The RTCA offers this list as a service to people looking for Rat Terrier Puppies or for contacts for Breed information. Primary Lens Luxationlens luxation may have painful, reddened eyes; iris or lens trembling; or other abnormalities that your veterinarian will be able to observe. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. Is the added expense worth the trouble to insure your beloved pet? Rat Terriers make wonderful dogs for families living in any size of home. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. An average rat terrier's life expectancy is 15 to 18 years.As generally healthy dogs, they typically dont require special treatment. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. They also love digging holes, so make sure that fence is extra-secure before setting them free. Rat Terriers bark when they feel its necessary. They tend to have a big personality in that small package, though! Creeping tan (often "Calico"), is also acceptable. Introducing them to crate training early on is wise, because it will keep them (and anything they can get their teeth on) safe if you need to leave them alone for a bit. Rat Terriers are every bit as tenacious and active as they are entertaining and funny, which makes this adorable little dog a fantastic fit for some familiesbut a challenge for those who arent patient or ready to laugh at their antics. 43. 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 do best with families who understand their energy levels and exercise needs and arent going to leave them alone for long periods. Due to regular outcrossings throughout the Rat Terrier's history, overall it is a very hardy breed. Rat terriers are often excellent dogs for families with children due to their playful, affectionate nature. They are fast runners and high jumpers, so make sure the fence is 5 to 6 feet high. As much as they love their family, this breed was bred to hunt verminand their natural prey drive reflects that, so early (and consistent!) Rat terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs. Although rat terriers are low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they are high maintenance in the exercise and training areas. Many of the foundation Rat Terriers were indistinguishable from small mixed-breed hunting dogs known as "feists". After a period of development this line resulted in the American Hairless Terrier, recognized as a separate breed by several registries. Check your local animal shelter for rat terriers, or rat terrier mixes. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. 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. Digging, chewing on furniture, and excessive barking are all rat terrier characteristics that signal a need for more attention. Known also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's. 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. Yes, Rat Terriers generally make excellent family dogs, including those with kids and other pets. 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. firm and consistent rules. Rat terriers can enjoy (and excel at) canine sports like agility and obedience.. Their eyes are oval-shaped and set wide apart. Rat Terriers earned their name through history by being experts at catching rats. The rat terrier is a dog for whom the name leaves no ambiguity: This little guy was bred for a purpose. However, this is a controversial practiceaccording to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), docking is almost always for purely cosmetic reasons and, despite proponents saying it prevents injury while working in the field, health benefits haven't been proven. Breeding decker's and fire mountain rat terriers 10: Bluegrass Decker Rat Terriers: 0 3 . However, merle is widely considered to be the result of recent outcrosses and, because of associated health problems, is rejected by most Rat Terrier breeders. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has developed abnormally and creates a loose joint. And it is a job, Kallas says. 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. To get the lastest on pet adoption and pet care, sign up for the Petfinder newsletter. These are tough little dogs who use their mouths to interact with the world, she says, so keeping their teeth healthy is important for their happiness.. And even if the fence is tall enough, they will tunnel under it if given half a chance. Dogs with patellar luxation might skip or bunny hop, lifting a hind leg as they walk. For instance, this means no pulling on the puppy's tail and no intimidating direct eye contact. They may be tricolor or bicolor, always with some amount of white present. Rat Terriers were accepted into the AKC's terrier group June 2012. The lifespan of a Rat Terrier is impressively long at 1218 years. Rat Terriers, especially as they age, can develop heart disease. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Theyre often wonderful with children, especially if introduced to them from a young age. But, good news for city-dwellers or apartment renters: They are small enough to get their needs met indoors, as long as you're willing to devote some playtime to them. Take our short quiz to find out! socialization and training is a must. PLL CLEAR, vaccinated and microchipped and de worned before leaving. Proper socialization of a Rat Terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first three months of life. West Highland White Terrier. Swedish Vallhunds are fearless, loyal and brimming with personality. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds. Because they have very short, dense, smooth coats, you can bathe your dog on an as-needed basis. As members of the terrier group, Rat Terriers can have a propensity to dig, particularly if they arent receiving enough attention. [3] The average lifespan of a well-bred Rat Terrier is 1619 years. 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. They have short coats that come in a mix of colors, typically a pied pattern with large areas of both white and colored hair. Kallas loves this about the breed, but she admits it can also be downright difficult for inexperienced dog parents who arent prepared to set (and stick to!) 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. Focusing on 'sit' and 'come' from the day the puppy comes home will pay off in the long run.". Owner Kerri Miller. 