You’re exploring a friend’s farm and notice an abandoned barn along the edge of a field. Your friend’s little dog has accompanied you on your adventure as your friend prepares dinner. As you open the creaky barn door, light spills into the interior. You see lots of movement and hear scurrying as something – or some things, rather – dive into the shadows.
Immediately, the previously laid-back little dog springs into action, darting past you into the barn. He runs around with purpose and returns with a gift to you dangling out of his mouth. However, you recoil in disgust, as it’s not exactly the type of gift you appreciate!
You’ve just experienced a Rat Terrier in action! This true farm dog had a job to do – and did it very well. After all, Rat Terriers can be more effective than rodenticides when eradicating pests, making them invaluable to farmers and ranchers.
You later tell your friend you’ve never seen anything like it. She casually mentions, “Did you know they held contests in England in the 1800s to see how many rats a Rat Terrier could catch? The winning Rat Terrier killed 2,501 rats in 7 hours! And the best part is once he’s done hunting, my Rat Terrier is an excellent companion for my active family.”
“That’s wild!” You exclaim. “I’d love to hear more about your cool dog!”
Also called Ratties, Rat Terriers are feisty, friendly, and smart. Learn what it’s like to be a Rat Terrier puppy owner with our ultimate Rat Terrier puppy ownership guide to see if this delightful dog breed is right for you.
The History and Origin of Rat Terrier Puppies
The origin of Rat Terriers is not from one particular region due to their mixed breed heritage but have been instrumental around the world to farmers and ranchers. Rats have been a major nuisance to humans for centuries, bringing damage, destruction, and diseases to populations all over the world. People have tried to control and eradicate these pests with varying success but cannot do it alone. Rat Terriers are a perfect example of how dogs have been invaluable in achieving what humans cannot due to our limitations.
While other dog breeds, especially those in the Terrier group, were adept at catching rats, the perfect dog breed needed to be improved to take on the sole purpose of catching rats primarily on farms. In addition to catching rats, Rat Terriers were bred to hunt squirrels, wild boar, deer, raccoons, and other small game. A cross between the Manchester Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier in 1820 produced the first litter of Rat Terriers. Later, when Rat Terriers came to America in 1890, they were bred with Beagles, Bull Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, Whippets, and Chihuahuas in the smaller Rat Terrier size. These various breeds were chosen for their talents such as speed and hunting skills.
President Teddy Roosevelt is said to have coined the name Rat Terrier after being so impressed with their ability to eradicate mice and rats in the White House. By the 1920s, Rat Terriers had become one of America's most popular farm dogs, helping preserve stored grain, protecting the henhouse from threats, and serving as loyal, friendly housemates. They were so popular that they appeared in the movie “The Little Colonel” starring Shirley Temple as a child, tucking in her Rat Terrier to bed and melting hearts both in viewers and characters in the film. Rat Terriers were primarily known in the 20th century as versatile farm dogs.
The AKC admitted Rat Terriers in 2013 and follows a breed standard that now prohibits mixing with other breeds. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier of the 1910s is now a separate recognized dog breed, as the Rat Terrier now comprises of several breeds that had since been introduced after arriving in America. Rat Terriers are still extremely popular with farmers, ranchers, and other entities dealing with vermin problems. These pups are ranked #86 out of the 200 most popular AKC dog breeds for 2023, so they enjoy being popular without being rare.
What Does a Rat Terrier Puppy Look Like?
Despite their name, Rat Terrier puppies do not resemble actual rats! There are two sizes within the breed measured by height but not by weight for each category. The Mini stands 10-13 in. tall at the shoulders, and the Standard measures 13-18 in. tall. A small stature does not always equal a dainty dog, and the Rat Terrier is no exception. They have compact, sturdy, balanced, and strong bodies with ears that stand up on top of their heads without flopping over.
Just because they are tough doesn’t mean they can’t also be elegant. The Rat Terrier has a dignified demeanor and carries itself proudly without slinking around or shying away. A Rat Terrier’s gait moves from the shoulder and not from the legs, making them run faster after prey – a helpful skill when performing their exterminator duties.
Rat Terrier puppies come in an array of colors in a pied pattern, meaning a dominant color mixed with patches of white. Colors include shades of fawn, red, brown, black, lemon, blue, tan, silver, chocolate, and more. Their sleek, short coats are glossy and require minimal care.
