Even with exercise, this breed's energy levels and temperament may be a challenge for someone looking for a more laid-back pet. Gardens and lawns may be excavated by Rat Terriers, as they take any opportunity to dig.Īt least 40 minutes per day of exercise is necessary to help the Rat Terrier burn enough energy to be a calm, well-behaved companion. Fences are often no big challenge for the high-jumping, quick-digging breed. This breed is not suitable for living outdoors full-time, and should never be left unsupervised. They're quick, so if a Rat takes off you'll have a hard time catching her. Time spent outdoors should be on-leash and supervised, as Rat Terriers are known to roam and love to chase. But with enough exercise and mental stimulation, they're more than willing to cuddle up inside with their people. Without enough exercise, they may become destructive and bark excessively. Rat Terriers can adapt to most living situations, including city apartments, if they have an outlet for their intense energy. She needs early, continued socialization to prevent shyness or aggression towards new people. Her prey drive is strong and she has a tendency to chase.She is an escape artist, likely to wander, and should wear her personalized dog collar with your contact info on it, as much as possible.The Rattie has a terrier 'big dog, small body' personality.Outlasting a Rattie is an achievement few can claim. Rat Terriers have lots of energy and require plenty of exercise to prevent undesirable behaviors like chewing, digging, and excessive barking. They may be suspicious of strangers and may take time to accept newcomers, but if properly socialized they are not likely to be aggressive. Though not a guard dog, the protective Rat Terrier will bark to alert of people and other animals approaching. The Rattie's high prey drive makes living with critters like mice, rats, or rabbits a challenge, but they may be able to live with cats if raised with them. If raised with kids, Rat Terriers may do well with them-but older children are a better match than toddlers or babies.Īre Rat Terriers Good with Other Pets? Rat Terriers tend to get along with other dogs in the household, but they may be territorial and try to gain top-dog status-regardless of which pet is larger. They're also affectionate and playful with family and enjoy being near their people whenever possible.Īre Rat Terriers Good with Kids? Most terriers, including Rat Terriers, can be territorial or intolerant when it comes to rough play or harsh treatment from children. Spunky Rats love to be in charge, and they will take advantage at any opportunity. Though they can be well-behaved, it takes early and consistent obedience training to prevent the big dog in a small body attitude terriers often possess. The Rat Terrier has a typical terrier temperament-energetic, bossy, smart but stubborn, and quick to bark. The AKC recognized the Rat Terrier in 2010. When poison and trapping became more common as a form of pest control, the Rat Terrier's domain shifted from farm to home, as companion animals. One dog famous amongst Rattie fanciers holds the record for killing the most rats-over 2,500 in one day.
In the first half of the 20th century, the most common farm dog was the Rat Terrier type.
The feist was brought to the USA and mixed with a variety of breeds-possibly including Beagle, Italian Greyhound, and Whippet-to create the modern Rat Terrier. 'Feists,' early descendants of the Rat Terrier, were used for hunting small game, rodent control, as farm dogs, and as companions. The remains of a ratting dog from the flagship of Henry VIII resemble the modern terrier type. – AKC Breed Standardsĭogs similar to the Rat Terrier were kept as early as the 1500s. The Rat Terrier has a short, smooth, shiny coat with whiskers intact. A long, docked, or naturally bobbed tail are all allowed, carried nearly erect but never over the back or in a ring. Erect, semi-erect, tipped, or button ears are allowed as long as the shape and carriage match-the ears must not be cropped. Grey eyes are allowed for the blue coat color, but otherwise considered a serious fault. Her expression is intelligent and alert, her wide-set eyes in shades of dark brown to hazel. Any size outside these parameters is disqualified. Standard Rat Terriers stand at least 13 inches, but no more than 18, while miniature may be between 10 and 13 inches. She is slightly longer than she is tall, with no shortness in the legs. Sturdy and compact, the Rat Terrier's build should suggest a dog capable of ratting and farm work-quick, agile, and powerful, but also elegant.
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