Rat Terrier
USD $300-$500 Price Avg.
Hunting Dogs
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Small
Size
15-18 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Hunting Dogs |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 97 |
| Origin | United States |
| Other Names | American Rat Terrier, Decker Giant, RT, Rat, Rattie, Ratting Terrier |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $300-$500
How much does it cost to buy a Rat Terrier? Rat Terrier are usually priced differently from breeder to breeder and from place to place. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between $300 to $500 if you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder. The price will increase if the dog has a fantastic pedigree. Dogs that already have basic training maybe even more expensive. But, most Rat Terriers can be adopted through a shelter for a lower fee. |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) |
| Height | Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 15-18 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC
The American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. And Not recognized by FCI. |
| Purpose | Vermin Hunting |
| Date of Origin | 1800s |
| Ancestry | Beagle, Greyhound, Terrier, Whippet |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense, Shiny |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Black, Blue, Brown, Tan, Tricolor, White |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Hazel, Brown, Amber, Blue, Green |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown, Liver, Tan |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Black, Tan, Blue, Chocolate, Red, White, Silver, Lemon, Orange |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Coat Density | Medium |
| Coat Texture | Smooth |
| Recommended Brushes | Slicker brush, Pin brush, Undercoat rake, Nail clippers, Shedding blade, Grooming mitt |
| Brushing Frequency | 2-3 times per week |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Caring, Inquisitive, Lively, Loving, Vigilant |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Yes |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Eye Problems, Heart Problems, Hip Dysplasia, Legg-perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers warm weather |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 5 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 30 minutes |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Rat Terrier have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 5-7 puppies (Once a year.) |
Food & Costing
| Cups Per Day | 1/4 to 1/2 cup |
|---|---|
| Daily Cost | $10-$20 |
| Monthly Cost | $50-$100 |
| Avg. Daily Food | Around 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two meals. |
Description
The Rat Terrier is a small, energetic breed of dog that has been around for centuries. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. The Rat Terrier is a great companion for any family and can make an excellent pet.
Appearance: The Rat Terrier has a short coat that comes in many colors including black, white, tan, red, blue and chocolate. They have long ears that hang down to the sides of their head and a long tail that curls up at the end. Their eyes are usually dark brown or black in color and they have a strong muzzle with a pointed nose.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of the Rat Terrier is between 12-15 years when properly cared for.
Size: The average size of the Rat Terrier is between 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Weight: The average weight of the Rat Terrier is between 10-20 pounds when fully grown.
Colors: As mentioned above, the Rat Terrier comes in many colors including black, white, tan, red, blue and chocolate.
Personality: The Rat Terriers are known to be very intelligent dogs with an eagerness to please their owners as well as being loyal companions who love to play games with their families or just cuddle up on your lap after a long day out exploring together! They also have an independent streak which makes them great problem solvers but can sometimes lead them into trouble if not properly trained from an early age!
Friendliness: When it comes to other animals such as cats or other dogs they can be quite friendly but may need some time to adjust if they haven’t been socialized from an early age so it’s important to introduce them slowly into new environments or situations where there may be other animals present before expecting them to get along perfectly straight away! With children they tend to be very gentle and loving but again should always be supervised when around young children just like any other breed of dog would need too!
Temperament: The temperament of the Rat Terriers tends to vary depending on how much exercise they get each day as well as how much mental stimulation they receive from their owners; however generally speaking these dogs are known for being alert yet gentle natured making them great family pets who will happily join you on all your adventures!
Health: Generally speaking these dogs tend not to suffer from any major health issues however like all breeds it’s important that you keep up with regular vet checkups just in case anything does arise so you can catch it early on before it becomes more serious!
Adaptability Level & Benefits As Pets : These little guys are incredibly adaptable making them perfect pets for those living in apartments or smaller homes due to their small size; however this doesn’t mean they don’t need plenty of exercise each day because even though they don’t require huge amounts like some larger breeds do – regular walks/runs/playtime will still help keep them healthy both physically and mentally! Some benefits associated with owning one include having a loyal companion who loves nothing more than spending time with you no matter what activity you choose; plus due to their intelligence level – training shouldn’t take too long either which makes life easier if you want your pup learning basic commands quickly so he/she can join in all your fun activities without getting into mischief first!
History
The Rat Terrier is a small terrier that was originally bred for ratting and fox hunting. The breed is also sometimes referred to as the Feist. Rat Terriers were once one of the most popular breeds in the United States, but their popularity declined in the mid-20th century and they came close to extinction. In recent years, however, the breed has been making a comeback and is now once again a popular companion dog.
The exact origins of the Rat Terrier are unknown, but the breed is thought to be descended from various terriers brought to the United States by English immigrants in the 19th century. These terriers were then crossbred with other breeds such as Beagles, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds to create a dog that was both quick and agile enough to catch rats and other small prey, but also had the stamina to hunt foxes for hours on end.
The Rat Terrier was once one of the most common breeds in America. They were especially popular on farms, where their ratting and hunting abilities made them invaluable companions. However, their popularity began to decline in the mid-20th century as people began moving into cities and away from farms. This, combined with a general decline in interest in hunting, led to a sharp decrease in demand for Rat Terriers. By the 1970s, the breed was close to extinction.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in Rat Terriers. This is due in part to their unique appearance and personality; Rat Terriers are small dogs with big personalities. They are also intelligent and easily trained dogs that make great companions. The breed has been gaining popularity in recent years and is once again becoming a common sight in American homes.
