Rat Terrier

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Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Rat Terrier Breed Information

Breed Group: Miscellaneous

Weight: 12-35 lbs

Height: 14-23 inches

Color(s): red and white, tri-spotted, solid red, black & tan, blue & white and red brindle

Major - Fawn/Tan Tuxedo male Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier

$400.00

Garrett, Rat Terrier/Chihuahua Cross

Rat Terrier

$345.00

CKC Black and White Female Rat terrier Puppy

Rat Terrier

$300.00

Overview

The Rat Terrier was originally named by none other than Teddy Roosevelt. The Rat Terriers were developed in Great Britain from a cross between the Smooth Fox Terriers and the Manchester Terriers in 1820. They were brought into the United States in the 1890's, where they became more popular. American breeders crossed this breed yet again with the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Beagle, and the Whippet. Breeders wanted to retain the hunting instincts of the Beagle along with the red color and the bulkiness, while the Whippet provided to speed and agility with the blue and brindle colors.

Character

The Rat Terrier can be stubborn and willful at times, and are sometimes reserved around strangers but warm up very quickly. Even with his small size, this breed is fearless and shows the true colors of a terrier. This breed makes an excellent companion for a single person home. The Rat Terrier is not recommended for the average family as he has the tendency to become destructive without proper stimulation, and also loves to roam and wander providing much stress.

Temperament

Spunky, energetic, lively, and alert, this breed makes a good watchdog. The Rat Terrier makes a great companion to the right family, but should be trained properly as they have the tendency to snap if frightened. This breed can do well around other pets, but should be socialized at puppy hood to prevent difficulties. Smaller animals should not be placed around this breed if they are not properly socialized around them or raised around them.

Care

Rat Terriers do not require much in the grooming area. Brushing with a firm bristle or rubber brush occasionally will remove any loose or dead hair. Baths are only necessary approximately once every six months. Bathing too often will remove the natural oils from the coat, which can cause skin problems that this breed is prone to having. The Rat Terrier should be protected from cold weather via sweaters as this breed has a very short coat and gets cold very easily.

Coat

The Rat Terrier has a very short coat lying close to the body of the dog. Grooming is not a large task, however this breed should be protected from the cold via sweaters. The coat should be firm, and harsh to the touch while still remaining glossy.

Training

The Rat Terrier being so lively can be very stubborn and sometimes difficult to train. This breed requires a firm and experienced handler. Consistency is a must, as this breed tends to lose interest very quickly. A variety of techniques should be exercised to keep this dogs attention. Obedience classes at an early age are recommended by many breeds and Rat Terrier owners, however it is not required. Training can be a definite task for this alert and willful breed.

Activity

A small yard should be sufficient for this small yet energetic breed. They love regular romps free, however are escape artists and should always be kept on lead or in a fenced area. This breed should be trained not to pull on lead, and does very well on long walks or jogs. Rat Terriers should have at least 40 minutes of exercise per day to avoid overeating and/or laziness, which this breed is prone to.

Ask a Question Rat Terrier Questions & Answers

QUESTION: We took in a toy rat terrier 6 years ago. He actually "adopted" my husband. He is somewhere between 8 and 10. It seems he has become blind.It progressed over the last 6 months to a year. Is this common with this breed?

Anonymous - 5/12/2012 2:10:48 AM

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QUESTION: I just bought a pug and a rat terrior mixed puppy. She is very stubborn,but very smart any suggestions?

Anonymous - 5/10/2012 7:47:04 PM

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QUESTION: What is the difference between A & B type terriers listed in sales ads?

Anonymous - 4/30/2012 8:13:31 AM

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QUESTION: I have a 5 month old female rat terrier. We live beside a field with cows. She eats the cows poop and her breath is horrible! How can I get herto quit?

Anonymous - 4/22/2012 7:04:48 PM

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It's a puppy thing...as the pup matures she should begin to realize poop is not for eating. We had the same problem with a male ratty but after a year he slowly found other interests.

Anonymous - 4/23/2012 11:12:56 PM

Try to catch your rat terrier making an attempt to eat the poo, but as she tries, make a loud noise and touch her lightly but not too lightly on the upper part of her neck quickly with your hand. It's like when a dog was a very young puppy, the mother would correct it by nipping it on the neck if it did something unacceptable. This method works on most dogs.

Anonymous - 4/23/2012 9:32:14 PM

QUESTION: I am sitting a 4 month old rat terrier and she has stopped playing and running. I took her to a vet to get shots and wormed. the vet says that she is okay. But she keeps vomiting, not a lot but each day. What could be causing this?

