"Children can be scary for dogs that are unfamiliar with tiny humans," Johnson says. Rat terriers may be an easy breed to find in your area. Ear carriage is erect, but can also be tipped, or button, all of which contribute to an intelligent, alert expression. Digging, chewing on furniture, and excessive barking are all rat terrier characteristics that signal a need for more attention. History. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allowed rat terriers to enter competitions in 2006, and finally registered the breed in 2013. The lifespan of a Rat Terrier is impressively long at 1218 years. Ratties are considered seasonal shedders so, while they do shed throughout the year, its heaviest in the spring and fall. We are located in scenic Vermont. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Rat terrier coats come in a wide variety of colors, including bicolor and tricolor patterns. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. "Rat terriers are fast, prey-driven, and focused on their own goalsnot yours. 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. Training and obedience may be challenging but it's vital for proper behavior and socialization. As high-energy dogs, rat terriers need at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or jogging, each day. Long recognized as masters in their namesake-craft, one New York City resident penned a letter to the editor of the, Musician and filmmaker Laurie Anderson made an entire documentary about her rat terrier, called. Celebrating their 15th birthday is quite common for this hardy little breed. 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. 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. Treatment might not be necessary in mild cases, but joint supplements might be helpful with this condition. Rat Terriers are good watchdogs, so dont be surprised if they bark when someone comes to the door. Rat Terriers are incredible hunters, containing the intelligence and sense of humor that youd expect in a terrier. Homes with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds may not be a good fit for a rat terrier. UKC is a family-friendly group that promotes many different venues for dogs to compete. Bred to hunt rats, as their name suggests, Rat Terriers are bright and nimble. As with any dog, supervision with children is recommended. If weekend hikes and daily neighborhood strolls are your jam, a Rat Terrier is the one for you. Socializing them early on is important, and obedience training is going to be a must as well; rat terriers are smart enough to think up ways to get into trouble, and they're small and nimble enough to get to places they shouldn't. The classic coloring is black tan point with piebald spotting (known as black tricolor), but chocolate, tan (varying in shade from pale gold to dark mahogany), blue, isabella (pearl), lemon, and apricot are all fairly common. 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. Message See more of MountainTop Rat Terriers on Facebook Log In or Create new account Nevertheless, with a little training and lots of play, these pups make excellent family companions. Rat terriers are often excellent dogs for families with children due to their playful, affectionate nature. For instance, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds were included for their speed and the Beagle for their superior hunting skills. 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. Rat terriers routinely live to 15 years of age or more, and the breed has a low number of chronic issues. An American original, its said Teddy Roosevelt is responsible for naming this breed. All Rights Reserved. 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. If you notice a waxy build-up in your dog's ears, gently clean it with a cotton cloth. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? As with any dog breed, its best to supervise when your two- and four-legged babies are interacting. Creeping tan (often "Calico"), is also acceptable. Rat Terriers are pretty low maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs, but when it comes to training, they need daily exercise and a pet parent who is as determined and dedicated as they are. Veterinarians can teach pet parents how to brush dog teeth, and starting out as puppies will help them get used to the idea faster. They make great watchdogs, because they will bark to alert you when someones at the door. Black, tan, chocolate, blue, grey Isabella (pearl), lemon and apricot. "There's a lot to early socialization," says Dennis Riordan, DVM, of the Riordan Pet Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. The Rat Terrier is a good watchdog by nature, which makes them more likely to bark to alert you of potential danger (in their eyes). Training should be a fun, rewarding, and fulfilling experience for both of you. Gails family have been Rat Terrier breeders since the 1900. Breeding mini, and standard sizes. They also have a slender build similar to the Russell and an alert, intelligent face. Rat Terriers skin is quite sensitive, especially around the belly region, Sharma says. Duke is a 6 year old tri-color Rat Terrier / Mountain Feist mix breed dog. They take to training incredibly well and pick up on tasks quickly, but will also show a propensity to be willful. They are also considered good family pets because of their energy and compatibility with kids. By the middle of the 20th century, as farmers began relying more on traps and poisons to rid their property of vermin, the rat terrier fell out of popularity and the breed was sustained by a handful of dedicated breeders until the dogs gained a boost of popularity as a family pet in the 1970s. They are good with kids, cats and other dogs as long as they're well socialized as puppies. Hi, I'm Kerri Miller. Sable may overlay any of these colors. Remember that training doesnt end when they grow beyond puppyhood. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. But, good news for city-dwellers or apartment renters: They are small enough to get their needs met indoors, as long as you're willing to devote some playtime to them. Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,100 for a Rattie pup. 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. Eyes. To us, Rat Terriers are the perfect combination of a mind that is quick,easy to train and wants to please, with anincrediblyathletic, well-muscled and pleasingly balancedbody,with short coats that have mild to lightshedding. 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!) Even better. See breeds similar in size and pet care needs as the Rat Terrier. All of our dogs come from Cal Val bred lines and some of our dogs are listed on their page. 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. They love people and and are good with other dogs, and even cats, when theyve been socialized from a young age. Keep training interestingand keep your rat engagedby incorporating games and rewards. Our primary kennel is climate controlled and doggie doors provide access to outdoor runs for exercise and bathroom breaks. Youll have to forgive them for having a bit of a stubborn streakthey may be too smart for their own good, but they are likely to make up for it by being a fast learner in training or winning you a ribbon in an agility show. Talk to your vet about whether joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery may help your pup. Rat Terriers do best with positive reinforcement, patience, and clear boundariesthough, Kallas says, they will test those boundaries. Because everyone is touching them and interacting with them.". However, some are more reserved around new people. Your rat terrier's diet will depend largely on her size, age, and activity levels, but you can expect to feed her between .25 cups (for dogs weighing 10 pounds or less) and 2 cups per day (for dogs weighing between 30 and 40 pounds) of high-protein, high-quality dog food. Rat Terriers are persistent and tenacious when it comes to problem-solving and getting a job done. 