise every day. Sable may overlay any of these colors. Rat Terriers skin is quite sensitive, especially around the belly region, Sharma says. They tend to be a very healthy and active breed but, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health problems. Grooming, however, is generally a cinch thanks to their slick, tight coatbut be aware that they do still shed. One source claims that a single terrier killed 2,501 rats in a seven-hour period in a rat-infested barn (an average of one rat every ten seconds).[5]. Digging, chewing on furniture, and excessive barking are all rat terrier characteristics that signal a need for more attention. They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists.Common throughout family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, they are now recognized by the United and American Kennel Clubs and are considered a rare breed. (Spoiler: Thats a lot.) Since this breed inherently hunts down pests and vermin, it's highly advised that owners avoid bringing small animals into the home as pets, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, or birds. The Rat Terrier dog breed comes from a mix of several different breed types including the Smooth Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Whippet, Italian Greyhound and Beagle. If sitting on the couch watching movies sounds fun, better move over to share your popcornafter youve taken your daily walk, of course. An American breed that was developed by breeding the fox terrier, bull terrier, Manchester terrier, and old English white terrieramong othersthe rat terrier was originally bred to catch prey and hunt pests, such as rats, on farms, which is how they got their name. We have aquired Diamond Valley Patches and he has really been a top producer for our kennel. Paddocks provide ample room to romp, run, and play together or alone during the day. Your veterinarian may detect valvular disease if your dog has a heart murmur that gets worse over time. However, some are more reserved around new people. To avoid them causing too much of a racket when the mail arrives, introduce some training to help reduce barking at the doorbell, especially if it becomes a bit of a nuisance or puts off approaching guests. An average rat terrier's life expectancy is 15 to 18 years.As generally healthy dogs, they typically dont require special treatment. Rat Terriers are persistent and tenacious when it comes to problem-solving and getting a job done. We raise minis and standards. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about what flea and tick preventative is right for your rat terrier. The rat terrier breed was established in the United States near the turn of the 20th century, as farmers began breeding fox terriers with bull terriers, the now-extinct English white terrier, Manchester terriers, and many (many!) Breeding for the health and longevity we always had in our dogs for the last 40 years! In the 1920s, toy fox terriers that were too large for their breeding programs were bred with rat terriers, resulting in toy-sized, or miniature, rat terriers. Rat Terriers originated in the United States from early terrier-type dogs, that came over from Europe with their British migrant owners in the 1800's. They were originally used for hunting and farm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. If you involve them in dog sports, such as agility, they will thrive with this high level of activity and are impressive athletes. Originally bred to work on farms, the rat terrier is a small dog with high energy levels, high exercise needs, and a strong propensity to hunt and chase. Inquisitive and highly intelligent, these qualities work in their favor when it comes to puzzles and games that will provide seemingly endless entertainment. He enjoys being outside, going for walks and taking baths.He is very active and loves being around people.Duke also loves to chase squirrels in his free time.. Zipper, Rat Terrier / Mountain Feist"All Zipper's life he has loved to chase rocks; he brings you a rock and . Cardiac disease. Coldwater Rat Terriers. The Rat Terrier is a good watchdog by nature, which makes them more likely to bark to alert you of potential danger (in their eyes). Want a Rat Terrier? As always, be sure to do your research and ensure a rat terrier is right for your family's lifestyle before bringing a dog home. This breed comes in two compact sizes: a miniature Rat Terrier dog that stands 1013 inches tall, and the standard size thats 1318 inches tall. Rat terriers have acted as companions for the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, William Faulkner, Shirley McClain, and Carrie Underwood. Theyre often wonderful with children, especially if introduced to them from a young age. Dogs with this condition generally show signs of discomfort including reduced mobility, less interest in activity, or simply moving stiffly. The best thing you can do for your new family member is get them out into the world and experience it with them.. Kallas loves this about the breed, but she admits it can also be downright difficult for inexperienced dog parents who arent prepared to set (and stick to!) Puppies available on occasion. