The Rat Terrier is an American breed developed from a mixture of crosses of Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Bull Terriers, Beagles and others. The resulting smooth-coat Terriers are of small to medium size, muscular and medium boned. Originally bred primarily to hunt, protect and guard against vermin on farms, the Rat Terrier has a strong jaw and is known for his quick and agile movements. During the early 1900s, the Rat Terrier was one of the most common farm dogs and used to hunt Jack Rabbits that were infesting the crops of the Midwest. At this time, farmers started introducing Whippets and Italian Greyhounds into the breed in order to increase the Rat Terrier's speed and versatility.
Throughout the years, several other crosses were added to the breed thus creating more of a hybrid than a purebred dog. This practice was denounced by many but it wasn't abolished until the breed's stud file officially closed in 1960. The Universal Kennel Club (UKCI), condoned and registered these hybrid crosses for several decades. Recognition of today's Rat Terrier is limited because of the mixed-breed stigma and because there was no written breed standard until 1994. For decades, some breeders had been breeding toward their own specific standards with registration being haphazard and lacking documented pedigrees. Due to these problems and without a nationwide standard, there essentially was no Rat Terrier breed.
The Rat Terrier Club of America (RTCA) was founded in 1995 and worked for several years prior to draft a standard that would correctly define and promote the breed as it is today. Today, a written standard is in place and most reputable breeders use the standard as their breeding goal. In January 1999, the United Kennel Club (UKC) adopted the ideals and format set forth in the RTCA standard. The breed has also been accepted for recording in the American Kennel Clubs Foundation Stock Service (AKC FSS) Program since 2004.
Today's Rat Terrier is still a very capable hunter who may follow his quarry to ground as well as trailing, flushing and treeing game such as rabbits, varmint, and birds. He is also an intelligent, playful, energetic, devoted and protective companion. Rat Terriers are known to be very sensitive, eager to please, and very determined. They crave human companionship and make great house dogs. The Rat Terrier is slow to mature and some remain playful and active throughout their entire lives. Most Rat Terriers are very tolerant and patient with children, especially those in their home.
Being an active and energetic dog, the Rat Terrier enjoys many dog sports and activities, including agility and obedience.
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Health Issues:
The Rat Terrier is a hardy and long-lived breed with an average life expectancy of 12 to 18 years. Hip and elbow dysplasias as well as eye problems are rarely seen in this breed. The most common problems are allergies and bad or incorrect bites. In addition, some incidence of Patellar Luxation have been reported as well as sensitivity to certain anesthesias. Demodex Mange has also been seen and is thought to be an inherited defect.
If you are considering the adoption of a Rat Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards
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Grooming Information:
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
The Rat Terrier is very intelligent and eager to please making him very trainable.
- Training — For information on training your Rat Terrier, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.
Bred by: Monika Miller, Full Moon Kennels
