Before you add a Rat Terrier to your family, make sure youre prepared to meet their needs. If you like the way [a breeders] dogs look and act as compared to anything else you have seen, you are recognizing that time and money, she says, so be willing to pay for that.. Looking for facts and information on Pugs? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Rat Terriers do best with positive reinforcement, patience, and clear boundariesthough, Kallas says, they will test those boundaries. While rat terriers are fairly calm for a terrier breed, theyre still very high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise and attention. From there, farmers in the Midwestern plains states began breeding their new rat terriers with beagles and whippets, adding incredible burst speed to the breed's profile, according to America's Pet Registry. Sable may overlay any of these colors. Rat Terrier organizations exhibit the typical disputes over the course of action to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the breed. Paddocks provide ample room to romp, run, and play together or alone during the day. Pet parents need to keep up with weekly nail trims, and Kallas recommends annual dental cleanings. There are two sizes of Rat Terriers, but both are slightly longer than tall (but not short-legged) with a moderate build. "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. Our dogs are bred for health, temperament, and intelligence. Throughout their relatively brief development history in the U.S., rat terriers have been blessed with a surprisingly varied gene pool. Your AAFCO-approved dog food will have portion recommendations on the bag, and your vet can help with any feeding questions. 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. Its also recommended to check and clean your Rat Terriers ears once a week as excess wax and debris can cause infections (look for redness, swelling or a bad odor). These regal little dogs are charming and affectionate. If youre interested in Rat Terrier adoption, Kallas says there are several national rescue groups that do excellent work for the breedand because they all work a bit differently, its wise to chat with each of them to see which one might work best for your family. If you dont get their daily walk or run in, these pups can get destructive and turn to chewing shoes or barking when bored. As their name implies, these dogs kind of have a thing for vermin. Rat Terrier coats are smooth and shiny with short hair, and can be slightly wavy down their backs. The breed name comes from the occupation of its earliest ancestors brought to the US by working-class British migrants as the dogs were used in rat-baiting. Want a Rat Terrier? While a bored Rat Terrier might become a bit yappy, this is not a breed that barks much without reason. Rat terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs. You can find a list of reputable Rat Terrier breeders on the American Kennel Clubs website. Fortunately, hundreds of purebred rescue groups serve just that purpose. A little about me, and the dogs I have been blessed to have in my life. 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 . As long as they are raised with children, they do well co-habitating with them. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. The Decker Hunting Terrier Registry was created specifically for the Decker Giant. They only need a weekly brushing using a curry brush or rubber mitt to keep their coats shiny and healthy. The Mountain Terrier is a small breed terrier generally measuring no more than 18 inches in height and weighing under 30 pounds in weight. 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. Many of the foundation Rat Terriers were indistinguishable from small mixed-breed hunting dogs known as "feists". Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds. Black, tan, chocolate, blue, grey Isabella (pearl), lemon and apricot. Also, their small size allows search of cars, homes, and prison cells without causing the major damage a large German Shepherd or other traditional police service breed would do during a car search and lessening the chances of major financial settlements if there is nothing found during a search. People unfamiliar with the breed often confuse rat terriers for Russell terriers. Rat Terriers are pretty low maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs, but when it comes to training, they need daily exercise and a pet parent who is as determined and dedicated as they are. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. If possible, ask to visit the breeding site and to meet the litters' parents. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Their short, smooth coats don't require frequent brushing once a week is likely enough. Like many smaller breeds, rat terriers can become destructive when they're bored. They take to training incredibly well and pick up on tasks quickly, but will also show a propensity to be willful. These are tough little dogs who use their mouths to interact with the world, she says, so keeping their teeth healthy is important for their happiness.. 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. Theyre affectionate and love family life, and they are adaptable enough to be anything from apartment-dwellers to farm hands. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best heartworm preventative for your rat terrier. The standard says "small to medium" and the miniature is small enough to go in and under those places where vermin like to hide. [Breeders] do their job for the first eight weeks, and its your job to work on that for at least the next year. Rat Terrier Their name says it all: this dog is the perfect rat hunter. But, as with any dog, it's important to supervise puppy playtime and always teach your children how to properly interact with pets. Find Rat Terrier Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Rat Terrier information. Small, extremely quick, and blessed with a sharp mind and an ambitious spirit, these agile little dogs excel as hunters of vermin and other small animals. Rat terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, may be susceptible to certain health conditions. In advanced cases, rat terriers may need surgery. Photo credit: 272447, Pixabay. Rat Terrier Breeders. "Children can be scary for dogs that are unfamiliar with tiny humans," Johnson says. