Known also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's. Ear carriage is erect, but can also be tipped, or button, all of which contribute to an intelligent, alert expression. Dont forget that they still operate on instinctno matter their training, your Rattie might still make the occasional, sudden lunge for a squirrel on your afternoon walk. Occurring in 3 to 4% of rat terriers, hip dysplasia can cause pain and leg stiffness. Their eyes are oval-shaped and set wide apart. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. Flea and tick preventatives come in both over-the-counter and prescription formulas. Rat Terriers are good watchdogs, so dont be surprised if they bark when someone comes to the door. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. Rat Terriers also fit right in whether you live in an apartment or wide-open farm land. But by and large, the rat terrier is blessed with a coat that is short enough to not mat up and naturally oily enough to not hold on to dirt. Primary Lens Luxationlens luxation may have painful, reddened eyes; iris or lens trembling; or other abnormalities that your veterinarian will be able to observe. The Westie originated from Scotland as a ratter and hunting dog, fearlessly chasing after badgers, otters, and rats alike. The best thing you can do for your new family member is get them out into the world and experience it with them.. Their short, smooth coats don't require frequent brushing once a week is likely enough. Youll also want to make sure youre feeding your Rattie foods that are safe for dogs and know what human food your dog should never eat. Message See more of MountainTop Rat Terriers on Facebook Log In or Create new account If a Rat Terrier is introduced to new people (including children), other dogs, and cats early on, theyll likely get along with everyone. To prevent heartworms parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites and infest the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs youll need to start your rat terrier on a heartworm preventative medication. Rat Terriers have expressive, alert faces that reflect their zest for life. They are seasonal shedders, so make sure you've got a shedding tool or rubber curry brush handy to collect the excess, or resign yourself to having hair everywhere twice a year. The legacy lives on. 43. They do best with families who understand their energy levels and exercise needs and arent going to leave them alone for long periods. Aside from doing your best to keep water out of your Rat Terriers ears, theres not much in the way of special ear care required. Rat Terrier Their name says it all: this dog is the perfect rat hunter. But its definitely time to get the nail clippers out when you hear the unmistakable tap-tapping on the floor. Our dogs are bred to UKC & AKC standards for temperament, hunting ability, conformation and good health. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. TABLE MOUNTAIN RAT TERRIERS Welcome to Table Mountain Ranch! This can lead to pain and osteoarthritis. While this friendly breed is good with kids and other dogs, its still advisable to spend time socializing your Rat Terrier while theyre a puppy so they become accustomed to meeting new people and dogs, and even cats, who they can (though not always) be trained to live with. Rat Terriers are every bit as tenacious and active as they are entertaining and funny, which makes this adorable little dog a fantastic fit for some familiesbut a challenge for those who arent patient or ready to laugh at their antics. This is particularly concerning due to their potential for joint and cardiac issues. This is important because, like their other small breed counterparts, Rat Terriers are more prone to dental disease because theres not a lot of room in their mouths for all their teeth. Both sturdy and elegant, and often described as having a dual personality, the Rat Terrier is a tenacious hunter in the field, yet a sensible companion at home. Grooming, however, is generally a cinch thanks to their slick, tight coatbut be aware that they do still shed. All Rights Reserved. Treatment might not be necessary in mild cases, but joint supplements might be helpful with this condition. Are rat terriers good with other small animals in the house? Read our. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. Coldwater Rat Terriers. Rat terriers routinely live to 15 years of age or more, and the breed has a low number of chronic issues. "Children can be scary for dogs that are unfamiliar with tiny humans," Johnson says. Could a rat terrier be a good apartment dog? Yes, Rat Terriers shed the most in the spring and fall, but do shed moderately all year. Rat terriers are ideal for active families with a large, fenced-in space to run around and exercise excess energy. However, merle is widely considered to be the result of recent outcrosses and, because of associated health problems, is rejected by most Rat Terrier breeders. 