Rat Terrier

While it’s tough to pinpoint exactly what dogs the Rat Terrier is descended from, the breed likely came from Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, and Bull Terriers, among other breeds. The working classes brought dogs from Great Britain to America in the late 1800s, where they were used to sniff out rodents. Farm dogs at heart, they were very popular in the early 20th century—President Theodore Roosevelt had one named Skip. 

Rat Terrier owners should be active and enjoy doing things outdoors as the breed has high energy levels and requires lots of exercise. Owners should understand that dogs are eager to please but can have stubborn streaks that might require more effort to train them over other dog breeds. They are affectionate and loyal dogs and love to be involved in family activities.

Daily walks, free running, playtime, puzzles, and more will be required to keep the active minds and bodies of the Rat Terrier dog breed busy. They can become destructive if bored, so it’s important to prevent this through a repertoire of activities.

Relatively small, the Rat Terrier dog can adapt to any space, including apartments. They thrive in rural and suburban settings, though, with access to the outdoors for free running. A secure fenced-in yard is important as the breed has digging instincts that could see them Houdini-ing through any gaps.

Short and smooth, the Rat Terrier dog’s coat is low-maintenance and requires regular brushing to remove dead hair. Baths can be infrequent and only when the dog is dirty.

Smart but easily distracted, the Rat Terrier can be stubborn to train. Positive reinforcement works best, and early socialization and obedience training are important for them to become well-mannered dogs. Consistency—and a sense of humor when they pretend they didn’t hear you—is key to success.

Rat Terriers can be good family dogs for active families with older children or no children.

The cost of a Rat Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.