ADDITIONAL RAT TERRIER PICTURES
Family: Terrier
Breed Group: Terrier
Origin: United States
Date of Origin: 19th century
Originally used for: As a ratter, hunting
Used today: Companion
Other Name(s): American Rat Terrier, Decker Giant, Feist
History of the Breed: The Rat Terrier foundation stock likely descended from the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier
and the white English Terrier. These dogs were used as ratters and were brought to America by immigrants where they were mixed with other
dogs including Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Beagles, Bull Terriers, and others to develop the Rat Terrier. Theodore Roosevelt owned several
Rat Terriers and used them for hunting.
General Appearance: The Rat Terrier is a small-to-medium hunting terrier that is slightly longer than tall. The head is broad,
and wedge-shaped with a muzzle that is well filled-out under the eyes and tapers slightly from the stop to the nose. The ears are V-shaped
and can be erect or button and set at the outside edges of the skull. Eyes are round, small and dark with the color based on the coat.
The body is muscular with a short loin and a deep chest that extends to the elbow with well sprung ribs.
The tail is carried upward and may be docked or have a natural bob tail. The coat is short and smooth and comes in many colors but
must have some white in the coat.
Height & Weight:
Rat Terriers are available in three sizes:
Standard - Height 14 - 23 inches Weight 12 - 35 pounds
Mid Sized - Height 8 - 14 inches Weight 6 - 8 pounds
Toy Sized - Height 8 inches Weight 4 - 6 pounds
Coat: Short, dense, and smooth
Color: Solid white, black, tan, chocolate, blue, blue fawn, apricot and lemon. All colors must always have some white located anywhere
on the dog. Most dogs are bi-colored or tri-colored.
Grooming needs: Low
Temperament of breed: Like most terriers they tend to be lively, fearless, and stubborn.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High, at least a daily walk.
Health Issues with the Breed:
A very healthy breed
Major: Luxating Patellas
Minor: Mange
Life Expectancy: 13 - 16 years
2006 AKC Ranking: Not Ranked
First Registered by the AKC: Not Registered
Registries: UKC, CKC, NKC, UKCI, NRTR, ACR, RTCI, RTBA, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NRTR -National Rat Terrier Registry
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
UKCI -Universal Kennel Club International
Breed Organizations & Associations:
American Rat Terrier Association (ARTA)
National Rat Terrier Association
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