While rat terriers are fairly calm for a terrier breed, theyre still very high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise and attention. Treatment options range from over-the-counter joint supplements to surgery. "There's a lot to early socialization," says Dennis Riordan, DVM, of the Riordan Pet Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. The Rattie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006. If a rat terrier isnt getting enough physical or mental stimulation, it can become destructive. Rat Terrier . 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). "Rat terriers are fast, prey-driven, and focused on their own goalsnot yours," Johnson says. They love to follow people around while they do chores, are smart enough to instinctively avoid horses and other livestock, andtrue to their breedingwill rid properties of rats and other pests with a tireless zeal. Rat terriers are alert enough to make very good home alarm systems and will happily alert you to strangers at your door. As the use of poisons and mechanical traps became more widespread, the rat terrier's usage on farms began to dwindle, and people began to realize the bright, friendly dog made an excellent house companion as well. Good news! We have aquired Diamond Valley Patches and he has really been a top producer for our kennel. May be tri-color or bi-color, with at least one color being white. Most of those dogs were mixed breeds who individually showed an aptitude for vermin hunting. 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. Rat Terrier coats are smooth and shiny with short hair, and can be slightly wavy down their backs. Ticking is usually visible in the white parts of the coat, or in the underlying skin. A larger strain, often in excess of 25 pounds (11kg), has been developed. Rat Terriers are a big personality in a compact body. Adopting a rat terrier can cost a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of care. Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing at least once per week can help protect your dog against dental and oral disease. They also love digging holes, so make sure that fence is extra-secure before setting them free. 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. Two other types of rat terriers were developed during this time, including the decker rat terrier and the hairless rat terrier. 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. Treatment might not be necessary in mild cases, but joint supplements might be helpful with this condition. Their dark eyes are bright and alert, and the breed's large, upturned ears underscore their intelligent, curious nature. Rat terriers are ideal for active families with a large, fenced-in space to run around and exercise excess energy. They are a breed that will need daily exercise and stimulation to stay healthy and keep from being bored. If you have a hard time finding a rat in a shelter, look for rescue organizations in your area. RELATED: Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? Rat terriers need daily exercise to stay happy, but they're small enough that they can get all the exercise they need with some indoor playtime. They are playful and require much exercise. Rat Terriers bark when they feel its necessary. Inquisitive and highly intelligent, these qualities work in their favor when it comes to puzzles and games that will provide seemingly endless entertainment. 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 tend to be both intelligent and stubborn, knowing how to get what they want when they want it. They also have a slender build similar to the Russell and an alert, intelligent face. Because they have very short, dense, smooth coats, you can bathe your dog on an as-needed basis. As their name implies, these dogs kind of have a thing for vermin. Celebrating their 15th birthday is quite common for this hardy little 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. The legacy lives on. With the proper training and socialization, they can also be friendly with strangers and other medium-size to larger pets. It should come as no surprise that this working dog is highly energetic and has extensive and high daily exercise needs, which makes this dog an excellent pick for active families. If sitting on the couch watching movies sounds fun, better move over to share your popcornafter youve taken your daily walk, of course. He is very loving, affectionate, and intelligent. Looking for a truly loyal BFF? Their coat comes in a wide range of colors, including black and white or tri-color (black, tan and white; red,white and sable; blue, white and tan; or white, chocolate and tan) and can be any pied pattern, meaning there are large patches of one or more shades, along with a combination of white with apricot, fawn, lemon, red, silver, blue or chocolate. The Breeders on the list must be Members of the RTCA and agree to abide by the RTCA and the AKC Code of Ethics. 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. You can expect to brush your rat terrier only once per week with a rubber mitt or soft brush to remove loose hair and debris. 16: Bantles Cty X Kennels: 0 1 We are building a small breeding program Dedicated to the Decker Rat Terrier. Rat terriers have great personalities and are highly social, affectionate dogs. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. 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). Although rat terriers are low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they are high maintenance in the exercise and training areas. If you notice your dog gaining unnecessary weight, consult your veterinarian. Remember that dogs are individuals, and not all dogs, even of the same breed, will fit the mold. Rat terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs. Another caveat to the digging: These little dogs are Houdinis. Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,100 for a Rattie pup. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has developed abnormally and creates a loose joint. 