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. Hip Dysplasia. In fact, they were specifically bred for this very task and in the 1910s and 1920s, they were the most common farm dog in the US. As members of the terrier group, Rat Terriers can have a propensity to dig, particularly if they arent receiving enough attention. One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. Rat Terriers make wonderful dogs for families living in any size of home. Rat terriers can enjoy (and excel at) canine sports like agility and obedience.. As much as they love their family, this breed was bred to hunt verminand their natural prey drive reflects that, so early (and consistent!) All Rat Terrier found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. But by and large, the rat terrier is blessed with a coat that is short enough to not mat up and naturally oily enough to not hold on to dirt. The earliest known record of a rat-catching dog is that of "Hatch", whose remains were recovered from the Mary Rose, the flagship of Henry VIII, sunk in 1545 and re-raised in 1982. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can damage the delicate inner-ear structures. Youll be in good company if you decide to take home a rat terrier President Teddy Roosevelt, author William Faulkner, and singer Carrie Underwood have all chosen rat terriers as companions. Because Rat Terriers are prone to certain eye issues, take a good look at them when you sit down for a grooming session so you can note any changes. There are two size divisions:. Rat terrier puppies, like all dogs, need early socialization and consistent training to grow into well-rounded dogs. Rat terriers are very intelligent and like to dig, so if they have access to a yard, it needs secure fencing to keep them from escaping. Rat Terriers earned their name through history by being experts at catching rats. These dog training tips will help you get started. Message See more of MountainTop Rat Terriers on Facebook Log In or Create new account Your rat terrier's diet will depend largely on her size, age, and activity levels, but you can expect to feed her between .25 cups (for dogs weighing 10 pounds or less) and 2 cups per day (for dogs weighing between 30 and 40 pounds) of high-protein, high-quality dog food. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, rat terrier breeders worked to propagate certain skills, resulting in several new lines in the breed. If possible, ask to visit the breeding site and to meet the litters' parents. ", "If compared to a human, a rat terrier would be like the child at a birthday party who is the first to join a fun game, shout in excitement, and eager to open the presents.". In other words, if your Rattie sounds an alert, it may be a good idea to pay attention! If you commit to teaching them your rules, youll have an energetic, playful bestie to fall in love with in no time. They are incredible jumpers, so shorter fences are a risk. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? Your veterinarian can help you choose the best heartworm preventative for your rat terrier. Their two ears are triangular in shape, firm at the top of their head and erect or folded down . As the use of poisons and mechanical traps became more widespread, the rat terrier's usage on farms began to dwindle, and people began to realize the bright, friendly dog made an excellent house companion as well. While they can still certainly excel in the hunt, this is a very family-oriented dog that wants to join in with whatever his people happen to be doing. If your rat terrier becomes distracted or you feel your training methods aren't working, try another technique. Called the Decker or Decker Giant, it was named after breeder Milton Decker who created a larger hunting companion and are recognized by the National Rat Terrier Association (NRTA, see "Breed recognition" below). As usual among working breeds, points of departure are which dog type best represents the breed and whether the dog's working qualities will be sacrificed to selection for conformation show competition. "It's important to teach them sit and recall commands from the get-go. RTs come in two size varieties and are happy-go-lucky, playful, and portable companions. If you have a hard time finding a rat in a shelter, look for rescue organizations in your area. Treatment might not be necessary in mild cases, but joint supplements might be helpful with this condition. The standard Rat Terrier is 13-18 inches and a miniature is usually 10-13 inches tall. All rights reserved. Jodi Jacobson/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images. Once a week brushing paired with a hose down every four to six weeks should be all you need to keep your pup looking shiny and clean. UKC and AKC do not recognize the Decker strain as another breed; they are merely considered a standard variety. The classic coloring is black tan point with piebald spotting (known as black tricolor), but chocolate, tan (varying in shade from pale gold to dark mahogany), blue, isabella (pearl), lemon, and apricot are all fairly common. Legg-Calve-Perthes. Looking for a truly loyal BFF? 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