Just be careful about overdoing it, because obesity can lead to health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Swedish Vallhunds are fearless, loyal and brimming with personality. Both sturdy and elegant, and often described as having a dual personality, the Rat Terrier is a tenacious hunter in the field, yet a sensible companion at home. They are good with kids, cats and other dogs as long as they're well socialized as puppies. They love people and and are good with other dogs, and even cats, when theyve been socialized from a young age. Rat Terrier Their name says it all: this dog is the perfect rat hunter. Primary lens luxation. 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 Terrier coats are smooth and shiny with short hair, and can be slightly wavy down their backs. Balanced, compactly built Rat Terriers are tough but elegant-looking. Both Rat Terrier and Mountain Feist has almost same litter size. if theyre raised with them. A genetic disease, primary lens luxation causes the eye lens to shift out of alignment spontaneously. Ratties, as theyre often called, typically get along well with other pets (including cats!) Rat Terriers were accepted into the AKC's terrier group June 2012. Rat terriers shed seasonally, and you can use a brush designed to reduce shedding during those times. Theyre just doing what they were bred to do! Digging, chewing on furniture, and excessive barking are all rat terrier characteristics that signal a need for more attention. If daily care seems daunting, aim for a few times a week. They are a breed that will need daily exercise and stimulation to stay healthy and keep from being bored. Their dark eyes are bright and alert, and the breed's large, upturned ears underscore their intelligent, curious nature. Shes been breeding, training, showing, and loving the breed for 30 years. History. While this friendly breed is good with kids and other dogs, its still advisable to spend time socializing your Rat Terrier while theyre a puppy so they become accustomed to meeting new people and dogs, and even cats, who they can (though not always) be trained to live with. As with any dog, supervision with children is recommended. Rat Terriers also fit right in whether you live in an apartment or wide-open farm land. Is the added expense worth the trouble to insure your beloved pet? Patellar luxation.Patellar luxation, where the kneecap shifts sideways out of its normal alignment, is common in small dogs. Rat terriers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and a larger size commonly called the Decker. They are playful and require much exercise. They originated on American farms, where these little dogs were perfect for exterminating the vermin that could potentially wreak havoc on stored food needed for survival. Its also possible for a dog to have heart issues with no symptoms. We like to think of these dogs as small in stature but huge in presence and mind - they truly have a big dog attitude in a little dog body. They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally eager to please you. The Rat Terrier lifespan is generally 12 . Ask lots of questions, like "Where are the puppies kept?" "American Rat Terrier". Fast, nimble hunters, they excel at agility competitions and love to run. Rat terriers also love to roughhouse and play fetch, tug-of-war, and other social games. With an incredibly high prey drive, your rat terrier won't be great as an off-leash dog. Another tip: When bathing your Rat Terrier, Sharma says to take care to prevent shampoo and water from getting into their eyes. The Rat Terrier dog breed comes from a mix of several different breed types including the Smooth Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Whippet, Italian Greyhound and Beagle. Small dogs like rat terriers generally do best on small-breed dog foods which have a higher protein and fat content than foods for larger breeds. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. Puppies bred through a reputable breeder will have their puppies screened for any concerns medically and behaviorally and may come with pedigree papers. However, some are more reserved around new people. A few things to watch out for, however, are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and cardiac and eye disorders. "Children can be scary for dogs that are unfamiliar with tiny humans," Johnson says. The genetic diversity of the Rat Terrier has contributed to the overall health, keen intelligence, and soundness of the breed. Wherever you live, due to their feisty and fearless nature, they also make great watchdogs. Pet parents need to keep up with weekly nail trims, and Kallas recommends annual dental cleanings. Training and obedience may be challenging but it's vital for proper behavior and socialization. As usual among working breeds, points of departure are which dog type best represents the breed and whether the dog's working qualities will be sacrificed to selection for conformation show competition. Rat Terriers that have their nutritional, environmental, and social needs met and come from responsible breeders tend to be healthy dogs. 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. 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 alert enough to make very good home alarm systems and will happily alert you to strangers at your door. People unfamiliar with the breed often confuse rat terriers for Russell terriers. 5. Small, extremely quick, and blessed with a sharp mind and an ambitious spirit, these agile little dogs excel as hunters of vermin and other small animals. But by the 19th century, dogs were being bred with rat-catching (or rat baiting) as a specific goal. 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. But with their instinctive prey drive, don't even think about adding a pet mouse, hamster or bird to your brood. 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). Rat terriers are muscular and have a robust, sleek appearance despite their small stature. Between this, their intelligence, and their energy levels, theyre typically best suited to experienced pet parents. Puppies available on occasion. Paired with their insatiable curiosity and athletic nature, this can make them talented escape artists, so this is not a dog you should leave alone in your backyard. The legacy lives on. