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The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed, one of many terrier varieties most of which are closely related to the feist. It is a small, active terrier. Although the breed has been around in similar form since the early 1900s, it has remained more of a type than a breed.

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Appearance

The Rat Terrier comes in a variety of coat colours and patterns. It is often white with either black, tan, apricot, blue, or brown spots, although predominately brown or black coats are not unknown. The most common colour is the tricolour: white coat with black and tan markings. Many have ticking on the white part of the coat; most have freckles on their bellies. Ear carriage can be erect, tipped, or button, and the tail is traditionally docked to about 1/3 of its original length. In 1999 when United Kennel Club recognized the Rat Terrier, breeders agreed to allow the hairless dogs to enter the UKC registry as Rat Terriers, hairless variety. The American Hairless Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 2004.

The Rat Terrier ranges from about 2 to 40 pounds, although the larger sizes are sometimes called Deckers or Decker Giants, after a breeder named Milton Decker who has been developing a larger version of the Rat Terrier. The Toy size (10 pounds and under) is becoming increasingly popular as a house pet & companion dog. Despite their diminutive size, many Toy Rat Terriers display the same prey drive & hunting instincts as their larger cousins.

There are 5 distinct sizes of Rat Terrier: toy tot, or tiny tot; toy; miniature; standard and Decker Giant, as discussed above.

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Temperament

Although often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a very different temperament. It is less aggressive and comparatively calm (although still exhibiting terrier personality). They are normally cheerful dogs, but there are occasional dogs who are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment or to unexpected noises, people, or activity. They can be, however, extremely bonded to and protective of their owners.

When searching for a Rat Terrier be sure to find a breeder who does temperament testing to determine if the individual dog will suit your home and family. Rescuing a Rat Terrier is a good alternative to contributing to the sometimes cruel breeding process. If looking for a rescue Rat Terrier be sure to ask lots of questions about the dog you are looking at. Answer all questions that the rescue organization asks you so that they can determine the right fit for you.

History

The Rat Terrier type originated in England; like all terriers of this type, it most likely developed from crosses among Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and Whippets. After the 1890s, as the breed type became popular in America, other breeds were added to the mix. Beagles and Italian Greyhounds may have been used.

Breed recognition

Rat Terrier organizations rank among those in the dog world among which there is dispute over the best course of action to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the dog breed. Points of departure are, as usual, which dog type best represents the breed, and, as is common among working breeds, whether the dog's working qualities will be sacrificed to show conformation. Perhaps because the Rat Terrier has existed for decades with several different evident types being upheld by different clubs, disagreements can be highly charged.

Rat Terrier (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) By Alice Kane "One in a series of authoritative dog breed books, this will provide you with all the guidance and advice you will need for providing a healthy and happy lifestyle for this treasured breed, including points on behaviour, training, feeding and healthcare. Recommended by top breeders and trainers, this book is the responsible first choice of every new owner. " More from the Dog Shop from Amazon.co.uk

The Rat Terrier has been recognized by the United Kennel Club. The Rat Terrier Club of America is actively working towards recognition by the AKC and the breed was accepted into the AKC's Foundation Stock Service in 2005. The first Rat Terrier to earn a title under AKC Sanctioning was in Agility on January 14, 2006 in Van Nuys CA.

Miscellaneous

The RCA trademark dog, Nipper ("His Master's Voice") might have been a Rat Terrier.

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed a Rat Terrier variation that has more recently become known as a Type-B Rat Terrier. Type-B's are now recognized as a separate breed, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, named after President Roosevelt.

The Rat Terrier was a common farm dog in the early 1900s, bred for catching barn rats in haystacks.

A rat terrier was mentioned in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

References

• Kane, Alice J. (2004). Rat Terrier: a Comprehensive Owner's Guide (Special Limited Edition). Kennel Club Books ISBN 1-59378-367-1.

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Taz and Bubba sent in by Gwyn - Many thanks

Meg sent in by Melissia with a Question - Thanks

I think my dog is a Rat Terrier, not a Jack Russell as some have told me.  She is a found dog (we found her roaming the park alone and no one claimed her).  Is it possible to tell from a photo if she is a rat?  Her temperament just seems like a Rat Terrier to me... Attached are a couple of pictures.  Her name is Meg and she's about 3.5 years old. Thanks for any insight you can give...Melissia

You can compare pictures with Jack Russell, but it seems that temperament is the key. What does everyone think ? They look virtually identical to me.

She looks like a rat terrier to me... I have 2 toy rats.  The jack russells I have seen tend to be a little furrier than rat terriers.  She definitely has the head and body shape.

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Comments

rat terriers are cute