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. To us, Rat Terriers are the perfect combination of a mind that is quick,easy to train and wants to please, with anincrediblyathletic, well-muscled and pleasingly balancedbody,with short coats that have mild to lightshedding. Treatment options range from over-the-counter joint supplements to surgery. Inquisitive and highly intelligent, these qualities work in their favor when it comes to puzzles and games that will provide seemingly endless entertainment. Like most of the terrier breeds, these are brilliant little dogs. They were originally used for hunting andfarm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. Their coat comes in a wide range of colors, including black and white or tri-color (black, tan and white; red,white and sable; blue, white and tan; or white, chocolate and tan) and can be any pied pattern, meaning there are large patches of one or more shades, along with a combination of white with apricot, fawn, lemon, red, silver, blue or chocolate. Rat Terriers are persistent and tenacious when it comes to problem-solving and getting a job done. Always make sure youre feeding your Rat Terrier the proper amount. They are also considered good family pets because of their energy and compatibility with kids. Indoor games of fetch or or hide-and-seek are fun ways to satisfy their need for play. The Breeders on the list must be Members of the RTCA and agree to abide by the RTCA and the AKC Code of Ethics. The social sensitivity of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner, but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Rat Terriers skin is quite sensitive, especially around the belly region, Sharma says. The first dogs bred for their ratting abilities can be traced back to Europe almost five centuries ago, all the way to Hatch, a dog aboard king Henry VIII's favorite ship. Rat terriers have acted as companions for the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, William Faulkner, Shirley McClain, and Carrie Underwood. The dog isn't big on pleasing its human, which can be frustrating for a new dog owner. RELATED: Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? 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. Bred to hunt rats, as their name suggests, Rat Terriers are bright and nimble. The rat terrier is an active, energetic dog who loves engaging in activities with humans and other pups alike. In other words, if your Rattie sounds an alert, it may be a good idea to pay attention! Tricolor Rat Terrier; note pale black ticking on white coat, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Mary Rose's dog unveiled for the first time", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rat_Terrier&oldid=1148224117. This condition can lead to glaucoma and, if left untreated, total blindness. Could a rat terrier be a good apartment dog? However the widespread use of chemical pesticides and the growth of commercial farming led to a sharp decline in the breed from the 1950s onwards. Here are the qualities you can expect when raising a Rat Terrier on a scale of 1 paw (low) to 5 paws (high). Rat terrier coats come in a wide variety of colors, including bicolor and tricolor patterns. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. In fact, its a great way for them to exercise. Brindle, currently disallowed by the main breed standards, is considered by some to be a traditional Rat Terrier pattern, and there is a growing movement to have this pattern accepted into the breed. Another caveat to the digging: These little dogs are Houdinis. Fast, nimble hunters, they excel at agility competitions and love to run. We have aquired Diamond Valley Patches and he has really been a top producer for our kennel. If your rat terrier becomes distracted or you feel your training methods aren't working, try another technique. The American Hairless Terrier is derived from Rat Terriers with a hairless mutation. The first AKC Champion Rat Terrier was "Annie" GCH GRCH King Pen RnB's Queen Ann bred, owned by Sherry & Dud Lee Hendrix of Modesto, California. Focusing on 'sit' and 'come' from the day the puppy comes home will pay off in the long run.". Due to their instinct to chase after prey, rat terriers need to be leashed while walking or any time theyre not contained in a fenced area. Even better. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has developed abnormally and creates a loose joint. There's no guarantee your rat terrier willor won'tdevelop these conditions, but it's important to know the signs and symptoms should they arise in your dog. For those looking to connect with a breeder, Kallas suggests keeping in mind that it takes time and money to raise sound, healthy dogs. There is some confusion between the rat terrier and Teddy terrier breeds. Their coat is short and smooth. Rat terriers have been competing in the United Kennel Club events for over 15 years. Heres the good news: The Rat Terriers short, compact coat is relatively low-maintenance. Police departments have started using them as contraband search dogs as their intelligence level shortens training to as little as three weeks which is much shorter than for traditional police service breeds. They tend to have a big personality in that small package, though! Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare disease that affects small dogs like rat terriers early in life. Although theyre small and active, Rat Terriers are prone to obesity, says Iram Sharma, DVM and veterinary writer. Rat terriers may be an easy breed to find in your area. We are located in scenic Vermont. Boston Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Toy Fox Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Kerry Blue Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Manchester Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Norwich Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Australian Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Airedale Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, American Hairless Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care. Dogs usually recover very easily from this surgery and go on to live long, pain-free lives. Ratties are just as happy relaxing with you at home as they are on the agility course, and their zest for life and charming characteristics might make you want more than one. Rat Terriers have a lot of energy, but they dont need a lot of exercise every day. They were prized for their small size, agility, and ability to keep rats and other pests under control on the farm and out of the grain stores. Dogs with patellar luxation might skip or bunny hop, lifting a hind leg as they walk. They are fast runners and high jumpers, so make sure the fence is 5 to 6 feet high. As long as your dog is properly socialized (aka introduced to different people and environments) from a young age, theyll be a great companion for all the family, and a friend to anyone they meet. Ratties are bright, motivated and fast learners, which makes them easy to train. The Rat Terrier lifespan is generally 12 . They also have a slender build similar to the Russell and an alert, intelligent face. They are incredible jumpers, so shorter fences are a risk. Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing at least once per week can help protect your dog against dental and oral disease. 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. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. All rights reserved. The disease causes the top of the femur to break down due to a lack of blood supply. Occurring in 3 to 4% of rat terriers, hip dysplasia can cause pain and leg stiffness. Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. if theyre raised with them. However, this is a controversial practiceaccording to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), docking is almost always for purely cosmetic reasons and, despite proponents saying it prevents injury while working in the field, health benefits haven't been proven. 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. Yes, Rat Terriers shed the most in the spring and fall, but do shed moderately all year. The UKC officially recognized the breed on January 1, 1999. But its definitely time to get the nail clippers out when you hear the unmistakable tap-tapping on the floor. If you don't have a fenced-in area for your rat terrier to run, be sure to take several, vigorous walks each day. Mountain Top Rat Terriers works closely together with Cal Val Rat Terriers, owned by Gail Holloway who has been a generous and knowledgeable mentor and friend. Like many terriers, the rat terrier is highly intelligent and can be extremely stubborn. ", "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.". Teddies have longer legs than rat terriers, otherwise, they are very similar in nature and physical characteristics. Their coat is short and smooth. Breeding for the health and longevity we always had in our dogs for the last 40 years! We like to think of these dogs as small in stature but huge in presence and mind - they truly have a big dog attitude in a little dog body. UKC and AKC do not recognize the Decker strain as another breed; they are merely considered a standard variety. You can protect your rat terrier from fleas and ticks by using a flea and tick preventative like a topical medication or a flea and tick collar. Primary lens luxation. 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. They need consistent exercise and and plenty of mental stimulation, too. Primary Lens Luxationlens luxation may have painful, reddened eyes; iris or lens trembling; or other abnormalities that your veterinarian will be able to observe. They are smart enough and social enough to want to be a part of everything, to want to know and understand what is going on around them, and to try to be part of the fun, Kallas says. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. Fast, nimble hunters, they excel at agility competitions and love to run. 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). The French Bulldog is a big dog in a small package and has a magnetic personality. Do some homework on puppy training, and start them out early with some basic commands like sit, stay and come. The Rat Terrier lifespan is generally 1218 years. 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. Long recognized as masters in their namesake-craft, one New York City resident penned a letter to the editor of the, Musician and filmmaker Laurie Anderson made an entire documentary about her rat terrier, called. Rat terriers are usually loyal to their owners and are very respectful if they receive the proper amount of training at a young age. If sitting on the couch watching movies sounds fun, better move over to share your popcornafter youve taken your daily walk, of course. The same goes for cats, but with early and deliberate introductions as Rat Terrier puppies, the two can definitely thrive together. They are good with kids, cats and other dogs as long as they're well socialized as puppies. other breeds, according to the RTCA. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,100 for a Rattie pup. To make sure your beloved Rat Terrier stays safe when theyre not fenced in, keep them on a leash. Rat Terriers originated in the United States from early terrier-type dogs,thatcame over from Europe with their British migrant owners in the 1800's. The NRTA continues to classify the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier as the Type B Rat Terrier. Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are making a difference together. They are determined and will do whatever it takes to get them access to the most rewarding outcomes. "American Rat Terrier". Today, some breeders prefer a natural, undocked tail, which is accepted in the breed standards. Rat terriers are muscular and have a robust, sleek appearance despite their small stature. Nowadays, thanks to a resurgence in their popularity in the 1970s, you can find the rat terrier in a variety of settings, serving as both faithful companion and tireless working dog. They love people and and are good with other dogs, and even cats, when theyve been socialized from a young age. Talk to your vet about whether joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery may help your pup. The King of Toys is a tiny dog with a ginormous personality. (Spoiler: Thats a lot.) 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). They may have a heart murmur that your vet will detect, but other symptoms may include coughing, weight loss, fatigue, or fainting from excitement or exercise. Surgery might be recommended if the luxation is severe. They give 100 percent whether theyre hunting vermin, running agility or having a training session. If your dog's ears are red, inflamed, or smell funny, schedule a visit with your vet ASAPthese may be signs of injury or infection. They originated on American farms, where these little dogs were perfect for exterminating the vermin that could potentially wreak havoc on stored food needed for survival. To prevent heartworms parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites and infest the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs youll need to start your rat terrier on a heartworm preventative medication. [2] Rat Terrier are an intelligent and active breed that can be kept both for pest control and as a family pet. The rat terrier is a dog for whom the name leaves no ambiguity: This little guy was bred for a purpose. You'll also find rat terriers in a variety of bicolor and tricolor variations, with white acting as the base. Thanks for stopping by and please let us know if we can help you in anyway. Creeping tan (often "Calico"), is also acceptable. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Enclosed spaces are safest for Ratties since theyre prone to chasing a small animal at Mach 3 due to their high prey drive. Got a lot of love to go around? 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). A larger strain, often in excess of 25 pounds (11kg), has been developed. In the Midwest, rat terriers were bred with whippets and Italian greyhounds to produce quick dogs that could help control jackrabbit populations. Rat Terriers tend to love their family, especially if theyre included in whatever the family is doing. In the current times, the Rat Terrier is becoming popular not only as a family pet but as a working dog in several fields. Wherever you live, due to their feisty and fearless nature, they also make great watchdogs. However, merle is widely considered to be the result of recent outcrosses and, because of associated health problems, is rejected by most Rat Terrier breeders. and "How many litters do you produce per year?" 2. They do best with families who understand their energy levels and exercise needs and arent going to leave them alone for long periods. Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers is back! socialization and training is a must. But you don't need to have a farmstead to have a happy rat terrier. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. So you may want to rethink a Rat Terrier if you keep house with rats, mice, hamsters or birds unless you take precautions to keep them separated. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. The important thing is that your Rat Terrier feels engaged in what their family is doing. Buying a purebred rat terrier from a breeder might cost you up to $2,000. Socializing your Rat Terrier puppy (in addition to providing them with appropriate mental and physical stimulation) is essential. Rat terriers are lovable, playful dogs full of energy. Once the most common farm dog in America, rat terriers are now popular family pets due to their social nature and rapport with children.. A dog fence is an important detail to consider when adopting a pet for the first time or moving your dog to a new home. Veterinarians can teach pet parents how to brush dog teeth, and starting out as puppies will help them get used to the idea faster. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. Chocolates, Pear Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers Digging, chewing on furniture, and excessive barking are all rat terrier characteristics that signal a need for more attention. The Rat Terrier started to become their own breed when they rose in popularity on family farms throughout the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Check them weekly, and use your judgement on how often to trim them. Typical rat terrier personality traits include: Most rat terriers are very friendly and social with everyone, including strangers. Read our. What's more, this breed can become destructive when they're bored or unstimulated. Always keep your pup on a leash and supervise him whenever he's in a fenced-in yard. Their eyes are oval-shaped and set wide apart. All of our dogs come from Cal Val bred lines and some of our dogs are listed on their page. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. If daily care seems daunting, aim for a few times a week. 1. Because Rat Terriers are prone to joint issues, Sharma recommends pet parents talk to their vet about incorporating joint-friendly supplements that contain chondroitin and glucosamine into their dogs diet. Theyre often wonderful with children, especially if introduced to them from a young age. If its raining or snowing out, all is not lost! American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This is a relatively small dog that reaches only 1025 pounds, both in the standard and the miniature size. Training sessions should be kept short, fun, and full of rewards for good behavior.
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