Anonymous - 3/31/2012 3:24:23 PM

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My Chihuahua was just diagnosed with just these type of symptoms. Through blood tests and worm testing it was determined that she had hemorrahagic gastroenteritis. Antibiotic, nausea meds and diarrhea meds have helped. Not life threatening unless not treated. If she keeps vomiting, etc. I would take her back to the vet. Hope this helps.

Anonymous - 4/10/2012 6:25:58 PM

QUESTION: I'm having problems with my rat when i leave the house...she tears everything up! I am at the point of loosing it! help??????

Anonymous - 3/27/2012 2:01:26 AM

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You can put your rat terrier in a kennel and give her something to chew on while you're gone like a bone or something.

Anonymous - 4/14/2012 7:10:57 PM

Maybe you should kennel her while your out.

Anonymous - 4/10/2012 3:56:03 PM

QUESTION: We have a rat terrier and dachshund mixed. How old are they when they first come into heat?

Anonymous - 3/25/2012 11:49:31 AM

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About 6 to 8 months old

Anonymous - 4/14/2012 7:12:17 PM

QUESTION: HELP. All my 4 1/2 month old rat terrier wants to do is bite at my arms and ankles. She is so hyper and never slows down. She has several chew toys, but that just doesn't seem to satisfy her too long. I have tried a water bottle to spray water mist at her, but that just seems to get her more excited. She only acts this way with me. She is a completely different dog with my husband. Any suggestions??

Anonymous - 3/22/2012 10:01:31 AM

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QUESTION: I have an 8yr.old female Rat Terrier. Lately every time she drinks some water she coughs it up- this never happens when she eats her food. She is very healthy and active. What would cause her to do this?

Anonymous - 3/20/2012 5:53:19 PM

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QUESTION: i have a 3 yr old min. Rat terrier and he lost 2 teeth. Is this normal to the breed?

Anonymous - 3/15/2012 8:44:29 AM

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QUESTION: Our rat terrier puppy is constantly biting at my ankles and feet. She is very playful and is always wanting to bite at my arms or clothes. Help!!! Any suggestions??

Anonymous - 3/8/2012 3:35:06 PM

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I use a spray bottle with water for mine. He does not like the mist.

Anonymous - 3/9/2012 5:03:34 PM

QUESTION: We are training our rat terrier puppy with training pads. One problem -- when she is home alone during the day, she destroys them. Any suggestions???

Anonymous - 3/8/2012 12:47:14 PM

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We taught our 1.5 year old rat terrier to ring a bell every time he needs to go outside. After about 2 days of hitting the bell with his paw every time we took him outside, he got it! We have had no problems with it! Works like a charm! We just hang the bell on the door handle, and he can easily ring it with his paws.

Anonymous - 3/24/2012 9:15:01 PM

I agree to kennel train, mine would pee everywhere but the paper until we crate trained her went very quick after that now she is 100% out door trained. at 16wks ;)

Anonymous - 3/17/2012 3:44:53 PM

My rat terrier did this until I purchased a wee wee pad "holder". This stopped this behavior in about a day.

adamsacres - 3/13/2012 5:19:38 PM

kennel training our rats seemed to be the best solution. sometimes they suffer from seperation anxiety, so when you leave your home in the morning expecting it to be in tip top shape just like you left it. think again. the first couple of weeks are tough.. now our rat just goes to his cage when he's had enough!! Good luck

Anonymous - 3/12/2012 2:23:27 PM

QUESTION: What do you do if Rat Terrier's have worms? What do you feed them to get them well?

Anonymous - 3/5/2012 11:26:37 PM

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QUESTION: We have a four month old rat terrier puppy. She is very active. About 3 weeks ago, she was playing and ended up breaking her left rear leg. She had a cast on it for about 3 weeks, but it is finally healed and the cast is off. The vet said for her to be in a less active stage for the next 2 weeks. It is very hard to keep her too still because as we know rat terriers are very active, especially puppies. How easy is it for her to rebreak another bone? Thanks.

Anonymous - 3/5/2012 11:01:02 AM

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While it is difficult to keep the puppy in a crate most of the time....it is imperative. the bone is not completely healed yet and needs that time. Walks only out on a leash for now and no freedom in the house. It is your responsibility to make sure you give the pup every opportunity to heal properly, and that means following your vets directions. Good luck.

adamsacres - 3/13/2012 5:22:03 PM

QUESTION: I recently rescued a rat terrier and she is killing me. Love her to death but she is stubburn and will not listen. Took her to a socialization/obedience class and we dropped out as this was not a good setting for her. She loves walks but if we encounter a dog on the way she snaps at the dog. Some call it Little Dog Syndrome. What can I do about this? She is digging up the yard too. Hate to get rid of her but feel she is just not right for our family. I heard they are easily trained but this one is not. Was in a cage for most of its life, adopted out then brought back. HELP