20 talking about this. Originally bred to work on farms, the rat terrier is a small dog with high energy levels, high exercise needs, and a strong propensity to hunt and chase. Boston Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Toy Fox Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Kerry Blue Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Manchester Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Norwich Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Australian Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Airedale Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, American Hairless Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care. They tend to be a very healthy and active breed but, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health problems. Ratties, as theyre often called, typically get along well with other pets (including cats!) AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. This condition, where the kneecap (or patella) shifts out of place, is common in Rat Terriers and other small dog breeds. Due to regular outcrossings throughout the Rat Terrier's history, overall it is a very hardy breed. Rat terriers have acted as companions for the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, William Faulkner, Shirley McClain, and Carrie Underwood. So you may want to rethink a Rat Terrier if you keep house with rats, mice, hamsters or birds unless you take precautions to keep them separated. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, rat terrier breeders worked to propagate certain skills, resulting in several new lines in the breed. From there, farmers in the Midwestern plains states began breeding their new rat terriers with beagles and whippets, adding incredible burst speed to the breed's profile, according to America's Pet Registry. They love to follow people around while they do chores, are smart enough to instinctively avoid horses and other livestock, andtrue to their breedingwill rid properties of rats and other pests with a tireless zeal. Training sessions should be kept short, fun, and full of rewards for good behavior. And when it comes to training your rat terrier, consistencyand getting an early startis key. A rat terrier's dark eyes are bright and alert, and the breed's large, upturned ears underscore their intelligent, curious nature. That's because there's an unfounded rumor that Teddy Roosevelt named the rat terrier when his dog eradicated vermin in the White House. Through the years we have purchased many outstanding Standard Rat Terriers and have begun a top quality breeding program that consists of the last remaining Standard type Fire Mountain dogs left in the world. They love children because of their willingness to play, and rat terriers aren't so big they overwhelm children with their energy, nor are they so small as to risk getting seriously hurt by them. Rat terriers shed seasonally, and you can use a brush designed to reduce shedding during those times. Legg-Calve-Perthes. One source claims that a single terrier killed 2,501 rats in a seven-hour period in a rat-infested barn (an average of one rat every ten seconds).[5]. In the Midwest, rat terriers were bred with whippets and Italian greyhounds to produce quick dogs that could help control jackrabbit populations. Rat terriers can be stubborn dogs, but theyre clever and highly trainable. You can expect to brush your rat terrier only once per week with a rubber mitt or soft brush to remove loose hair and debris. However, if youre a bit of a pushover for puppy-dog eyes, prefer to let your pooch set the rules, cant see the humor in your dog trying to outsmart you, or dont have a lifestyle you can easily incorporate your dog into (now and for the next 15 years), this is not the right breed for you. These dogs love to please and need mental stimulation, so dont hold back on graduating them to some fun nose work or performing behavior chains, completing a number of commands before getting that all-important treat or other positive reinforcement. RELATED: Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? Its hard to resist that face when theyre begging for more snacks, and of course, treats can be an important part of your little friends training regimen. The National Rat Terrier Association is the largest independent registry and has maintained lineage records for decades. One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. Youll be in good company if you decide to take home a rat terrier President Teddy Roosevelt, author William Faulkner, and singer Carrie Underwood have all chosen rat terriers as companions. Many of the foundation Rat Terriers were indistinguishable from small mixed-breed hunting dogs known as "feists". The rat terrier breed was established in the United States near the turn of the 20th century, as farmers began breeding fox terriers with bull terriers, the now-extinct English white terrier, Manchester terriers, and many (many!) If possible, ask to visit the breeding site and to meet the litters' parents. Would this breed be a good choice for a first-time dog owner? Most modern breeds were developed from a few founding dogs and then propagated from a closed gene pool. However, there are a few potential health issues for which the national breed club recommends testing. Brindle, currently disallowed by the main breed standards, is considered by some to be a traditional Rat Terrier pattern, and there is a growing movement to have this pattern accepted into the breed. The NRTA recognizes a Toy variety weighing 10 pounds (4.5kg) or less. Paddocks provide ample room to romp, run, and play together or alone during the day. However, parents should supervise small children and rat terriers. Today, some