04
Days
16
Hours
20
Minutes
18
Seconds

🎁 Holiday savings: up to $84 off

🚚 Order by 12/16 to get your gift on time

Back to all breeds
Rat Terrier
Characteristics, History, and Health

Rat Terrier

Rat Terriers are an American breed with a rich history. Their origins trace back to the 18th and 19th centuries when farmers across the United States needed a versatile farm dog and effective vermin hunter. The breed was created through a mix of various dogs, including the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Old English White Terrier, and the now-extinct English Black and Tan Terrier. Some strains of the Rat Terrier also have Whippet, Italian Greyhound, or Beagle blood, contributing to their speed and scenting ability, respectively. This breed got its name from their primary function - ratting. They were particularly favored by farmers for their efficiency in exterminating rats and other pests.

Main Info
Origin
United States
Alternate Names
Feist, Decker Giant, American Rat Terrier
Life Expectancy
12-18 years
Average Male Height
"10-13 inches (miniature), 13-18 inches (standard) "
Average Female Height
"10-13 inches (miniature), 13-18 inches (standard) "
Average Male Weight
10-25 pounds
Average Female Weight
10-25 pounds
Coat Length
Short
Coat Type
Smooth
Coat Colors
Black & White, Black White & Tan, Black Tan & White, Blue White & Tan, Red White & Sable, White & Apricot, White Black & Tan, White & Blue Fawn, White & Blue, White & Chocolate, White & Fawn, White & Lemon, White & Red, White & Siver, White & Tan, White
Coat Pattern
Piebald, Spotted or Patched, Sable, White Markings, White Mask, White Markings, White Markings with Tan Points, Badger Markings, Blanket-Back, Irish Marked, Tan Points

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Rat Terriers can suffer from eye conditions, including primary lens luxation and progressive retinal atrophy (prcd). They can also be affected by demodicosis, hypothyroidism (congenital) with goiter, epilepsy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, color dilution alopecia, and dental issues. Genetic testing is recommended, including for the following additional conditions: hyperuricosoria, degenerative myelopathy, chondrodystrophy and chondrodysplasia, and progressive rod-cone degeneration.

Personality and Behavior

Rat Terriers are intelligent, alert, and loving dogs that are known for their lively and feisty nature. They are extremely versatile, being equally adept at hunting and farm work as they are at being companion animals. Rat Terriers are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent watchdogs.

They are generally good with children and can get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if raised with them. However, their strong prey drive means small pets like rodents or birds may be seen as prey. Training from an early age and socialization can help manage this instinct.

Fun Facts

The Rat Terrier was named by President Theodore Roosevelt. His own Rat Terrier, named Skip, helped rid the White House of a rat problem.

Rat Terriers are excellent jumpers, able to leap more than five times their own height.

Some Rat Terriers have a unique trait called the "Rattie Tattie," where the dog will bounce on its front legs while keeping its back legs on the ground.

References

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/rat-terrier?page=1
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rat-terrier/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/rat-terrier

Screen for health risks and diseases

Recommended by top vets with decades of experience

  • 21 breeds

  • 64 genetic health markers 

  • 50 genetic trait markers 

Learn More
Cat with detailed cat DNA report