Anonymous - 2/16/2012 5:58:28 PM

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I adopted a five year old rat terrier chihuahua mix (had DNA test done) out of a shelter six months ago and had the same issues. We've reduced dog aggression issues with exercise and more dog socialization: 20 min am walk and 40 min evening walk and a couple of days a week at a dog day camp all day to tire him out and keep him socialized. He is better with most dogs now on our walks but we still cross the street if needed. I found my dog snaps on the leash because he is protecting me, but can be friendly with other small dogs dogs in a secure, supervised play area when he is loose. Good Luck with your doggie. :)

Anonymous - 2/24/2012 2:17:54 PM

QUESTION: how long do rat terriers live

Anonymous - 2/14/2012 7:30:01 PM

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Life expectancy of a rat terrier is 15-18 years, but this of course if you take good care of them! They need exercise, and also a good food! Grain is not good for dogs, but is in a lot of dog foods. Look for grain free foods and treats and also ones that do not contain meat by-products.

Anonymous - 3/24/2012 9:17:49 PM

We met a man just the other day with a male rat terrier. We want to breed our female at least once. The man said his rat was 14 y/o!!! (Probably not got for breeding?)

Anonymous - 3/10/2012 9:59:17 AM

This depends on your terrier's health condition. My friend's rat terrier is 9 (or maybe older) and it is still in a healthy condition.

Anonymous - 2/27/2012 7:40:39 PM

QUESTION: How do you train a rat terrier?

Anonymous - 2/9/2012 10:21:35 AM

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Our rat was very easy to train. Many dogs respond well to clickers. You first have to get them used to the fact that when they hear the click they get a treat. After getting them used to this, start training. For example, if you are trying to get your rat to learn to sit, every time it sits after giving the command, click the clicker and immediately give a treat. It only took a day or 2 per trick for our rat to learn his tricks.

Anonymous - 3/24/2012 9:20:00 PM

One sentence, With LOTS of patience, especially if it is grown already. It is always easier to train them at a young age.

Anonymous - 2/27/2012 7:42:01 PM

QUESTION: i have a 6 year old rat terrier and i wanted to know if they are good hunters i would love to take her hunting with me just to keep me company

Anonymous - 2/5/2012 2:28:39 PM

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our rat terriers, male and female, both will dig for underground animals. We used to have a neighborhood gopher, and my little 3 month old terrier would dig a tunnel to get to it. I couldn't even see her anymore she was so deep in the ground!!!

Anonymous - 3/24/2012 9:59:52 PM

Rat Terriers are great at getting small animals out of hollow logs and such, but they hunt to kill.

Anonymous - 2/15/2012 10:49:58 AM

QUESTION: do rat terriers shed?????

Anonymous - 2/4/2012 5:38:46 PM

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try changing your rat terrier's food. Eukanuba for small adult breeds is a good dog food to use. If you feed them a low priced food, they tend to shed more because their body is compensating for the nutrition they are not getting.

Anonymous - 2/21/2012 4:07:51 PM

i have a rat terrier and he is the most perfect animal ive ever had my children and husband adore him but he sheds awful the white hair gets everywhere it drives me crazy because i do everything i know to do and you would think as much as he sheds he would be bald hope this helps

Anonymous - 2/14/2012 4:42:50 PM

QUESTION: How long does a mix of chow and rat terrier live??

Anonymous - 1/29/2012 10:27:58 AM

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QUESTION: What is the most common breed of the terrier group?

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 9:06:23 AM

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QUESTION: We have a 10 1/2 week old female Rat Terrier. She is doing very well, eating well and sleeping all night in her crate. She is very, very active. She is constantly wanting to chew on everything she comes in contact with, including ourselves. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Anonymous - 1/23/2012 12:24:18 PM

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Rat Terriers are highly active dogs (think Jack Russell x 2!). Mine was eating cat poop, furniture, etc. I take him for walks off-leash in a place he can run. I take him out for about 2 hours each day. This has helped him calm down. Also, being on a schedule is helpful to these dogs. They want to know when they are going out. The bad behavior is now gone!

Anonymous - 2/15/2012 10:52:06 AM

I found that with my 2 year old rat terrier, who still chews like crazy, that nylabones have kept him busy enough to get a little while of peace. We also have liked to use on of those laser pointers that you get in the pet section of the grocery store to help wear him out. Another suggestion is get the nylabone brand of toys (they have a lot of different toys (: ) and get a lot of (real in my case at least) tennis balls. I have found that both of my terriers, even though they are different breeds, love these things and it keeps them busy/gives them exercise without wearing yourself out :)

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 12:55:50 AM

QUESTION: I have four rat terriers and one fox rat terrier. I had four rat terrier puppies. Then we sold two of them. I am doing a science fair project for sixth grade. I already did my project and now I need three resources to back up my results. Do any of you know what websites to go to? My topic was " What color will a dog most likely go to". My colors were blue, green, yellow, and red. Anybody have any websites. Please help. This concerns 50 percent of my grade!!!

