The miniature size 13 inches (33cm) and under as defined by the UKC has become more popular as a house pet and companion dog, but the miniature is still a hunting dog. Focusing on 'sit' and 'come' from the day the puppy comes home will pay off in the long run.". This size can withstand a little more durability during playtime. Theyll go where you go; theyll love who you love (mostly). Typical rat terrier personality traits include: Most rat terriers are very friendly and social with everyone, including strangers. These regal little dogs are charming and affectionate. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. Rat Terriers tend to be good eaters, so feed them a measured amount of a food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) twice a day. Called the Decker or Decker Giant, it was named after breeder Milton Decker who created a larger hunting companion and are recognized by the National Rat Terrier Association (NRTA, see "Breed recognition" below). If your rat terrier becomes distracted or you feel your training methods aren't working, try another technique. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. They are also considered good family pets because of their energy and compatibility with kids. You can also reach out to Rat Terrier rescue organizations to adopt a Rattie, or keep an eye out for them at your local animal shelter. 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. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. Yes, Rat Terriers generally make excellent family dogs, including those with kids and other pets. Grooming, however, is generally a cinch thanks to their slick, tight coatbut be aware that they do still shed. They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists.Common throughout family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, they are now recognized by the United and American Kennel Clubs and are considered a rare breed. Photo credit: 272447, Pixabay. Any time you contact a rescue about any breed, it is important to clarify any background information you can get on the individual dog you are considering, she adds. 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). 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. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. Between this, their intelligence, and their energy levels, theyre typically best suited to experienced pet parents. They have short coats that come in a mix of colors, typically a pied pattern with large areas of both white and colored hair. As much as they love their family, this breed was bred to hunt verminand their natural prey drive reflects that, so early (and consistent!) In fact, its a great way for them to exercise. They were originally used for hunting andfarm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. With their tiny bodies, high prey drive, and digging expertise, rat terriers are true escape artists. Although rat terriers are low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they are high maintenance in the exercise and training areas. Our dogs are bred to UKC & AKC standards for temperament, hunting ability, conformation and good health. In contrast, the Rat Terrier has benefited from a long history of refinement with regular outcrosses to bring in useful qualities and genetic variability. This breed comes in two compact sizes: a miniature Rat Terrier dog that stands 10-13 inches tall, and the standard size that's 13-18 inches tall. Rat terriers are alert enough to make very good home alarm systems and will happily alert you to strangers at your door. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare disease that affects small dogs like rat terriers early in life. Your veterinarian may detect valvular disease if your dog has a heart murmur that gets worse over time. 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. In the 1920s, toy fox terriers that were too large for their breeding programs were bred with rat terriers, resulting in toy-sized, or miniature, rat terriers. Rat Terriers today have evolved into a small to medium dog, and enjoy awide genetic diversity leading to the breed's overall robust health, with few inherited genetic issues, keen intelligence, amazing athleticism, and strong trainability. Bred to hunt rats, as their name suggests, Rat Terriers are bright and nimble. 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. If you're interested in breeds similar to the rat terrier, check out: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! They have a wide combination of colors in a pied pattern (large colored patches mingled with white). Though some rat terrier puppies are born with naturally short tails, these terriers have had their tails traditionally docked. Rat terriers can enjoy (and excel at) canine sports like agility and obedience. As high-energy dogs, rat terriers need at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or jogging, each day. By the middle of the 20th century, as farmers began relying more on traps and poisons to rid their property of vermin, the rat terrier fell out of popularity and the breed was sustained by a handful of dedicated breeders until the dogs gained a boost of popularity as a family pet in the 1970s. The AKC recognized the Rat Terrier as a breed on July 1, 2010, however, it allowed them to compete in companion events beginning January 1, 2006 in sanctioned AKC Companion events (Obedience, Agility, Rally). While this friendly breed is good with kids and other dogs, its still advisable to spend time socializing your Rat Terrier while theyre a puppy so they become accustomed to meeting new people and dogs, and even cats, who they can (though not always) be trained to live with. This dog may even consider cats and kittens as prey. A balanced diet of high-quality dog food is best for a Rat Terrier. Since Rat Terrier dogs were bred to both function as a working dog and live with a family, they can master both equally. Once a week brushing paired with a hose down every four to six weeks should be all you need to keep your pup looking shiny and clean. All trademarks are owned by Socit des Produits Nestl S.A., or used with permission. If you involve them in dog sports, such as agility, they will thrive with this high level of activity and are impressive athletes. There are two size divisions:. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. As with the Rat Terrier's eyes, the nose color varies depending on the color of their coat. And when it comes to training your rat terrier, consistencyand getting an early startis key. For instance, this means no pulling on the puppy's tail and no intimidating direct eye contact. Like all breeds, it's important to stay on top of regular teeth brushing, frequent ear checks and cleanings, and making sure your pup's nails are trimmed. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. Check them weekly, and use your judgement on how often to trim them. This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 20:56. Rat terriers do best in homes where theyll have plenty of company, daily walks, and lots of time to play. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. Its hard to resist that face when theyre begging for more snacks, and of course, treats can be an important part of your little friends training regimen. Looking for a truly loyal BFF? Before you add a Rat Terrier to your family, make sure youre prepared to meet their needs. 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. The coat of the rat terrier is shorter and glossier, however, consisting of a dense, single coat that can be found in a variety of colors, of which black, tan, grey, blue, and apricot are the most common. Inquisitive and highly intelligent, these qualities work in their favor when it comes to puzzles and games that will provide seemingly endless entertainment. Training sessions should be kept short, fun, and full of rewards for good behavior. Keeping up with the weekly brushing will prevent tiny Rattie hairs from invading your home. She strongly recommends working closely with a reputable Rat Terrier breeder to find a puppy thats a good fit for your situation. The RTCA offers this list as a service to people looking for Rat Terrier Puppies or for contacts for Breed information. Rat Terrier Their name says it all: this dog is the perfect rat hunter. As small to medium-sized dogs, the average rat terrier size ranges from 10 to 18 inches in length and from 8 to 35 pounds in weight. Rat Terriers tend to love their family, especially if theyre included in whatever the family is doing. Like all pets, rat terrier temperament can vary somewhat depending on the individual dog.. 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. Because Rat Terriers are prone to certain eye issues, take a good look at them when you sit down for a grooming session so you can note any changes. 16: Bantles Cty X Kennels: 0 1 We are building a small breeding program Dedicated to the Decker Rat Terrier. Owner Kerri Miller. While they can still certainly excel in the hunt, this is a very family-oriented dog that wants to join in with whatever his people happen to be doing. The breed declined after the 1950s when pesticides and poisons became . This can lead to pain and osteoarthritis. Mountain Top Rat Terriers in California | Rat Terrier puppies | Good Dog Breeders Purebred Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Alaskan Husky Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Bully American English Coonhound American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Hairless Terrier Generally a cinch thanks to their slick, tight coatbut be aware that they do still shed social with,! 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