Rat Terrier Breed Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: The Rat Terrier has a short, dense coat that is easy to care for. A weekly brushing with a soft brush and a monthly bath should keep this breed’s coat in tip-top shape.

Shedding: The Rat Terrier’s short coat sheds twice a year, but otherwise requires little care.

Training: Although they are very smart, the Rat Terrier can be stubborn, so persistence and patience is the key to training.

“If you tell them not to jump on the couch, they won’t try it the same way twice, but they might come up with 15 different ways to get on the couch before they finally accept that the couch is off limits,” says Kallas. “Then you might have to do it all over again the next day because according to your Rat Terrier, you could change your mind and they need to make sure!”

Barking: A bored Rat Terrier left to his own devices will bark, dig and get into all kinds of mischievous behavior, says Kallas. Proper training and exercise, as well as the time and attention of their people, will go a long way to addressing this behavior.

Personality: Feisty and funny, ornery and entertaining, the Rat Terrier is an intelligent breed with many charming traits. When given consistent training they can make great family pets, but it’s important to keep their predisposition for hunting and shenanigans in mind.

Temperament & Behavior: Rat Terriers have a few personality quirks that necessitate early socialization, so proper training is required to have a well-mannered companion.

“They are hunters at heart and will happily chase anything that chooses to run away,” says Tracey Kallas, a breeder at K2 Rat Terriers and AKC/UKC Rat Terrier judge. “Being smart and clever and loving to dig makes them excellent escape artists. They live to be with their people, and unlike many terriers will go out of their way to make sure all family members are included in the fun.”

Behavior with Kids: When properly trained, Rat Terriers will provide fun-loving, energetic entertainment for kids of any age.

Protection: Unlikely to let anything approach his area without a proper verbal warning, the Rat Terrier makes a terrific, alert guard dog.

Life span: On average, Rat Terriers live to be between 12 and 18 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: Just as many other breeds have predispositions toward certain diseases, the Rat Terrier also has conditions that are seen commonly in the breed. these conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Mitral Valve Disease, Microvascular Dysplasia, Medial Patellar, Luxation, Primary Lens Luxation , Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Legg-Calve Perthes.

Preventive Care: As with most small breed dogs, dental disease is common in Rat Terriers. It is important to note that daily dental care with approved dental chews and toothpaste by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) help improve dental health overall. However, these dental chews and toothpastes do not eliminate the need for an annual anesthetic dental cleaning, which does far more than chews and toothpastes will. With the predisposition for knee problems, it is wise to start joint supplementation early on.

Ensure your Rat Terrier is being fed the recommended amount of food and is not getting too many treats as obesity is commonly seen in the breed as well. A good balanced small breed diet is recommended and not an all life stage formula. Make sure you select a formula that is specific for your dogs age.

Daily Consumption: A Rat Terrier will eat 1/2 to 1 cup of dry food per day.

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: Some Rat Terriers are happy to run around inside, chase balls and play with the kids, but they also require daily leash walks and some outdoor play. They are also very smart and agile, so keeping them mentally stimulated through agility games will keep them happy, too.

Climate: Like most terriers, Rat Terriers should only be exposed to cold-weather climates for short periods of time.