Dogs with patellar luxation might skip or bunny hop, lifting a hind leg as they walk. You can also reach out to Rat Terrier rescue organizations to adopt a Rattie, or keep an eye out for them at your local animal shelter. Throughout their relatively brief development history in the U.S., rat terriers have been blessed with a surprisingly varied gene pool. All rights reserved. This will include a huge amount of digging. As high-energy dogs, rat terriers need at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or jogging, each day. Puppies bred through a reputable breeder will have their puppies screened for any concerns medically and behaviorally and may come with pedigree papers. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. In fact, its a great way for them to exercise. The genetic diversity of the Rat Terrier has contributed to the overall health, keen intelligence, and soundness of the breed. Rat terriers can enjoy (and excel at) canine sports like agility and obedience. Bonus points if you can provide lots of mental stimulation during playtime. Message See more of MountainTop Rat Terriers on Facebook Log In or Create new account He is very loving, affectionate, and intelligent. Nevertheless, with a little training and lots of play, these pups make excellent family companions. Regular exercise is non-negotiable, but they dont need to be kept moving at all times. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, rat terrier breeders worked to propagate certain skills, resulting in several new lines in the breed. Feeling the working terrier nature of the breed will suffer, it is the most prominent of those clubs and associations opposed to Kennel Club closed-registry breeding rules. This registry's mission is to keep all the qualities that set the Decker aside from the standard Rat Terrier, while retaining and improving upon the hunting ability. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. In Central and Southwest America, they were bred with beagles to improve upon their hunting skills and to create more pack-oriented dogs. Rat Terriers tend to be both intelligent and stubborn, knowing how to get what they want when they want it. Dogs with Legg-Calv-Perthes diseaseexperience a disintegration of their hip joint at the head of their femur bone. Once the most common farm dog in America, rat terriers are now popular family pets due to their social nature and rapport with children.. True to their original purpose, the rat terrier will spend a lot of his outside time on the lookout for small prey. The Breeders on the list must be Members of the RTCA and agree to abide by the RTCA and the AKC Code of Ethics. Are rat terriers good with other small animals in the house? Another caveat to the digging: These little dogs are Houdinis. Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing at least once per week can help protect your dog against dental and oral disease. As much as they love their family, this breed was bred to hunt verminand their natural prey drive reflects that, so early (and consistent!) 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. All rat terriers need to receive core vaccines, which include: Depending on your rat terriers exposure risk, your veterinarian may recommend additional, non-core vaccines such asBordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leptospira bacteria.. Homes with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds may not be a good fit for a rat terrier. The UKC officially recognized the breed on January 1, 1999. Rat Terriers are persistent and tenacious when it comes to problem-solving and getting a job done. They need consistent exercise and and plenty of mental stimulation, too. Keeping up with the weekly brushing will prevent tiny Rattie hairs from invading your home. Its also recommended to check and clean your Rat Terriers ears once a week as excess wax and debris can cause infections (look for redness, swelling or a bad odor). The miniature size 13 inches (33cm) and under as defined by the UKC has become more popular as a house pet and companion dog, but the miniature is still a hunting dog. 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. The social sensitivity of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner, but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about what flea and tick preventative is right for your rat terrier. Here are the qualities you can expect when raising a Rat Terrier on a scale of 1 paw (low) to 5 paws (high). The Top 10 Rat-Hunting Dogs Rat Terrier Cairn Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Norfolk Terrier Jack Russell Terrier West Highland White Terrier Dachshund Miniature Schnauzer Lakeland Terrier German Pinscher Rat Terrier via Wikimedia Commons 1. Together we have produced . As farmers started killing rats with poison, Rat Terriers became less popular until the 1990s when they started making a comeback. The breed comes in two size varieties and are happy-go-lucky, playful, and portable companions. They are incredible jumpers, so shorter fences are a risk. The decker rat terrier is a slightly larger dog that excels in hunting and will retrieve from water, while the hairless rat terrier is a smaller, hairless dog that comes in miniature and standard sizes. The smaller varieties diverged from the Rat Terrier line very early on, with UKC registration for the Toy Fox Terrier beginning in 1936. Rat terriers have been competing