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. That's because there's an unfounded rumor that Teddy Roosevelt named the rat terrier when his dog eradicated vermin in the White House. Shes been breeding, training, showing, and loving the breed for 30 years. The Decker Hunting Terrier Registry was created specifically for the Decker Giant. Rat terriers do best in homes where theyll have plenty of company, daily walks, and lots of time to play. Its also possible for a dog to have heart issues with no symptoms. But with their instinctive prey drive, don't even think about adding a pet mouse, hamster or bird to your brood. If your dog's ears are red, inflamed, or smell funny, schedule a visit with your vet ASAPthese may be signs of injury or infection. It's also important to note that rat terriers have extremely strong prey drives, so they shouldn't be allowed to romp off-leash in open spaces where they can meet up with small animals. Occurring in 3 to 4% of rat terriers, hip dysplasia can cause pain and leg stiffness. Top Shelf Rat Terriers No puppies are available. UKC is a family-friendly group that promotes many different venues for dogs to compete. Rat terriers have great personalities and are highly social, affectionate dogs. 30+ year Rat Terrier bloodline. Rat Terrier organizations exhibit the typical disputes over the course of action to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the breed. Celebrating their 15th birthday is quite common for this hardy little breed. You can also reach out to Rat Terrier rescue organizations to adopt a Rattie, or keep an eye out for them at your local animal shelter. Rat Terriers have expressive, alert faces that reflect their zest for life. health issues for which the national breed club recommends testing, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), bathe them more frequently than once a month. While a bored Rat Terrier might become a bit yappy, this is not a breed that barks much without reason. Ratties might need a bath now and then, Kallas says, but thats mostly only if they begin to smell. 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. Overeating can lead to dangerous health conditions, like canine heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Ratties are just as happy relaxing with you at home as they are on the agility course, and their zest for life and charming characteristics might make you want more than one. The Rat Terrier comes in a variety of coat colors. But by and large, the rat terrier is blessed with a coat that is short enough to not mat up and naturally oily enough to not hold on to dirt. In other words, if your Rattie sounds an alert, it may be a good idea to pay attention! 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. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare disease that affects small dogs like rat terriers early in life. If you commit to teaching them your rules, youll have an energetic, playful bestie to fall in love with in no time. Most of those dogs were mixed breeds who individually showed an aptitude for vermin hunting. This will include a huge amount of digging. Chocolates, Pear Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers Rat terriers have been competing in the United Kennel Club events for over 15 years. If you don't have a fenced-in area for your rat terrier to run, be sure to take several, vigorous walks each day. This registry's mission is to keep all the qualities that set the Decker aside from the standard Rat Terrier, while retaining and improving upon the hunting ability. TABLE MOUNTAIN RAT TERRIERS Welcome to Table Mountain Ranch! The Rat Terrier lifespan is generally 12 . Police departments have started using them as contraband search dogs as their intelligence level shortens training to as little as three weeks which is much shorter than for traditional police service breeds. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Puppies bred through a reputable breeder will have their puppies screened for any concerns medically and behaviorally and may come with pedigree papers. You'll also find rat terriers in a variety of bicolor and tricolor variations, with white acting as the base. Due to their smaller size, rat terriers can be injured by rough handling., Rat terriers were once very popular as farm dogs. An American breed that was developed by breeding the fox terrier, bull terrier, Manchester terrier, and old English white terrieramong othersthe rat terrier was originally bred to catch prey and hunt pests, such as rats, on farms, which is how they got their name. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Have IBD and Insomnia? Want a Rat Terrier? Treatment options range from over-the-counter joint supplements to surgery. Rat Terrier coats are smooth and shiny with short hair, and can be slightly wavy down their backs. "Rat terriers are fast, prey-driven, and focused on their own goalsnot yours. Rat terriers have a strong prey drive, so allowing them to play off-leash in an open space isn't recommended. The Rat Terrier is historically known for protecting homes or farms from rodents. They're naturally highly social dogs who develop bonds quickly with their owners. Always make sure youre feeding your Rat Terrier the proper amount. Some health problems that are commonly seen in rat terriers include: If you're worried about your rat terrier's health, talk to your vet about simple ways you can help him live a long, happy, healthy life. Rat Terrier. The smaller varieties diverged from the Rat Terrier line very early on, with UKC registration for the Toy Fox Terrier beginning in 1936. There is some confusion between the rat terrier and Teddy terrier breeds. When theyre given a job to do, however, things get serious. 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. There are two sizes of Rat Terriers, but both are slightly longer than tall (but not short-legged) with a moderate build. Rat terrier puppies, like all dogs, need early socialization and consistent training to grow into well-rounded dogs. Treatment might not be necessary in mild cases, but joint supplements might be helpful with this condition. Aside from doing your best to keep water out of your Rat Terriers ears, theres not much in the way of special ear care required. The decker rat terrier is a slightly larger dog that excels in hunting and will retrieve from water, while the hairless rat terrier is a smaller, hairless dog that comes in miniature and standard sizes. The breed declined after the 1950s when pesticides and poisons became . So people on your floor will very quickly be able to tell which dog is yours. 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). The Rat Terrier is historically known forprotecting homes or farms from rodents. This dog may even consider cats and kittens as prey. And while that should begin with your breeder, thats only the start. The rat terrier was common on American farms, but populations began to decline in the 1940s and 1950s when farmers began to use poison to control pests and vermin. 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. Rat Terriers tend to be both intelligent and stubborn, knowing how to get what they want when they want it. These regal little dogs are charming and affectionate. With their tiny bodies, high prey drive, and digging expertise, rat terriers are true escape artists. 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. Heartworm preventatives are prescription medications that come in oral or topical forms. Today's Rat Terrier is an intelligent and active small dog that is kept both . 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