Rat Terrier dog breed information
Rat Terrier — Complete Breed Guide: History, Care, Health, Training & Ownership Tips
Overview
The Rat Terrier is an American-created terrier bred originally to control vermin on farms and in stables. Over generations the breed developed into a small-to-medium sized, athletic, highly intelligent dog prized for its versatility: a capable ratter and hunter, a reliable family companion, and a nimble participant in dog sports. Rat Terriers are energetic, alert, and affectionate. They combine a tenacious prey drive with a loyal, often clownish personality that endears them to active households. While many people still value the breed for working ability, most Rat Terriers today are companion animals that thrive when given purposeful activity, structure, and human interaction.
History & Origins
Rat Terriers trace their roots to 19th- and early-20th-century America. Early settlers and farmers imported terrier types from Britain and Europe, crossing them with local dogs and other breeds to create hardy, adaptable ratting dogs for barns and farms. Influences commonly cited include Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Whippets, and various small hunting and farm dogs. Through selective breeding for ratting ability, temperament, and a compact, robust frame, the Rat Terrier emerged as a recognizable type. The breed developed several size strains over time — from toy-sized companions to larger standards — and became especially popular in rural areas where rodent control was essential. Over the last several decades, the Rat Terrier has evolved into a widely kept companion and competitive sports dog while preserving much of its original drive and work ethic.
Appearance & Size
Rat Terriers present a clean, athletic silhouette with a square to slightly rectangular body, a strong chest, and a tuck-up at the abdomen. Ears may be erect, semi-erect, or button-shaped, and tails can be natural or docked depending on local practices and breeder lines. Coat types are typically smooth and close-lying, though some lines have a slightly coarse or broken coat. Color patterns vary widely; many Rat Terriers are predominantly white with patches or markings in black, tan, chocolate, lemon, blue, brindle, or sable. Size categories commonly used are Toy, Miniature, and Standard (and sometimes a larger "Decker" or "Classic" size in certain registries). Typical heights run approximately from 10 to 18 inches at the shoulder, and weights commonly range from 8 to 25 pounds depending on the strain. The overall impression is of an agile, muscular dog built for speed and quick changes of direction.
Temperament & Behavior
Rat Terriers are known for a spirited, intelligent temperament. They are alert and curious and usually very attached to their families. Most are outgoing and affectionate with their people and can be playful and entertaining — often described as having a "big dog" personality in a compact body. They are typically bold when hunting or chasing prey and will readily give chase to small animals. At home they can be calm and cuddly, though many retain a high level of readiness for activity. Training and early socialization are crucial: Rat Terriers with consistent leadership, clear rules, and mental outlets become confident, well-mannered adults. Without adequate stimulation they may become bored and develop undesirable behaviors such as digging, excessive barking, or resource guarding.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Despite their small-to-medium frames, Rat Terriers require more than a short walk to remain happy and balanced. They have moderate to high energy levels and benefit from daily structured exercise: brisk walks, runs, backyard play sessions, and time in a secure area to run and burn off energy. Mental stimulation is equally important; puzzle toys, scent games, obedience practice, and short training sessions help channel their intelligence productively. Many Rat Terriers excel at dog sports — agility, flyball, earthdog, scentwork, and obedience — which are excellent outlets for their physical and mental needs. Apartment living can work if owners commit to multiple daily activities and regular access to secure off-leash or long-line spaces. Without adequate stimulation a Rat Terrier can become noisy, destructive, or overly stubborn.
Grooming & Daily Care
Rat Terriers have low-maintenance coats. Weekly brushing with a bristle brush or grooming mitt removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny; more frequent brushing helps during seasonal shedding. Bathing is needed only occasionally or when the dog becomes dirty. Routine care includes regular dental care (brushing teeth several times weekly or using veterinary dental products), nail trimming every few weeks, and ear checks to keep ears free of debris and infection. Provide a comfortable, supportive bed to protect joints and avoid hard, cold surfaces. Because Rat Terriers are active and curious, regular paw inspections and cleaning after outdoor activity are recommended. Overall, grooming time is minimal compared to many long-coated breeds, which makes Rat Terriers attractive to owners who prefer simpler maintenance.
Health Considerations & Common Issues
Rat Terriers are generally healthy and hardy, but as with all breeds, there are conditions to watch for. Known health concerns in the breed include patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), hip dysplasia (less common but possible in larger individuals), certain inherited eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in some lines, and various allergies that can cause skin and ear problems. Dental disease is a frequent issue in small breeds and underscores the importance of regular dental care. Congenital deafness may occur rarely, especially in dogs with extensive white markings, so early hearing checks are useful for puppies. Lifespan is typically long for a small breed — commonly 13 to 18 years with good care. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for orthopedic and ocular conditions where tests exist and provide health clearances; buyers should request documentation and ask about family health history.