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 8:48:48 AM

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QUESTION: I have a rat terrier who is 10 years old tomorrow. Today we found out she is diabetic. She was drinking water and urinating constantly. Does anyone know if this is a genetic problem with rat terriers? 3 years ago she also had to have a bladder stone romoved also. I am so worried as we love her so.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 8:55:55 PM

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not genetic that I am aware of. Our 12 year old cat became diabetic after getting a bladder infection.

Anonymous - 3/24/2012 10:02:51 PM

QUESTION: We got a rat terrier from a rescue group. We figure he is about 4 yrs old. The day after we got him I had to take him to the vet due to him coughing and running fever. Two months later he started coughing again, took him to the vet. Now here it is two months later and he is sick again. Why is he getting sick so much? I really can't afford to take him to the vet this time. Is there anything over the counter I can give him?

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 1:41:13 PM

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Two weeks ago we adopted a rat terrier from a shelter, and he's very peppy, smart, and friendly--but does have a persistant cough. Because of a family issue we had to board him a weekend with the vet, who said the dog had a form of bronchitis probably picked up at the shelter. We're to give him pills, and if the condition persists, bring him back to see what else can be done. Hope this helps. We've been with this vet about 20 years and trust him. He really cares about peoples' pets.

Anonymous - 5/8/2012 10:00:42 PM

Add garlic powder to his food. Natural antibiotic. Just use what you would use on your meal.Causes bad breath of course and he will burp after a meal.My ratty had infected gums (red all above the teeth) A constant diet with garlic will also keep the fleas away.

Anonymous - 3/5/2012 1:15:19 PM

We had a rat terrier that coughed ocassionly. Sometimes it worried me but we never took him to the vet because he did not get any worse. He lived to be 14 years old and was the sweetest dog ever. He was very seldom leashed and live free to run on our 30 acre farm. The only problem he had was from people food and then his back started going out. He was so loyal. I hope you new friend will make you both happy.

Anonymous - 2/23/2012 9:16:16 AM

Thank you for adopting a terrier grimaced rescue.

Anonymous - 2/21/2012 9:44:42 AM

QUESTION: Are Rat Terrier's hypoallergenic?

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 10:55:52 AM

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QUESTION: Are Rat Terries clean?

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 8:38:08 PM

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My rat terrier is also very easy to bathe when he does get dirty. The trick is to not force them and to treat them during the bathing process so he/she learns that bathing is like anything else. Do a good job and you get a treat. Eventually you will have a willing dog that will do it because he trusts you and not because he wants a treat.

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 12:52:22 AM

QUESTION: I have a 4 mo old rat terrier. I would like to breed her and would like to know if it is best to wait to a certian age (skip a heat or two or...)Also what age do they generally have their first heat?

Anonymous - 12/31/2011 2:36:06 PM

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Wait till your rat terrier is 2 years old. Also dont breed unless both parents have been tested. Talk to other breeders to get help and information so you can produce healthy puppies.

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 12:46:00 AM

QUESTION: I have a small dog which is a mixture of "rat terrier, tea cup chihuahua & pomeranian"! My question is does any of these breeds have a noticeable spine? I want to take him to a vet but I really can't afford one. He's very active & eats well. He is over a year old now but the only time he did see a vet was when we first got him. Whatever shot he got then was the start. He was checked for worms & they found none.The vet said he was in good health. Can anyone help me? Is the spine showing normal for one of the breeds? Thank you & Bless you & yours

Anonymous - 12/28/2011 3:32:59 PM

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our male rat terrier was that way. We figured out two things, the female was eating his food, and he needed to have wet dog food for Awhile with his dry food because he was so hyper active he needed the extra protein.

Anonymous - 3/24/2012 10:07:18 PM

My lil mini rat was 8lbs and looked like we never fed him.. took him to the vet and he said he was fine.. it could be just the way he's gonna be.. my baby was 2.2lbs at 11 wks and 8lbs at 2.

Anonymous - 3/12/2012 2:27:28 PM

QUESTION: Is getting a rat terrier at 7 weeks too soon? He is the biggest of the litter and weaning well.

Anonymous - 12/17/2011 12:56:00 PM

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If you are looking for Rat Terrier puppies for sale from reputable Rat Terrier breeders or to adopt a Rat Terrier from a Rat Terrier rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Rat Terrier puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Rat Terrier puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

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