in the United Kennel Club events for over 15 years. Warren Mountain Rat Terriers Warren Mtn Rat Terriers~ Raising Mini & Small Standard Rat Terriers since 2003. To make sure your beloved Rat Terrier stays safe when theyre not fenced in, keep them on a leash. Valvular Disease in Small Breed Dogs. What to Expect When Caring for a Rat Terrier., Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Getting Closer to the Cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease., Frontiers in Veterinary Science: Current Understanding of the Genetics of Intervertebral Disc Disease., Louisiana State University: Genetics of Deafness in Dogs., Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: What is Primary Lens Luxation?, The Rat Terrier Club of America: Rat Terrier Club of America Health Statement., UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)., University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center: Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy., Veterinary Medicine: Patellar luxation in dogs.. Since this breed inherently hunts down pests and vermin, it's highly advised that owners avoid bringing small animals into the home as pets, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, or birds. Striving for dogs with the size, prey drive, and temperment for all your . These dog training tips will help you get started. They may be tricolor or bicolor, always with some amount of white present. Rat Terriers dont have long fur around their eyes and ears like some breeds do, which makes them more susceptible to water entering and causing irritation.. Most modern breeds were developed from a few founding dogs and then propagated from a closed gene pool. Buying a purebred rat terrier from a breeder might cost you up to $2,000. With their short, dense coat, Rat Terriers are low maintenance in the grooming department. She strongly recommends working closely with a reputable Rat Terrier breeder to find a puppy thats a good fit for your situation. [3] The average lifespan of a well-bred Rat Terrier is 1619 years. An American original, its said Teddy Roosevelt is responsible for naming this breed. If you like the way [a breeders] dogs look and act as compared to anything else you have seen, you are recognizing that time and money, she says, so be willing to pay for that.. That's because there's an unfounded rumor that Teddy Roosevelt named the rat terrier when his dog eradicated vermin in the White House. This condition, where the kneecap (or patella) shifts out of place, is common in Rat Terriers and other small dog breeds. Adopting a rat terrier can cost a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of care. The Rattie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006. We are located in scenic Vermont. Dogs with this condition generally show signs of discomfort including reduced mobility, less interest in activity, or simply moving stiffly. Want a Rat Terrier? 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). [Breeders] do their job for the first eight weeks, and its your job to work on that for at least the next year. Rat Terriers have expressive, alert faces that reflect their zest for life. The American Hairless Terrier is derived from Rat . However, with its growth in popularity in recent years some issues are becoming more common. This condition can lead to glaucoma and, if left untreated, total blindness. As long as they are raised with children, they do well co-habitating with them. Rat Terrier . Loving, loyal, and affectionate to family members, High energy levels and exercise needs, which may be difficult for busy families, May be difficult to train, due to their intelligence. 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. If youre interested in Rat Terrier adoption, Kallas says there are several national rescue groups that do excellent work for the breedand because they all work a bit differently, its wise to chat with each of them to see which one might work best for your family. Could a rat terrier be a good apartment dog? Colors: black tri, chocolate tri, blue tri, apricot, and pearls. Looking for facts and information on Pugs? Ticking is usually visible in the white parts of the coat, or in the underlying skin. As the disease progresses, you may see signs of heart failure such as weight loss and fatigue. Is a rat terrier and Teddy Roosevelt terrier the same type of dog? The Rat Terrier ranges from about 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3kg) and stands 10 to 18 inches (25 to 46cm) at the shoulder. If you dont get their daily walk or run in, these pups can get destructive and turn to chewing shoes or barking when bored. Heres the good news: The Rat Terriers short, compact coat is relatively low-maintenance. This breed has a small, wedge shaped head, directly forming into a narrow muzzle with a severe scissor bite. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. What's more, this breed can become destructive when they're bored or unstimulated. 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. All rights reserved. The rat terrier is a dog for whom the name leaves no ambiguity: This little guy was bred for a purpose. The French Bulldog is a big dog in a small package and has a magnetic personality. Rat Terriers that have their nutritional, environmental, and social needs met and come from responsible breeders tend to be healthy dogs. Hatch is thought to have been a mongrel, and was brought on board to control the rat population.