Rat Terrier breed: an energetic, confident terrier who misses nothing

This small terrier has served well on American farms, being very talented at rodent control. This breed, originating from the USA, was developed with the help of European immigrants who brought their beloved pets with them. An intelligent and friendly dog, it also makes an ideal family pet.

Originally, it worked on farms, where it had to battle rodents. However, this lively, active, and high-energy little dog has also won the hearts of families, and today most people keep it as a pet. Despite this, it has not lost its hunting instinct, and its bold personality has remained unchanged over the centuries.

History

The name “Rat Terrier” itself hints at its job. Rat-catching dogs have existed for centuries, with the earliest evidence dating back to the 1500s. A famous ship from Henry VIII’s fleet, the Mary Rose, which sank in 1545, had such dogs. During the excavation of the wreck, the skeleton of a small terrier was found. DNA samples suggested that Hatch was a 1.5 to 2-year-old male dog, with brown or dark brown fur, who likely spent his entire life on the ship. Researchers believe that, if compared to today’s breeds, Hatch was most similar to Jack Russell Terriers, though many also link him to Rat Terriers.

The Rat Terrier breed was developed around the 1910s to 1920s through the crossbreeding of various terriers. In the 1890s, dogs were bred in England specifically for rodent control, and when Europeans migrated to the USA, their dogs interbred with local terriers. The primary focus was on the dog’s talent for rodent control, not its appearance. The ancestors of the breed are primarily considered to be the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier. Some also crossed their dogs with Whippets and Italian Greyhounds to produce even faster dogs capable of catching rabbits and rats.

In the Southwest, the focus was more on hunting abilities, and breeders included Beagles in their breeding programs to create pack-oriented dogs and strengthen their instincts. These dogs were used not only for hunting rats and rabbits but also raccoons, squirrels, and occasionally wild boar and deer. Smaller individuals, which were developed by incorporating Chihuahuas, hunted primarily rats.

The Rat Terrier was very popular during this time, working on numerous American farms. However, in the 1940s and 1950s, farmers began using poison to control pests, reducing the need for these dogs. The breed only started to regain popularity in the 1970s. Today, only a few American breeders focus on working-line Rat Terriers, as these dogs are now mostly kept as family pets.

Breed standard

The Rat Terrier is a muscularly built hunting terrier. Its miniature version stands at least 25 cm and up to 33 cm tall, while the standard version ranges from 33 to 45 cm. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall. Head is broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped, and proportional to the body size. Ears are V-shaped, located at the outer edges of the skull, and can be erect or semi-erect. The tail is naturally curved upward. Body is compact, muscular, and flexible.

The coloration can vary widely, often white with various colored patches and patterns. Classic coloring is black with tan points (also known as black tricolor), but chocolate, tan (ranging from pale gold to dark mahogany), blue, isabella, lemon, and apricot are all quite common. They can be tricolored or bicolor, always with some white present. Their coat is short, silky, and fine to the touch. They typically have a lifespan of 15 to 18 years.

Character

Although born a hunter, as its instincts still persist, the Rat Terrier has found its place in families and on their sofas. Despite not being very large, it possesses a huge personality, much like most terriers. It’s very self-assured, quick-witted, and an excellent watchdog, always keeping an eye on everything. It imagines itself much larger than it actually is, which is evident at first glance. Nevertheless, it is kind and devoted to its family. It’s important to know that it has high energy needs that must be met. Being highly intelligent, mental stimulation is also necessary. It trusts its instincts and isn’t afraid to act, even when it’s unnecessary. Excellent as a watchdog, it’s curious and will definitely alert its owner if something is amiss. As a terrier, it can be quite stubborn; once it sets its mind on something, it’s challenging to deter it.

Ideal environment

Care

Its short, dense coat is really easy to maintain. It’s recommended to brush it once a week with a soft-bristled brush or a rubber palm brush. They shed more during spring and fall than at other times of the year. Their nails should be trimmed if they grow too long, and it’s important to keep their eyes and ears clean at all times.

Common health problems

The Rat Terrier is truly a resilient breed, even in terms of health. The most common health issue for them is patellar luxation, but they may also experience dysplasia, heart problems, and Perthes disease. However, overall, they are not a sickly breed.