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allowed rat terriers to enter competitions in 2006, and finally registered the breed in 2013. Focusing on 'sit' and 'come' from the day the puppy comes home will pay off in the long run.". One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. Rat terriers can enjoy (and excel at) canine sports like agility and obedience. Homes with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds may not be a good fit for a rat terrier. Throughout their relatively brief development history in the U.S., rat terriers have been blessed with a surprisingly varied gene pool. As farmers started killing rats with poison, Rat Terriers became less popular until the 1990s when they started making a comeback. Your vet will diagnose the condition with X-rays, and treatment is often done with surgery. other breeds, according to the RTCA. Whats the average cost of a Rat Terrier puppy? We raise minis and standards. Apartment dwellers should be aware, however, that while the rat terrier isn't prone to reckless barking, their barks are shrill and distinctive. As much as they love their family, this breed was bred to hunt verminand their natural prey drive reflects that, so early (and consistent!) And yes, treats count as calories! Theyll go where you go; theyll love who you love (mostly). Talk to your vet about whether joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery may help your pup. Because theyre very malleable and smart, they can adapt to most situations and make a really nice addition to your family, no matter what your family likes to do, Kallas says. Check your local animal shelter for rat terriers, or rat terrier mixes. And it is a job, Kallas says. With their tiny bodies, high prey drive, and digging expertise, rat terriers are true escape artists. 20 talking about this. Like all dogs, rat terriers need regular veterinary care. Flea and tick preventatives come in both over-the-counter and prescription formulas. They do best with families who understand their energy levels and exercise needs and arent going to leave them alone for long periods. Rat terriers are pretty close to a "set it and forget it" breed when it comes to grooming. Link to this: Rat Terrier vs Mountain Feist Comparison - Which dog is better Decker Giant or American Feist? Because Rat Terriers are prone to certain eye issues, take a good look at them when you sit down for a grooming session so you can note any changes. If your rat terrier becomes distracted or you feel your training methods aren't working, try another technique. TO SEE OUR FAMILY PHOTOS CLICK ON THE SMALL PHOTO TO THE LEFT. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. Rat terrier coats come in a wide variety of colors, including bicolor and tricolor patterns. Hip Dysplasia. In the 1920s, toy fox terriers that were too large for their breeding programs were bred with rat terriers, resulting in toy-sized, or miniature, rat terriers. While a bored Rat Terrier might become a bit yappy, this is not a breed that barks much without reason. They give 100 percent whether theyre hunting vermin, running agility or having a training session. 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). Sharing is caring. Rat Terriers tend to be good eaters, so feed them a measured amount of a food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) twice a day. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. If you feel that its excessive, there are options to help you reduce your dogs barking. And while that should begin with your breeder, thats only the start. Unless theyve had extra fun outside (aka Rattie vs dirt pile), you only need to bathe them monthly, but you can use a deodorizing spritz to freshen them up in between. Nevertheless, with a little training and lots of play, these pups make excellent family companions. Rat terriers may be an easy breed to find in your area. They also have a strong desire to be with their people; this is not a breed that enjoys being left alone for long periods. Rat Terriers have a decent life expectancy and can live 12 to 18 years. Nowadays, thanks to a resurgence in their popularity in the 1970s, you can find the rat terrier in a variety of settings, serving as both faithful companion and tireless working dog. To make sure your beloved Rat Terrier stays safe when theyre not fenced in, keep them on a leash. You can find a list of reputable Rat Terrier breeders on the American Kennel Clubs website. Due to their smaller size, rat terriers can be injured by rough handling., Rat terriers were once very popular as farm dogs. We raise top quality puppies for hunting, show and companion animals. If you notice your dog gaining unnecessary weight, consult your veterinarian. The Rattie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006. Most Rat Terriers are athletic and agile, LOVE to play, and have a special passion for chasing balls. Occurring in 3 to 4% of rat terriers, hip dysplasia can cause pain and leg stiffness. Rat Terriers are, in general, the jack-of-all-trades of the terrier world, says Tracey Kallas, an AKC judge, vice president and judges education coordinator for the Rat Terrier Club of America and owner of K2 Rat Terriers. Looking for a truly loyal BFF? Rat Terriers bark when they feel its necessary. Most modern breeds were developed from a few founding dogs and then propagated from a closed gene pool. However they were, for the most part, bred for speed. 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. 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. 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. Farmers used different combinations of breeds to land on the traits they required for the job. They can also have colored speckles mixed through it. "It's important to teach them sit and recall commands from the get-go. They are also considered good family pets because of their energy and compatibility with kids. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. So you may want to rethink a Rat Terrier if you keep house with rats, mice, hamsters or birds unless you take precautions to keep them separated. But, if youre an active person always on the go, theyre more than happy to go with you. As with the Rat Terrier's eyes, the nose color varies depending on the color of their coat. Rat terriers have been competing in the United Kennel Club events for over 15 years. This breed comes in two compact sizes: a miniature Rat Terrier dog that stands 1013 inches tall, and the standard size thats 1318 inches tall. Like most of the terrier breeds, these are brilliant little dogs. See breeds similar in size and pet care needs as the Rat Terrier. They have short coats that come in a mix of colors, typically a pied pattern with large areas of both white and colored hair. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. Johnson says rat terriers can also develop environmental allergies, which can cause skin infections and require long-term maintenance. The color ranges from dark brown to hazel, and sometimes gray, usually corresponding with the color of their coat. 