What’s the Personality Like of a Rat Terrier Puppy?
When considering a Rat Terrier puppy, you want to see if their personality is something that matches yours. Rat Terriers may be programmed to hunt on the farm, but they’re versatile dogs and enjoy human companionship immensely. Here are some characteristics of a Rat Terrier’s personality to see if they are a good match for you.
How affectionate are Rat Terrier puppies?
Rat Terriers may be a terror to rats, but they’re the opposite with their families. Rat Terrier puppies enjoy the company of their families, form close bonds, and are loyal to their people. Their lively, loving nature makes them pleasant companions for active families who want a dog that works hard and is affectionate when at home.
Are Rat Terriers silly dogs?
A Rat Terrier’s inquisitive nature can create some hilarious situations! A Rat Terrier puppy owner will spend quite a bit of time laughing at their silly antics. They can also be mischievous and stubborn, refusing to admit defeat when they get themselves into precarious situations. Their humorous personality means there is never a dull moment when your Rat Terrier puppy is around!
How are Rat Terriers with strangers?
Rat Terriers may take some time to warm up to strangers. They’re excellent watchdogs since their natural state is to protect their family from threats. coyotes, foxes, and other predators could wipe out a farm’s livestock, and they are ready to protect the “farm” that is your home. Early socialization around strangers and unfamiliar situations will help them learn not everyone is an enemy.
Is a Rat Terrier puppy good with children?
If you have children in your household, you’ll need to assess if they are old enough to understand how to show a dog respect. Rat Terriers do not tolerate little hands pulling at ears or interacting roughly. Likewise, Rat Terriers may be too energetic and knock over small children accidentally. For older children, Rat Terriers make excellent playmates that match the high energy level of children. Always supervise your Rat Terrier puppy around children of all ages.
How are Rat Terriers around other pets?
A home with small animals may not be the best fit for a Rat Terrier puppy. They have a high prey drive with a natural desire to chase animals, attempting to capture small animals like cats, gerbils, birds, or hamsters, so they are not suitable for households with small animals. They like to work in packs, and you should expose your Rat Terrier puppy to other dogs when they’re young.
Are Rat Terriers timid or bold?
Like other dogs in the Terrier group, Rat Terrier puppies may be little, but they are feisty and fearless! They aren’t aware of their small size and believe they are big dogs. Their courageous nature makes them invaluable to a farm or ranch thanks to their bravery. In addition to facing a rat’s sharp teeth, they have no issues going after squirrels, rabbits, birds, snakes, or gophers. They will even go up against rattlesnakes and will take on anything!
Activity Level and Training Requirements of a Rat Terrier Puppy
Rat Terriers love learning new things and are highly intelligent. They can catch on quickly to directions and look to their humans for guidance. However, when training a Rat Terrier, it’s vital to understand why it was bred in the first place – to hunt rats. Their prey drive is very strong and can impede any training efforts. Acknowledging their propensity to dart after small animals or get fixated on a scent will make you less frustrated in your training efforts. Even though they may be very loyal to you, your Rat Terrier puppy will not be trying on purpose to make you frustrated or upset – they’re just following their instincts. Rat Terriers are very sensitive and will not respond to harsh scolding. However, you have to be firm and consistent because they will take the opportunity to boss you around and run the show if you do not establish yourself as the leader.
Begin with basic training commands for puppies as early as possible to set the tone and foundation to build upon future skills, like Sit, Down, Come, and housebreaking. Leash training is especially important because you shouldn’t let your Rat Terrier puppy roam free wherever they wish. Consider enrolling your Rat Terrier puppy in puppy kindergarten to learn commands and allow socialization in a formal setting. Rat Terriers are easily provoked, so exposing them to a variety of dogs when they are young will pay off in the future. You don’t want them to grow up aggressive!
How active is a Rat Terrier puppy?
Rat Terriers are always on the go! Considering their activity needs is vital when you are thinking about adopting a Rat Terrier puppy. Rat Terriers are best suited for active households who understand just how much physical and mental exercise they will truly need. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and prefer a laid-back dog, the active Rat Terrier would not be a good match for you.
Without enough proper mental and physical stimulation, your Rat Terrier puppy will make her own entertainment. Rat Terriers love to dig, so rather than being exasperated by holes in your yard, set up a dedicated dig area. You can make a dig box or introduce a snuffle mat, hiding treats and special toys covered by paper, balls, or other items to reward your Rat Terrier when they locate the reward.