Feeding & Weight Management
Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate to your Rat Terrier’s life stage and activity level. Because many Rat Terriers are energetic, they burn calories quickly, but some individuals — especially those that are older or less active — can gain weight easily. Measure food portions, avoid free-feeding, and treat sparingly. Consider a diet formulated for small or active breeds that supports lean muscle and dental health. For puppies, use a nutritionally complete large-breed or small-breed puppy food as recommended by your veterinarian and avoid overfeeding to prevent rapid bone growth stresses. Keep fresh water available at all times and adjust calories on days with extra activity or lower exercise. Regularly monitor body condition — you should be able to feel the ribs under a light fat covering and observe a defined waist and tuck-up from the side.
Compatibility with Children & Other Pets
Rat Terriers often do well with children, especially older kids who understand how to play respectfully. Their energy and boldness can be a great match for active households, but supervision is important with young children because the terrier’s lively style can be too boisterous for small kids. Regarding other pets, Rat Terriers typically have a strong prey drive. They may live peacefully with cats or small animals when raised together from an early age and introduced carefully, but many will chase small mammals or birds. Caution and structured introductions are essential, and never leave a Rat Terrier unsupervised with small pets unless you are certain of their behavior.
Finding a Rat Terrier — Breeder vs Rescue
When looking for a Rat Terrier, you can choose between reputable breeders and rescue organizations. Good breeders perform health testing, provide early socialization, allow visits to meet parents, and offer a contract or health guarantee. Ask for clearances related to patella, hips (if applicable for larger strains), and eye exams if available. Rescues and shelters often have mixed-age dogs and may include purebred Rat Terriers, retired working dogs, or mixed-breed terriers with Rat Terrier traits. Adopting from rescue gives you the advantage of seeing adult temperament and sometimes known medical history. Whether buying or adopting, ask questions about the dog’s history, health, socialization, and any behavior issues, and make sure the dog’s energy level matches your lifestyle.
Costs to Expect
Initial costs include adoption fees or purchase price, spay/neuter and initial veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and initial supplies like a bed, crate, leash, collar, and toys. Ongoing costs are food, preventive medications (flea/tick/heartworm), routine veterinary exams, vaccinations, dental care, grooming supplies (minimal), training classes, and pet insurance if chosen. Budget for unexpected medical issues (dental surgery, orthopedic repair, or eye treatments) — having an emergency fund or insurance can reduce financial stress. Compared to many larger breeds, Rat Terriers generally have moderate ongoing costs, but long lifespans mean planning for care over a decade or more.
When to See a Vet — Urgent Signs
- Sudden, severe lameness or inability to bear weight on a limb — could indicate a fracture or joint problem.
- Signs of respiratory distress: rapid, labored breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse.
- Sudden onset of vomiting with bloating or an extremely distended abdomen — seek emergency care.
- Seizures, collapse, severe weakness, or unresponsive behavior.
- Eye trauma, sudden cloudiness, dilation, or heavy discharge — prompt ophthalmic care may be needed.
- Signs of severe pain, continuous bleeding, or ingestion of a toxic substance.
Pros & Cons of Owning a Rat Terrier
Pros: Intelligent, loyal, low- to moderate-grooming needs, excellent for active owners, versatile in dog sports, and long-lived. They make affectionate companions and can be excellent watchdogs because of their alertness.
Cons: High prey drive that can make coexistence with small pets challenging, potential for boredom-driven behaviors if under-exercised, sometimes stubborn or independent temperament requiring consistent training, and occasional breed-related health issues (patellar luxation, some eye conditions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rat Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
They can be, for owners willing to invest time in training, socialization, and daily exercise. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them trainable, but their terrier instincts mean they need a confident, consistent handler to prevent problem behaviors.
How much exercise does a Rat Terrier need?
Expect at least one to two sessions of active exercise per day — brisk walks, play sessions, or dog sports. Many benefit from a daily off-leash run in a secure area or supervised playtime to use their burst speed and agility.
Do Rat Terriers bark a lot?
They are alert and will bark to alert you to visitors or unusual activity. Excessive barking often arises from boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise; appropriate training and stimulation help reduce nuisance barking.
Resources & Further Reading
- Breed clubs and national organizations such as the Rat Terrier Club of America, regional Rat Terrier clubs, and reputable rescue groups.
- Dog sport organizations (agility, earthdog, rally) for training and activity opportunities.
- Your veterinarian for health screening recommendations and breed-specific medical advice; veterinary ophthalmologists or orthopedists if screening is suggested for breeding stock.
- Books and online resources focused on terrier training, positive reinforcement methods, and enrichment ideas for high-energy small dogs.