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). Read our. The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends that Rat Terriers be tested for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, pancreatic issues, hip dysplasia, and LeggCalvPerthes syndrome. 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. 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. In advanced cases, rat terriers may need surgery. 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. 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 ranges from about 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3kg) and stands 10 to 18 inches (25 to 46cm) at the shoulder. To get the lastest on pet adoption and pet care, sign up for the Petfinder newsletter. Dogs on the mountain top spend time in my home with me and my family but also have a place of their own. Find Rat Terrier Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Rat Terrier information. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds. 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). 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. As their name implies, these dogs kind of have a thing for vermin. Rat terriers have a strong prey drive, so allowing them to play off-leash in an open space isn't recommended. As long as your dog is properly socialized (aka introduced to different people and environments) from a young age, theyll be a great companion for all the family, and a friend to anyone they meet. Websites like Petfinder.com make it easy to search shelters in your area by breed, size, sex, and more. They need consistent attention during daily exercise simply being let outside to play in a fenced yard wont be adequate. A dog food designed for small dog breeds would be appropriate, andbecause Rat Terriers can be prone to skin allergies from various causesKallas says she looks for kibble with a fish-based protein (otherwise, she supplements with fish oil). 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. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? The coat of the rat terrier is shorter and glossier, however, consisting of a dense, single coat that can be found in a variety of colors, of which black, tan, grey, blue, and apricot are the most common. After the 1890s, as the breed type became popular in the United States, they were bred with Beagles, Italian Greyhounds, and Manchester Terriers. Ratties need an annual professional tooth cleaning with your veterinarian, along with a good daily toothbrushing. Theyre built like a doggie gymnast, muscular and ready to work, and they come in two sizes: Miniature (10-13 inches) and Standard (13-18 inches). Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can damage the delicate inner-ear structures. ", "If compared to a human, a rat terrier would be like the child at a birthday party who is the first to join a fun game, shout in excitement, and eager to open the presents.". Looking for facts and information on Pugs? Treatment options range from over-the-counter joint supplements to surgery. Warren Mountain Rat Terriers Warren Mtn Rat Terriers~ Raising Mini & Small Standard Rat Terriers since 2003. Hi, I'm Kerri Miller. 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. If a Rat Terrier is introduced to new people (including children), other dogs, and cats early on, theyll likely get along with everyone. Adopting a rat terrier can cost a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of care. There are two sizes of Rat Terriers, but both are slightly longer than tall (but not short-legged) with a moderate build. They are fast runners and high jumpers, so make sure the fence is 5 to 6 feet high. 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. Its good to know ahead of time what these concerns could be so you can look out for any tell-tale signs. Their perky ears are always alert and listening for the next source of excitement. Once the most common farm dog in America, rat terriers are now popular family pets due to their social nature and rapport with children.. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. 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. Toutle, Washington Phone # 503-380-5644 E-mail - firemountainnorthratterriers@yahoo.com .. Legg-Calve-Perthes. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,100 for a Rattie pup. The only treatment is surgery. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. The dog isn't big on pleasing its human, which can be frustrating for a new dog owner. Two other types of rat terriers were developed during this time, including the decker rat terrier and the hairless rat terrier. 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. 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. Rat Terriers make wonderful dogs for families living in any size of home. Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are making a difference together. While some rat terriers are born with naturally bobbed tails, others have long tails that curl up over their back. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. 30+ year Rat Terrier bloodline. 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). Our family has the joy of living in a wide open area with horse ranches and farms of sizable acreage. Creeping tan (often "Calico"), is also acceptable. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? Rat Terriers live up to the term mans best friendtheir temperament is as devoted as their ears are perky. Rat Terriers were cherished as loyal hunting companions and efficient killers of vermin on 20th-century American farms: as a result, they were one of the most popular dog types from the 1920s to the 1940s. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Because everyone is touching them and interacting with them.". Rat terriers also have a propensity to dig, so it's important to provide your rat with a designated digging spot in the backyard. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. That's because there's an unfounded rumor that Teddy Roosevelt named the rat terrier when his dog eradicated vermin in the White House. [Breeders] do their job for the first eight weeks, and its your job to work on that for at least the next year. The standard Rat Terrier is 13-18 inches and a miniature is usually 10-13 inches tall. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. Thanks in large part to their intelligence and deep love of human companionship, they also do remarkably well in family settings and are small and easy-going enough to fit well in apartments. The dog is the perfect rat hunter, bred for speed however they were, for the Petfinder.... Pets ( including cats! and while that should begin with your veterinarian the the! Often confuse rat terriers to enter competitions in 2006, and sometimes,. 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