One thing to note is Rat Terriers are excellent jumpers and can scale a fence quickly. They also love to run and can have poor recall, so it’s essential you supervise your Rat Terrier even in an enclosed area. Supervision is also important in secured areas because Rat Terriers can dig holes and easily slip out.
Rat Terriers love doing activities with their owners, like hiking, jogging, playing active games, and participating in dog sports. They thrive in activities where they have a “job” that allows them to follow their instincts. Rat Terrier puppies thoroughly enjoy and excel at agility, rally, obedience, and especially love earthdog trials. No live rats are harmed, but they are used for quarry in a protected cage. A Rat Terrier will follow a course leading to the rat, navigating a series of obstacles. You’ll see your Rat Terrier so happy and fulfilled!
Caring For Your Rat Terrier
In general, Rat Terriers are easy to care for as low-maintenance dogs. You should know a few things about the care and keeping of your Rat Terrier puppy to ensure it lives a long, happy life with you regarding health, nutrition, and grooming.
Rat Terrier health concerns
As part of being a responsible puppy owner, you should establish a relationship with a licensed veterinarian as soon as your puppy comes home to complete core vaccinations and other recommended shots depending on your geographic location and other factors. Your veterinarian is your partner in being proactive with any health concerns you may have about your Rat Terrier puppy.
As a relatively healthy breed, Rat Terriers can live up to around 16 years old – quite a long time with you! However, Rat Terriers are prone to certain health conditions. It’s important to know what to look for so you can bring your concerns to your veterinarian for guidance, diagnosis, and treatment.
Here are some common health conditions in Rat Terriers you may encounter:
- Luxating patellas
- Deformed or misaligned jaw bones
- Hip dysplasia
- Cardiac disease and other heart issues
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
- Dental issues
- Deafness
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
Nutrition for your Rat Terrier puppy
Because they are so active, you should ensure you’re feeding your Rat Terrier puppy food specifically designed for puppies with the right formula of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Your vet may recommend a food or supplement that supports joint health due to possible health issues. Avoid feeding table scraps and instead use treats sparingly made from non-toxic ingredients. Overfeeding your Rat Terrier puppy can result in obesity which brings a host of other comorbid issues other than just being overweight.
Grooming needs of Rat Terrier puppies
Rat Terrier puppies are easy to groom and don’t require frequent (and expensive!) trips to the groomer. That glossy, short, sleek coat does a good job of repelling dirt in general. Brush your Rat Terrier puppy once a week with a rubber mitt or a soft-bristled brush to keep the coat healthy by removing dirt and debris and redistributing oils. Rat Terrier puppies do shed and will blow their coats twice a year, so you’ll still need a good vacuum and lint rollers even though their fur is short in length.
As with all dogs, proper nail, ear, eye, and dental care is a must. Clip your Rat Terrier’s nails regularly to prevent painful paw problems. Examine their eyes and ears for any signs of infection or irritation, calling the vet if you suspect issues. Proper dental care for puppies helps keep teeth clean and breath fresh, and prevent associated diseases that escalate from poor oral hygiene.
Find Your Rat Terrier at Pawrade
If you’re convinced the Rat Terrier is the right dog breed choice for your family, it’s time to find a puppy from a trustworthy breeder. You want to avoid getting a puppy from a pet store, a social media post or forum, or by calling the number on a poster by the side of the road. You can’t guarantee your Rat Terrier puppy has had proper healthcare, necessary time with the mother and littermates, or raised in a home with lots of love and care.
That’s where Pawrade comes in. There will never be a need to “sniff out” a Rat Terrier because Pawrade has made the process easy and secure. We partner with trustworthy breeders who pass our standards and provide healthy, happy puppies. All Rat Terrier puppies from Pawrade come with a 3-year health guarantee, a health certificate, up-to-date on core vaccinations and dewormings, 30 days of MetLife insurance, and more. All transactions and correspondence happen in one secure transaction management system, PetPay. You can rest assured we offer high-quality Rat Terrier puppies for sale without long waiting lists.
We can’t wait to hear how your Pawrade Rat Terrier has brought joy to your lives! Contact us today after browsing our puppies for sale for a lifetime of fun with your Rat Terrier.
