encounter the Rat Terrier , a lively and affectionate breed establish in the United States . member of the breed have big personalities , show off their playful nature and feisty tendency whenever they have the chance . Whether at employment on the farm or at place snuggling with family unit , these dog make especial fellow traveler .
Origin and History
The Rat Terrier is really the " Heinz Fifty - Seven " of the dog globe . That ’s because , for the last century , these dogs have been more of a " eccentric " than an actual breed of pawl .
These dogs are a compiling of many terrier breeds , with a few non - terriers thrown into the mix to contribute in other desired timbre .
Their ancestry includes :
These terriers were bred to be nimble farm dogs equal to of killing all sorts of vermin . Although they are unforced to occasionally get over rodents underground , they are at their good above ground , where they have room to make high - hurrying maneuvers and enamor quarry with their strong jaws .
presently , Rat Terriers are take a rare strain by theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC ) , but not everyone wants identification .
The two chief breed clubs disaccord over how a closed training register will affect the strain . TheRat Terrier Club of America ( RTCA)is currently working with the AKC , while theAmerican Rat Terrier Association ( ARTA)believes exit the gene pool will finally result in many of the same transmitted upset that have become so prevalent in other unadulterated breeds .
It ’s potential we ’ll see the same kind of split in this breed that was feel in theJack Russell Terrierfancy when one branch accepted AKC realization , while the other limb choose to hold on by itself .
Breed Characteristics
The Rat Terrier is an intelligent stock known for their intellectual spark and curious personality .
Appearance
Since Rat Terriers have so many breeds in their ancestry and did not have a coarse breed criterion until 1995 , their appearance varies slightly throughout the breed .
member of this breed are muscular , but not muscle - bound , and appear slightly orthogonal in profile . Their headland are wedge heel - shape and the capitulum may be folded over button - style or pricked . tail are moderate in length and may be docked if trust , but some person exhibit the natural dock gene .
pelage are very placid and burnished . Some hot dog are all blanched , others have patches of people of color , but all must have some blank coating on their bodies .
Other coating colour include :
presently , the strain is divided into three sizing categories :
Toy
Miniature
Standard
Temperament
Feisty and fearless is a fair description of this breed . Rat Terriers can be unrecorded wires and make fun and affectionate fellowship companions . They are quite good around tiddler , specially when they have been raised together . These Terriers also love the weewee and are intrepid swimmers , so be thrifty around swimming pool . Even the salutary swimmers may overwhelm if there is no way for them to get back out of the pool once they ’ve jumped in .
Because these dog are so eager to please their people , training is usually an promiscuous outgrowth . respect trainingis good for constitute that extra amount of control needed when your pet spots lapin and squirrels outdoors . These cunning canines also excel atdog agility , a fun activity for pets and possessor .
Of course , their forte is still fieldwork and they normally make a respectable display at terrier trial .
Training
Rat Terriers postulate early socialization . Expose them to a wide orbit of people , sights , racket , and experiences under hold in condition when they ’re young . Make indisputable these fundamental interaction are positive , and provide a lot of praise and positivistic reinforcement in these social site when they exhibit appropriate behavior . Your Rat Terrier puppy is more likely to grow up to be a well - rounded wienerwurst if they are by rights socialized .
Exercise Requirements
Bred to work on the farm all day , Rat Terriers require a muckle of recitation . If they do n’t get it , their ingenious little minds can become mischievous to entertain themselves . Their possessor follow the feeling that a hackneyed hot dog is a good hotdog .
Health
Few breeds enjoy the good health and recollective lives that these Terriers do . Because their reproduction pool has remain open for so long , they have gain from tonic genetic remark . Although this has resulted in a less than uniform wait throughout the breed , many breeders and possessor experience their positron emission tomography have gained far more than they have ever lost .
These Canis familiaris do not appear to be blight with many genetic disorders at this time . That being said , there are still several health weather to be aware of :
Lifespan
A generally healthy strain , Rat Terriers frequently live 15 to 18 years .
Grooming
The Rat Terrier is a dispirited - upkeep strain who only need weekly brushing with a subdued brush or a golosh curry glove to remove stray haircloth . Shedding occurs more frequently in the natural spring and fall , as well as after whelping and heat cycles . bath them only when necessary .
Brush your Rat Terrier ’s teeth at least twice or three clip a hebdomad to keep tartar accumulation and bacteria at bay . brush their teeth on a daily basis is preferable if you want to stave off mucilage disease and fetid breath . Because members of the stock are so active , Rat Terriers typically get into down their claws of course as they play out of doors . If their claws get too long , however , trim them once or twice a calendar month to avoid breaks and other health issues .
Fun Facts About the Breed
Rat Terriers are an interesting stock . In fact , there are many facts you may not know :
Purchasing or Adopting a Rat Terrier
If you ’re expect for a Rat Terrier puppy , a good place to start is with the Rat Terrier Club of America . The club has a stock breeder directory available as well as helpful tip on how to find responsible for breeder with lineament dog . TheAKC Marketplacepage also has a stock breeder search . Expect to pay around $ 900 to $ 1,500 , although higher - remnant show dogs from hero lines can cost as much as $ 4,000 .
Rescue Organizations
If you would prefer a rescued dog , you could start by searching the directories onPetFinderandSave - a - Rescue . you’re able to also contact these breed - specific Rat Terrier rescues :
Is the Rat Terrier Right For You?
Are Rat Terriers the stock for you ? They do seem to get along well with nearly everyone but need to be supervised around minor pets . Their commodious size and affable nature make them well worth your retainer for a family fellow .