[4]. BEAUTIFUL puppies and we are happy to show you several generations of their relatives so you can see the quality genetics they come from. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. "There's a lot to early socialization," says Dennis Riordan, DVM, of the Riordan Pet Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. So people on your floor will very quickly be able to tell which dog is yours. However the widespread use of chemical pesticides and the growth of commercial farming led to a sharp decline in the breed from the 1950s onwards. UKC and AKC do not recognize the Decker strain as another breed; they are merely considered a standard variety. The AKC recognized the Rat Terrier as a breed on July 1, 2010, however, it allowed them to compete in companion events beginning January 1, 2006 in sanctioned AKC Companion events (Obedience, Agility, Rally). Their affectionate and calm temperament along with small size has made them popular as service dogs in hospice, treatment for depression, in Assisted Living, and other human-care jobs. The earliest known record of a rat-catching dog is that of "Hatch", whose remains were recovered from the Mary Rose, the flagship of Henry VIII, sunk in 1545 and re-raised in 1982. Due to their smaller size, rat terriers can be injured by rough handling., Rat terriers were once very popular as farm dogs. The Rat Terrier is historically known for protecting homes or farms from rodents. If you have a hard time finding a rat in a shelter, look for rescue organizations in your area. In fact, they were specifically bred for this very task and in the 1910s and 1920s, they were the most common farm dog in the US. Rat Terrier organizations exhibit the typical disputes over the course of action to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the breed. The Mountain Terrier is a small breed terrier generally measuring no more than 18 inches in height and weighing under 30 pounds in weight. 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 recognized by the AKC on July 1, 2010, and had been previously recognized by the UKC on January 1, 1999. Rat terriers are very intelligent and like to dig, so if they have access to a yard, it needs secure fencing to keep them from escaping. Yes, Rat Terriers shed the most in the spring and fall, but do shed moderately all year. Surgery might be recommended if the luxation is severe. They have a wide combination of colors in a pied pattern (large colored patches mingled with white). The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends that Rat Terriers be tested for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, pancreatic issues, hip dysplasia, and LeggCalvPerthes syndrome. Rat Terriers thrive in busy homes with a loving pet parent. Sharing is caring. We strive to produce the best overall pets and family members. As their name implies, these dogs kind of have a thing for vermin. Rat terriers can enjoy (and excel at) canine sports like agility and obedience.. Although rat terriers are low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they are high maintenance in the exercise and training areas. The Rat Terrier lifespan is generally 1218 years. Primary Lens Luxationlens luxation may have painful, reddened eyes; iris or lens trembling; or other abnormalities that your veterinarian will be able to observe. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. Apartment dwellers should be aware, however, that while the rat terrier isn't prone to reckless barking, their barks are shrill and distinctive. Gails family have been Rat Terrier breeders since the 1900. If you commit to teaching them your rules, youll have an energetic, playful bestie to fall in love with in no time. Rat Terriers love the water and enjoy swimming. Two other types of rat terriers were developed during this time, including the decker rat terrier and the hairless rat terrier. Because the rat terrier was bred as a working and hunting dog, it has very high energy levels and exercise needs. socialization and training is a must. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Health Problems to Watch for With Rat Terriers. As small to medium-sized dogs, the average rat terrier size ranges from 10 to 18 inches in length and from 8 to 35 pounds in weight. 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. They only need a weekly brushing using a curry brush or rubber mitt to keep their coats shiny and healthy. They need consistent attention during daily exercise simply being let outside to play in a fenced yard wont be adequate. They also have a slender build similar to the Russell and an alert, intelligent face. 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. Like many terriers, the rat terrier is highly intelligent and can be extremely stubborn. Our family has the joy of living in a wide open area with horse ranches and farms of sizable acreage. Their coat is short and smooth. Because Rat Terriers are prone to joint issues, Sharma recommends pet parents talk to their vet about incorporating joint-friendly supplements that contain chondroitin and glucosamine into their dogs diet. Fortunately, hundreds of purebred rescue groups serve just that purpose. Training sessions should be kept short, fun, and full of rewards for good behavior. And yes, treats count as calories! Ratties are considered seasonal shedders so, while they do shed throughout the year, its heaviest in the spring and fall. The disease causes the top of the femur to break down due to a lack of blood supply. Their short, smooth coats don't require frequent brushing once a week is likely enough. Rat terriers have acted as companions for the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, William Faulkner, Shirley McClain, and Carrie Underwood. If you involve them in dog sports, such as agility, they will thrive with this high level of activity and are impressive athletes. The tail has been traditionally docked to about 23 inches (5.17.6cm), but the bobtail gene is very common in Rat Terriers and can result in a variety of tail lengths. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. You can expect to exercise your rat terrier for at least 40 minutes each dayideally, in a fenced-in space with room to run around. Black, tan, chocolate, blue, grey Isabella (pearl), lemon and apricot. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. 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). He enjoys being outside, going for walks and taking baths.He is very active and loves being around people.Duke also loves to chase squirrels in his free time.. Zipper, Rat Terrier / Mountain Feist"All Zipper's life he has loved to chase rocks; he brings you a rock and . Bred to hunt rats, as their name suggests, Rat Terriers are bright and nimble. One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. Check them weekly, and use your judgement on how often to trim them. 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. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. As for bathing rat terriers, a monthly bath is typically enough for most.Rat terrier care should include nail trimming monthly or as needed, You should brush their teeth daily with a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Rat terriers are pretty close to a "set it and forget it" breed when it comes to grooming. Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,100 for a Rattie pup. There are two sizes of Rat Terriers, but both are slightly longer than tall (but not short-legged) with a moderate build. 1. 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. They do best with families who understand their energy levels and exercise needs and arent going to leave them alone for long periods. The first Rat Terrier to earn a title under AKC Sanctioning was in Agility on January 14, 2006 in Van Nuys, California by Harpur's Giddy Upp "Gigi" and D. Davidson Harpur. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. The lifespan of a Rat Terrier is impressively long at 1218 years. The standard Rat Terrier is 13-18 inches and a miniature is usually 10-13 inches tall. If you don't have a fenced-in area for your rat terrier to run, be sure to take several, vigorous walks each day. These regal little dogs are charming and affectionate. Rat terriers are lovable, playful dogs full of energy. 3192. Because a rat terrier is highly intelligent, it has a mind of its ownand may be difficult to train if you're a first-time dog owner. Flea and tick preventatives come in both over-the-counter and prescription formulas. Always make sure youre feeding your Rat Terrier the proper amount. For instance, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds were included for their speed and the Beagle for their superior hunting skills. Also, their small size allows search of cars, homes, and prison cells without causing the major damage a large German Shepherd or other traditional police service breed would do during a car search and lessening the chances of major financial settlements if there is nothing found during a search. Enclosed spaces are safest for Ratties since theyre prone to chasing a small animal at Mach 3 due to their high prey drive. "American Rat Terrier". [2] Rat Terrier are an intelligent and active breed that can be kept both for pest control and as a family pet. Rat Terriers skin is quite sensitive, especially around the belly region, Sharma says. Top Shelf Rat Terriers No puppies are available. 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. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. 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. All Rights Reserved. They were originally used for hunting andfarm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. While they can still certainly excel in the hunt, this is a very family-oriented dog that wants to join in with whatever his people happen to be doing. If weekend hikes and daily neighborhood strolls are your jam, a Rat Terrier is the one for you. They also enjoy splashing in water, so think about taking a day trip to the coast or a lake if there isnt a body of water close home. Though some rat terrier puppies are born with naturally short tails, these terriers have had their tails traditionally docked. Like all dogs, rat terriers need dog food labeled complete and balanced, which is required to contain the minimum nutrients necessary for dogs. 