breeders prefer a natural, undocked tail, which is accepted in the breed standards. A larger strain, often in excess of 25 pounds (11kg), has been developed. They may have a heart murmur that your vet will detect, but other symptoms may include coughing, weight loss, fatigue, or fainting from excitement or exercise. However, this is a controversial practiceaccording to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), docking is almost always for purely cosmetic reasons and, despite proponents saying it prevents injury while working in the field, health benefits haven't been proven. This breed has a small, wedge shaped head, directly forming into a narrow muzzle with a severe scissor bite. 3. They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists.Common throughout family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, they are now recognized by the United and American Kennel Clubs and are considered a rare breed. The Rat Terrier's ears can stand straight up or be semi-erect with the tips pointed upwards or flopping down (which is known as button ears). The breed comes in two size varieties and are happy-go-lucky, playful, and portable companions. They are similar in size to the Russell, with standard rat terriers topping out around 18 inches tall and the miniature version clocking in at under 13 inches, according to the Rat Terrier Club of America (RTCA). An American original with a breed name said to be coined by Teddy Roosevelt, the Rat Terrier is a compact, tough, smooth-coated exterminator dog. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. But you should not bathe them more frequently than once a month or so, she adds, as this will strip them of the natural oils that keep their skin healthy. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can damage the delicate inner-ear structures. In advanced cases, rat terriers may need surgery. Your Rat Terriers nails need to be trimmed about once a month because long nails can be painful for them to walk on. HEIGHT: Generally, 10 to 13 inches for miniature Rat Terriers and 13 to 18 inches for standard Rat Terriers, COAT COLOR: Comes in pied (meaning one or more colors with large patches of white) patterns; common colors include black and white with rust, tan, lemon, blue, red, chocolate, or orange, TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, inquisitive, affectionate, lively, alert, loving. Farm or working dogs will naturally require a little more maintenance, and apartment dogs might need a little less upkeep. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. They tend to have a big personality in that small package, though! All Rat Terrier found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Yes, Rat Terriers generally make excellent family dogs, including those with kids and other pets. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. Rat terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, may be susceptible to certain health conditions. If you live in an apartment, a rat terrier can do well without a yard as long as they get plenty of dedicated exercise time. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. Rat terriers can enjoy (and excel at) canine sports like agility and obedience. RTs come in two size varieties and are happy-go-lucky, playful, and portable companions. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Regular exercise is non-negotiable, but they dont need to be kept moving at all times. They love people and and are good with other dogs, and even cats, when theyve been socialized from a young age. The rat terrier was common on American farms, but populations began to decline in the 1940s and 1950s when farmers began to use poison to control pests and vermin. Because the rat terrier was bred as a working and hunting dog, it has very high energy levels and exercise needs. They are prone to chronic allergies and scratching, which often results in secondary bacterial infections. If you notice your Rattie scratching or licking more than usual or any red bumps or hair loss, talk to your veterinarian right away to reduce the risk of a more serious infection. Introducing them to crate training early on is wise, because it will keep them (and anything they can get their teeth on) safe if you need to leave them alone for a bit. Heartworm preventatives are prescription medications that come in oral or topical forms. They were originally used for hunting andfarm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. While they will learn to "heel" and "stay" perfectly well, if a squirrel or neighborhood cat crosses their line of sight, they will probably be unable to resist the urge to give chase. Farmers used different combinations of breeds to land on the traits they required for the job. Of course, they should always be supervised during this activity. UKC is a family-friendly group that promotes many different venues for dogs to compete. You'll also find rat terriers in a variety of bicolor and tricolor variations, with white acting as the base. The Rat Terrier is historically known forprotecting homes or farms from rodents. Each Rat Terrier is going to have their own temperament, but they generally can do well living with both cats and other dogs as long as they have been properly socialized from a young age. 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