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. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. We are located in the foothills of Clovis, California, with beautiful table top mountains in our backyard! Rat Terriers are social butterflies, and they arent keen on being left alone for long periods. Theyre affectionate and love family life, and they are adaptable enough to be anything from apartment-dwellers to farm hands. Focusing on 'sit' and 'come' from the day the puppy comes home will pay off in the long run.". Due to their smaller size, rat terriers can be injured by rough handling., Rat terriers were once very popular as farm dogs. Dogs on the mountain top spend time in my home with me and my family but also have a place of their own. They are determined and will do whatever it takes to get them access to the most rewarding outcomes. Since Rat Terrier dogs were bred to both function as a working dog and live with a family, they can master both equally. True to their original purpose, the rat terrier will spend a lot of his outside time on the lookout for small prey. Apartment dwellers should be aware, however, that while the rat terrier isn't prone to reckless barking, their barks are shrill and distinctive. 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. The smaller varieties diverged from the Rat Terrier line very early on, with UKC registration for the Toy Fox Terrier beginning in 1936. 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. 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). AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Like most of the terrier breeds, these are brilliant little dogs. Rat Terrier . American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). That's because there's an unfounded rumor that Teddy Roosevelt named the rat terrier when his dog eradicated vermin in the White House. If sitting on the couch watching movies sounds fun, better move over to share your popcornafter youve taken your daily walk, of course. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? West Highland White Terrier. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. Rat Terriers that have their nutritional, environmental, and social needs met and come from responsible breeders tend to be healthy dogs. Toutle, Washington Phone # 503-380-5644 E-mail - firemountainnorthratterriers@yahoo.com .. Kallas loves this about the breed, but she admits it can also be downright difficult for inexperienced dog parents who arent prepared to set (and stick to!) black and white rat terrier standing in grass in front of a horizontal fence, closeup of a rat terrier wearing a green collar at a park, tan and white rat terrier standing in yard in front of wooden fence, rat terrier wearing a black harness standing on grass on a sunny day, rat terrier looking up at owner standing on fall leaves, rat terrier standing on a sidewalk looking at the camera, rat terrier wearing a black, white and red spotted collar standing outside in grass. Rat Terriers earned their name through history by being experts at catching rats. If your rat terrier becomes distracted or you feel your training methods aren't working, try another technique. Sometimes known as a rattie, this breed has a muscular, compact, and well-proportioned body with perky ears and an alert face that's always ready for action. if theyre raised with them. Typical rat terrier personality traits include: Most rat terriers are very friendly and social with everyone, including strangers. Their speed is used for controlling vermin and hunting small game such as squirrels and hares. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. Indoor games of fetch or or hide-and-seek are fun ways to satisfy their need for play. Heart failure is the leading cause of death in rat terriers, though this typically doesnt occur until old age. 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. Is a rat terrier and Teddy Roosevelt terrier the same type of dog? 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.. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has developed abnormally and creates a loose joint. Like many terriers, the rat terrier is highly intelligent and can be extremely stubborn. 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. You can keep them safe by investing in a dog life jacket. If possible, ask to visit the breeding site and to meet the litters' parents. If you have a hard time finding a rat in a shelter, look for rescue organizations in your area. They tend to have a big personality in that small package, though! Rat Terriers have a lot of energy, but they dont need a lot of exercise every day. We have aquired Diamond Valley Patches and he has really been a top producer for our kennel. 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. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. They were prized for their small size, agility, and ability to keep rats and other pests under control on the farm and out of the grain stores. 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. The Rattie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006. Whats the average cost of a Rat Terrier puppy? The color ranges from dark brown to hazel, and sometimes gray, usually corresponding with the color of their coat. 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. Like all breeds, it's important to stay on top of regular teeth brushing, frequent ear checks and cleanings, and making sure your pup's nails are trimmed. Once a week brushing paired with a hose down every four to six weeks should be all you need to keep your pup looking shiny and clean. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Find Rat Terrier Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Rat Terrier information. 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). If you dont get their daily walk or run in, these pups can get destructive and turn to chewing shoes or barking when bored. Check your local animal shelter for rat terriers, or rat terrier mixes. Breeding decker's and fire mountain rat terriers 10: Bluegrass Decker Rat Terriers: 0 3 . If you commit to teaching them your rules, youll have an energetic, playful bestie to fall in love with in no time. 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. To avoid them causing too much of a racket when the mail arrives, introduce some training to help reduce barking at the doorbell, especially if it becomes a bit of a nuisance or puts off approaching guests. Take our short quiz to find out! You can keep this shedding to a minimum by brushing them weekly. A larger strain, often in excess of 25 pounds (11kg), has been developed. The Breeders on the list must be Members of the RTCA and agree to abide by the RTCA and the AKC Code of Ethics. Heres the good news: The Rat Terriers short, compact coat is relatively low-maintenance. This dog may even consider cats and kittens as prey. One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. If you feel that its excessive, there are options to help you reduce your dogs barking. "American Rat Terrier". Rat terriers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and a larger size commonly called the Decker. If you don't have a fenced-in area for your rat terrier to run, be sure to take several, vigorous walks each day. Rat terriers have been competing in the United Kennel Club events for over 15 years. 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