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. Rat terriers have slightly elongated bodies and V-shaped ears that often stick up. Shes been breeding, training, showing, and loving the breed for 30 years. But, if youre an active person always on the go, theyre more than happy to go with you. They are fast runners and high jumpers, so make sure the fence is 5 to 6 feet high. "Rat terriers are fast, prey-driven, and focused on their own goalsnot yours. They take to training incredibly well and pick up on tasks quickly, but will also show a propensity to be willful. Valvular Disease in Small Breed Dogs. What to Expect When Caring for a Rat Terrier., Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Getting Closer to the Cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease., Frontiers in Veterinary Science: Current Understanding of the Genetics of Intervertebral Disc Disease., Louisiana State University: Genetics of Deafness in Dogs., Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: What is Primary Lens Luxation?, The Rat Terrier Club of America: Rat Terrier Club of America Health Statement., UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)., University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center: Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy., Veterinary Medicine: Patellar luxation in dogs.. While there is no standard feeding chart, your veterinarian can help you determine the best amount of food, and how often your pup should be eating, to meet your dogs unique nutrition needs. An American original, its said Teddy Roosevelt is responsible for naming this breed. One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. There are two size divisions:. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Your Rat Terriers nails need to be trimmed about once a month because long nails can be painful for them to walk on. Dont forget that they still operate on instinctno matter their training, your Rattie might still make the occasional, sudden lunge for a squirrel on your afternoon walk. Dogs with Legg-Calv-Perthes diseaseexperience a disintegration of their hip joint at the head of their femur bone. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. 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. The genetic diversity of the Rat Terrier has contributed to the overall health, keen intelligence, and soundness of the breed. Though if you have small kids, you might be better off getting the standard size Rat Terrier. The Mountain Terrier is a small breed terrier generally measuring no more than 18 inches in height and weighing under 30 pounds in weight. Indoor games of fetch or or hide-and-seek are fun ways to satisfy their need for play. Their affectionate and calm temperament along with small size has made them popular as service dogs in hospice, treatment for depression, in Assisted Living, and other human-care jobs. Due to regular outcrossings throughout the Rat Terrier's history, overall it is a very hardy breed. Occurring in 3 to 4% of rat terriers, hip dysplasia can cause pain and leg stiffness. Rat Terriers skin is quite sensitive, especially around the belly region, Sharma says. Youll be in good company if you decide to take home a rat terrier President Teddy Roosevelt, author William Faulkner, and singer Carrie Underwood have all chosen rat terriers as companions. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. Typical rat terrier personality traits include: Most rat terriers are very friendly and social with everyone, including strangers. Swedish Vallhunds are fearless, loyal and brimming with personality. Coldwater Rat Terriers. That's because there's an unfounded rumor that Teddy Roosevelt named the rat terrier when his dog eradicated vermin in the White House. Yes, Rat Terriers shed the most in the spring and fall, but do shed moderately all year. Valvular disease is a common cause of heart failure, and it usually has no symptoms. Dental treats are fine in moderation, but shouldn't be the only method of dental care. And yes, treats count as calories! But it should be noted that they shed mildly throughout the year, with a heavier seasonal shed in the spring and fall. Mountain Top Rat Terriers in California | Rat Terrier puppies | Good Dog Breeders Purebred Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Alaskan Husky Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Bully American English Coonhound American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Hairless Terrier And when it comes to training your rat terrier, consistencyand getting an early startis key. The King of Toys is a tiny dog with a ginormous personality. They were originally used for hunting andfarm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? 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). With their short, dense coat, Rat Terriers are low maintenance in the grooming department. A small number of breeders maintained the breed until they came back into popularity in the 1970s. Because everyone is touching them and interacting with them.". I'm the breeder behind Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers located in Washington. Take our short quiz to find out! Many of the foundation Rat Terriers were indistinguishable from small mixed-breed hunting dogs known as "feists". Most Rat Terriers are athletic and agile, LOVE to play, and have a special passion for chasing balls. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. The National Rat Terrier Association is the largest independent registry and has maintained lineage records for decades. They require firm boundaries, regular exercise, and lots of love and attention from their family to feel safe, secure, and happy. This condition, where the kneecap (or patella) shifts out of place, is common in Rat Terriers and other small dog breeds. 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 NRTA continues to classify the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier as the Type B Rat Terrier. They're naturally highly social dogs who develop bonds quickly with their owners. Rat Terriers are persistent and tenacious when it comes to problem-solving and getting a job done. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Both Rat Terrier and Mountain Feist has almost same litter size. 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. Eyes. As always, be sure to do your research and ensure a rat terrier is right for your family's lifestyle before bringing a dog home. 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