Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier descends from several distinct terrier breeds developed in Great Britain to hunt vermin on the farm, and for use during the fox hunt. The Rat Terrier made its reputation as the best of the rat hunters. It is considered a rare breed today. The Rat Terrier is active, cheerful, lively and very playful. It is a sturdy, muscular, well-proportioned dog of medium bone. It occurs in three size variations: the standard variety is 14 to 23 inches at the shoulder; the mid-size variety is 8 to 14 inches; and the toy variety is 6 to 8 inches tall. The Rat Terrier has a well-proportioned head and medium muzzle. Its ears are high-set, triangular and may be prick or tipped. The eyes are alert, dark and intelligent. The tail is set fairly high, and may be natural, docked, or natural bobtail. The coat is dense and coarse, laying smooth to the body. The color is generally white as are most fox-hunting dogs, the more easily to be spotted during the hunt - with colored patches of black and tan called "tri-color"� or "piebald"�. The coat may also occur in black and tan, blue and white, and brindle. It usually has some degree of ticking. The face carries a half or full mask, and occasional blaze. The Rat Terrier gives an overall impression of readiness and endurance. This breed is believed to have been developed sometime prior to the 18th century from various hounds, including the Manchester Terrier, the Smooth Black and Tan, Beagle, the Fox Hound, Dachshund, and English Hound, amongst others. These terriers were traditionally used on farms to hunt vermin around the barn and stable, to keep them from grain and feed supplies. In the 19th century the Rat Terrier was brought to America by British working class immigrants. By the eary 1900's it was seen all over the farms of eastern and middle America keeping the rodents from houses and barns, and there it continued to be common for three decades or more. Jack rabbits were a plague on the Midwestern farms of the early 20th century, and some farmers bred their Rat Terrier with "snap dog"� breeds (rabbit hunters) such as Whippets and Italian Greyhounds. At the same time, farmers in southern states bred their Rat Terriers to Beagles and other scent hounds to increase their nose. Both efforts contributed to the excellent hunting sense that today's Rat Terriers possess. The Rat Terrier has been listed with the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service since 2004. The Rat Terrier is an extremely energetic dog with strong hunting instincts. It is important that this dog get daily vigorous exercise or unwanted behaviors are likely to ensue. Two brisk 30-minute walks per day are recommended as a minimum. This dog enjoys having a fenced yard to tear around in, but it is important that the fence is secure and that the owner check it regularly for any openings. The Rat Terrier has a strong desire to dig, and will tunnel its way out if given the chance. This breed does fine in an apartment setting if it is given adequate outdoor exercise daily. As is true with many terriers, it is very natural for this breed to want to bark, and the owner must work consistently to put limits on that behavior so that it doesn't become obsessive. The coat of the Rat Terrier is very easy to care for. This breed sheds minimally to moderately; brushing will help to minimize any shedding in the house, to remove dead hairs and to keep the coat looking good and the skin healthy. This breed may be bathed as needed. The Rat Terrier is generally very healthy. The disorders that commonly affect this breed are many of the same which affect the Smooth Coat Fox Terrier, and similar breeds. The average lifespan of the Rat Terrier is 15 to 18 years. When ailments are present, they often involve eye disorders such as cataracts, distachiasis or lens luxation. The hip disorder Legg-Calve-Perthes disease has appeared occasionally in this breed, and shoulder dislocations are not uncommon. Myasthenia gravis may appear, and also epilepsy. Many of these issues can be avoided through responsible and careful breeding practices. Prospective owners should ask be prepared to ask a lot of pertinent questions of the breeder and particularly inquire as to whether genetic testing has been done. Because the attentions of a professional groomer are not likely to be important for the Rat Terrier who is not in the show ring, the owner should work to familiarize the dog at an early age with being handled for grooming by the owner; having its feet handled and toenails clipped, its ears cleaned and being brushed, are all things that should happen regularly and frequently so that they become routine early in life. The Rat Terrier is known as a particularly loving, affectionate dog amongst terriers. It is capable of "settling down"� for periods and lying quietly on the sofa for a time. This breed can be rather head-strong, and it is important that training and socialization begin early and be given consistently throughout the dog's life. The Rat Terrier is less prone as a breed to be dominant toward other dogs as are similar terriers. This is a very playful breed and enjoys human interaction and interplay. Toys such as balls and squeak toys will be quite popular with this dog. The Rat Terrier requires very consistent, positive training combined with strong leadership from the owner. When training is diligent, this breed can do fine in obedience competitions. It also excels in earth dog trials and enjoys agility.

Back to iAnimals.com home page Copyright Notice: This website is © . All Rights Reserved.  Click Here to contact us. Link Partners: Animals Go to Heaven | Adopt Me | Salt And Pepper | Singing Animals | Animal Noises