Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier was developed in Great Britain originally from Smooth Fox Terrier and Manchester Terriers in England during 1820's. This breeds are raised for the sport of "rat bating" and it was introduced to United States in 1890. The Rat Terrier is proved to be one of the best in the rat-baiting pits and it is a hard working farm hand.

They became more popular in United States. American breeders again crossed this breed with Smooth Fox Terrier, the Beagle and the Whippet. One Rat Terrier had a record of killing about 2,501Rats in a span with in seven hours. Rat Terrier was first registered at UKC 1999.



Rat Terrier is very intelligent, small powerful, great for sports and good companion dog. This dog breed bodies are compact but meaty. This is well muscled dog with deep chest, powerful legs, strong shoulders and solid neck. Its neck is moderately long and slightly arched. Rat Terrier is very loyal, protective of its loved ones. Their eyes are dark brown in medium sized and they are rounded with slightly almond shape.

Their ears are in v-shaped with slightly set off skulls and muzzles are in medium length, tapered and straight. Rat Terrier ears can be upright or tipped and are carried erect when the dog is alert. And their body is compact, fit body with agile motion. Rat Terrier dog tail is carried high as a natural pet, curled or docked between second and third joints.

They can be born with short or full length tails and its coat is short smooth and easy to groom. Combing and brushing is required to remove dead hair. Rat Terrier needs good exercise atleast 20 to 30 minutes per day. This breed enjoys challenging games and outdoor romps. They are fairly active indoors and it should have atleast small to medium sized yard and they love to be inside the house and outside to play.

Solid Red, Red And White, Tri-spotted, Blue & White Black & Tan and Red Brindle.

The height of this Rat terrier dog is 14-23 inches.

The expected weight of Rat terrier is 12-35 lbs.

A healthy Rat terrier lives 15-18 years.



Rat Terrier makes an excellent companion for a single person at home. This is an intelligent, loving and alert dog and they are good with children specially if they are trained from early stage. The temperament of these dogs is pure Terrier and it is very well mannered and well rounded dog.

Rat Terrier makes good farm dogs as well as excellent family dogs for pets and companionship. They are unusually sensitive, anxious to please and active. They make good watchdogs and they are quick and very playful dogs. Rat Terriers are good swimmers,and they will not afraid of water.

Rat Terrier as a Pet

It is not being a sparring breed and this generally friendly with new dogs. And this is Excessive shyness or aggressiveness is undesirable. This breed can do well a round with other house pets but it is socialized well in the early stage. This breed should be trained not to pull on lead, and does very well on long walks and jogs. It likes to play very well with children and it is a good family dogs for pets as well as companionship.