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.