Rat Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 46 cm
- Weight
- 4 to 11 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 18 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A compact, energetic American terrier with a smooth coat and an athletic outline, developed as a versatile farm dog and vermin hunter.
History and origins
Developed in the United States in the early 20th century from European terriers brought over by British immigrants, including the Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier, for vermin control on farms and for companionship. President Theodore Roosevelt is said to have given the breed its name.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 18 years, and the breed is very hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Skin allergies
- Dental malocclusion
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Primary lens luxation
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
In our lists
Rat Terrier FAQ
How big does the Rat Terrier get?
The Rat Terrier stands 25 to 46 cm at the withers and weighs 4 to 11 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Rat Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Rat Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Rat Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Rat Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Rat Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 18 years, and the breed is very hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and skin allergies.
