Rat Terrier

The history of this breed is a classic example of the American Dream. The breed was formed not in show rings, but in the field, where maximum efficiency was required from a dog. In the 19th century, immigrants from Britain brought various terriers (Manchester Terriers, Fox Terriers) with them to the USA for pest control. Later, Whippet and Greyhound blood was added to increase speed, as well as Beagles to improve their scenting ability.

Legend has it that Theodore Roosevelt himself gave the breed its name after his dog, Skip, performed brilliantly in dealing with rats at the White House. Although there is little documentary evidence for this, the name “Rat Terrier” perfectly describes their original purpose. In the 1920s and 40s, it was one of the most common breeds on American farms. However, with the advent of chemical pest control agents and the industrialisation of agriculture, the breed’s popularity declined somewhat, only to be revived as a family dog at the end of the 20th century.

The Rat Terrier is a sturdy, compact dog with a smooth coat and an intelligent gaze. They look athletic, but not coarse. One of the features of the breed is the variety of sizes. Unlike many other breeds where there is a single height standard, Rat Terriers are divided into two main varieties by size: Miniature and Standard.

The dog’s head is wedge-shaped. The ears are a separate topic entirely. They can be erect, semi-erect, or button ears. All these variations are acceptable; the main thing is expressive mimicry and mobility of the ears, which indicates the animal’s attentiveness.

The colour of Rat Terriers is extremely variable. The classic pattern is piebald (parti-colour), where the base colour is always white, and the patches can be black, chocolate, tan, apricot, or blue. Tricolour is also frequently seen.

Many people confuse this breed with other small terriers, but the Rat Terrier has a unique set of traits. They are less “yappy” and hyperactive than their close relatives. This is a dog with an “on/off” switch. Outdoors, they are tireless athletes, ready to chase a ball for hours, but at home, they love to curl up on the sofa next to their owner.

• Intelligence: They are extremely clever and learn quickly, but can display stubbornness.
• Socialisation: They get on well with other dogs if raised together. However, due to their high prey drive, small animals (ground squirrels, hamsters, rats) will always be viewed as prey.
• Relationship with people: This is a very people-oriented breed. They intuitively sense their owner’s mood.

The Rat Terrier is a universal soldier. Its hunting instincts are strong, but they work differently than in narrowly specialised breeds. For instance, whilst the Estonian Hound is built for long pursuits of game by scent with vocalisation, the Rat Terrier works by “sight” and “scent” over short distances, attacking prey lightning-fast in burrows or on the surface. It won’t chase a hare for miles; its task is to find and neutralise right here and now.

Regarding guard qualities, the Rat Terrier is an excellent “alarm system”. They are vigilant and brave. Of course, physically they cannot stop an intruder in the way a powerful Moscow Watchdog would, but not a single rustle near the door will go unnoticed. Their job is to warn the owner, and they handle this perfectly.

Training Specifics

Training this breed is a pleasure if you find the right approach. They do not tolerate drilling or harshness. The best method is positive reinforcement (treats, play, praise). Consider the following points:

• Short sessions: Rat Terriers get bored quickly with monotonous repetition.
• Early socialisation: Introduce the puppy to various people, sounds, and surfaces as early as possible.
• Instinct control: Pay special attention to recall commands (“Come”) and “Leave it”, as the dog might “lose its hearing” at the sight of a squirrel.

This breed is ideal for those who don’t want to spend hours grooming. The Rat Terrier’s coat is short and requires minimal care.

• Brushing: It is sufficient to go over the coat once a week with a rubber mitt to remove dead hair. During the moulting period (spring/autumn), the procedure can be done more often.
• Bathing: Only when necessary. Frequent washing can dry out the skin.
• Claws: Trimming claws is mandatory every 2-3 weeks if they do not wear down naturally on asphalt.
• Teeth: Regular tooth brushing will help avoid the formation of tartar, which small terriers are prone to.

Rat Terriers love their food and can quickly gain excess weight if portions are not controlled. The choice between dry food (super-premium or holistic class) and a natural diet depends on your possibilities, but the nutrient balance must be ideal.

“A healthy breed” here means “no mass breed-wide syndrome”, not “no risk” — see the list below. However, like any breed, they have their weak points. A responsible owner should be aware of risks such as:

• Patellar Luxation: A common problem in small breeds. It may manifest as intermittent limping.
• Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): A genetic eye disease that can lead to glaucoma and blindness. DNA tests exist to identify carriers.
• Allergies: Skin reactions to food or household chemicals.
• Hip Dysplasia: Although rarer than in large dogs, it does occur, especially in the Standard variety.

Future owners often hesitate between several terrier breeds. To make the choice easier, it’s worth understanding the key differences. For example, if comparing with the popular Jack Russell Terrier, the Jack Russell is usually more assertive, vocal, and requires even more experience in training, whereas the Rat Terrier has a slightly softer character.

Another close relative is the Toy Fox Terrier. In fact, the Toy Fox Terrier separated from Rat Terriers as a smaller, more decorative version, but the Rat Terrier has retained more working qualities and a sturdier build.

It is also interesting to mention the American Hairless Terrier. This breed actually originated from Rat Terriers as a result of a natural mutation. Therefore, if you like the Rat Terrier’s character but have an allergy to fur, the hairless variant could be the ideal alternative.

Advantages

• Compact size, convenient for flats and travel.
• High intelligence and ability to learn.
• Robust health and longevity (often living up to 16-18 years).
• Easy coat care.
• Almost no specific “doggy” smell.

Disadvantages

• High energy level – requires active walks.
• Hunting instinct can create problems with other small animals.
• Tendency to dig holes in the garden (it’s in their blood).
• Can be wary of strangers, which requires socialisation.

1. Record Catchers: One Rat Terrier destroyed a record number of rats in a barn in 7 hours – 2,501 of them. This is a historical fact that demonstrates their incredible capacity for work.
2. Star Owners: Besides Theodore Roosevelt, fans of the breed included the writer William Faulkner and many Hollywood stars of the last century.
3. Long-livers: Rat Terriers often appear on lists of breeds that live the longest. 17-18 years is not a rarity for them, but rather the norm with good care.
4. Natural Bobtails: Many puppies are born with naturally short tails, although others traditionally had their tails docked (this practice is now banned in many countries, including the UK).

Is the Rat Terrier suitable for a family with children?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for families with school-age children. They are playful and patient. However, one should be careful with toddlers – the dog does not like rough handling and may snap if hurt.

Do they shed much?
Shedding is moderate. This isn’t a dog that will leave clouds of fur flying around the flat, but short, sharp hairs can get stuck in furniture upholstery.

Can a Rat Terrier live outside in a kennel?
Categorically no. They have no undercoat, so they freeze very quickly in cold weather. Furthermore, this is a social breed that suffers without human contact. In the winter perod, they definitely need clothing for walks.

How do they cope with loneliness?
Rat Terriers can stay at home alone if trained to do so. However, if left for a long time without toys and activity, they may find their own entertainment – for example, chewing on shoes or furniture.