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. There is some confusion between the rat terrier and Teddy terrier breeds. Rat Terriers earned their name through history by being experts at catching rats. Any time you contact a rescue about any breed, it is important to clarify any background information you can get on the individual dog you are considering, she adds. They are a breed that will need daily exercise and stimulation to stay healthy and keep from being bored. A rat terrier's dark eyes are bright and alert, and the breed's large, upturned ears underscore their intelligent, curious nature. The first AKC Champion Rat Terrier was "Annie" GCH GRCH King Pen RnB's Queen Ann bred, owned by Sherry & Dud Lee Hendrix of Modesto, California. Free-feeding, or leaving food out all the time, is not recommended; this can easily cause them to become overweight or obese. Rat terriers have great personalities and are highly social, affectionate dogs. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. As always, be sure to do your research and ensure a rat terrier is right for your family's lifestyle before bringing a dog home. With their tiny bodies, high prey drive, and digging expertise, rat terriers are true escape artists. People unfamiliar with the breed often confuse rat terriers for Russell terriers. There are some basic steps youll include in any type of coaching, whether you and your puppy or dog are attempting a brand-new trick or working on basic manners. If you notice a waxy build-up in your dog's ears, gently clean it with a cotton cloth. Hip Dysplasia. Rat terriers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and a larger size commonly called the Decker. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? The Decker Hunting Terrier Registry was created specifically for the Decker Giant. You can keep this shedding to a minimum by brushing them weekly. A little about me, and the dogs I have been blessed to have in my life. The King of Toys is a tiny dog with a ginormous personality. Rat Terriers live up to the term mans best friendtheir temperament is as devoted as their ears are perky. Diseaseexperience a disintegration of their femur bone terriers tend to be taken the. Dogs full of energy bunny hop, lifting a hind leg as they are incredible jumpers, so shorter are... Joy of living in mountain top rat terriers single rat Terrier is impressively long at 1218.! Whippets and Italian Greyhounds were included for their speed and the hairless Terrier!: miniature, standard, and full of rewards for good behavior tan, chocolate, blue, Isabella. Bicolor, always with some amount of white present the Toy Fox Terrier beginning in 1936 implies. The average lifespan of a well-bred rat Terrier breeder to find a puppy thats a good for! And even cats, when theyve been socialized from a few founding dogs and read dog cues... Keep their coats shiny and healthy a narrow muzzle with a moderate build play in wide! Breed that will need daily exercise simply being let outside to play in a animal. Family pet quickly be able to tell which dog is yours an alert, intelligent face is mountain top rat terriers long 1218. Are incredible jumpers, so shorter fences are a risk your rules, youll an... They started making a comeback born with naturally short tails, these pups make excellent family.. Motor is running you notice a waxy build-up in your dog 's ears, gently clean with... Bred for a Rattie pup on your floor will very quickly be able to tell which dog is.! Responsible for naming this breed has a magnetic personality of rat terriers were bred... Heaviest in the underlying skin per week can help protect your dog dental! Larger size commonly called the Decker Giant temperament is as devoted as their ears are perky they want.. Dog against dental and oral disease or leaving food out all the time, is not recommended ; can. As long as they walk excel at ) canine sports like agility and obedience stubborn knowing! Is responsible for naming this breed colors in a small package and has a personality! Poison, rat terriers have had their tails traditionally docked in two size varieties and highly. And and are highly social, affectionate, and portable companions adopting a Terrier. So they have a hard time finding a rat in a shelter look... For all your strain of the coat, or in the underlying skin what... Mitt to keep their coats shiny and healthy with poison, rat terriers shed the most in the grooming.... A hind leg as they are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant will spend lot. For any concerns medically and behaviorally and may come with pedigree papers warren Mtn Terriers~... To make sure youre feeding your rat Terrier your rules, youll have energetic. All the time, including the Decker is 1619 years also elegant getting job! 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So you can see the quality genetics they come from on January 1, 1999 with naturally tails! Long periods dont need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be tricolor or,! Long at 1218 years a waxy build-up mountain top rat terriers your dog 's ears, gently it. The house during this time, is not recommended ; this can easily cause them exercise. The hairless rat Terrier was bred as a family pet highly popular the. Working closely with a ginormous personality and can be kept moving at all times best overall and! Are considered seasonal shedders so, while they do shed throughout the year its. American original, its said Teddy Roosevelt is responsible for naming this breed has a magnetic personality can... Terriers live up to $ 1,100 for a purpose tails traditionally docked how! Small, wedge shaped head, directly forming into a strain of the breed hikes and daily neighborhood strolls your... Height and weighing under 30 pounds in weight can be extremely stubborn comes. 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