The American Rat Terrier is a delightful and versatile breed cherished for its intelligence, energy, and family-friendly nature. Originally bred as a farm dog and hunting companion, this breed has a rich history and continues to win the hearts of many as a loyal household pet. Here are some reasons why the American Rat Terrier is a great companion:
Intelligent and Trainable: Rat Terriers are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them highly trainable. Their social sensitivity makes them easy to integrate into family life, especially with proper socialisation from an early age.
Versatile and Active: As a breed initially used for hunting vermin, Rat Terriers retain high energy levels and a strong prey drive. They thrive on lots of exercise and mental stimulation, making them perfect for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
Compact and Versatile Size: Rat Terriers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from miniature to standard. This allows them to adapt to different living environments, whether it's a small apartment or a larger home with a yard.
The American Rat Terrier is a versatile and energetic breed, popular as both a working dog and a family companion:
Exercise Needs: This breed requires a significant amount of mental and physical stimulation. Without proper exercise, they may develop behavioural problems. They thrive on activity and should have opportunities to explore and play actively.
Grooming Requirements: The Rat Terrier has a short coat and requires minimal grooming. However, regular brushing will help remove loose hair and dirt. It’s important to check their ears regularly and maintain their oral hygiene.
Living Environment: While adaptable to various living environments, they do best with access to a secure yard or space where they can run and play. They can be good apartment dogs if their exercise needs are met.
The American Rat Terrier is an endearing breed with origins deeply rooted in American agricultural traditions. Bred in the United States in the 1800s, Rat Terriers were cherished for their prowess as hunting companions and efficient vermin exterminators on family farms. The breed was primarily bred by crossing several terrier types, including the Smooth Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and the now-extinct Old English White Terrier.
Loved for their intelligence and agility, these dogs became a staple on American farms in the early 20th century. Their ability to rid farms of rats and other pests made them indispensable during a time when agriculture was a main livelihood. The breed's name, 'Rat Terrier', is a nod to their skill in controlling vermin populations.
Rat Terriers are small-to-medium-sized dogs. They can stand between 25 to 46 cm (10 to 18 inches) at the shoulder.
The weight of a Rat Terrier can range from 4.5 to 11.3kg (10 to 25 pounds). There are also larger strains like the Decker, which exceed 11kg (25 pounds).
The Rat Terrier comes in various coat colours. The classic colouring is black with tan points and piebald spotting, known as black tricolour. Other common colours include chocolate, tan, blue, grey, isabella (pearl), lemon, and apricot. The coat is often tricoloured or bicoloured, always with some amount of white. Additionally, sable may overlay any of these colours.
The American Rat Terrier is a lively and intelligent breed, often described as energetic, affectionate, and loyal. They are known to be very social and can make excellent companions for active families.
While they might not be the most intimidating guard dogs due to their small size, Rat Terriers are alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are quick to notify their owners of any unusual activity.
Rat Terriers are known to be quite vocal, often barking to alert their owners of strangers or potential threats. Early training and socialisation can help manage this trait effectively.
Being intelligent and eager to please, Rat Terriers can be trained successfully with consistency and positive reinforcement techniques. They excel in various activities such as agility and obedience training.
With proper socialisation, Rat Terriers can be good companions for children and other pets. They enjoy playtime and are generally friendly with kids, although they should always be supervised with very young children due to their energetic nature.
American Rat Terriers tend to form strong bonds with their families, but they are relatively independent compared to some breeds. They can be left alone for moderate periods, yet long durations should be avoided to prevent boredom and anxiety.
The life expectancy of an American Rat Terrier is typically around 12-18 years.
American Rat Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as:
Hip dysplasia
Allergies
Luxating patella
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Dental issues
Regular check-ups and screenings with a veterinarian can help manage and prevent these conditions.
Rat Terriers are highly energetic and require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They benefit from about an hour of vigorous activity each day, which can include a mix of walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Rat Terriers can be good companions for active families and can also excel at various canine sports.
As a rough guide in pricing: Cost to buy: roughly £500-£1,100 for a well-bred American Rat Terrier puppy. Other costs such as food, vet bills, and grooming may vary, but typically amount to an average of £60-100 per month.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your American Rat Terrier puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder. More specifically, here is some American Rat Terrier puppy buying advice:
Verify the Breeder's Reputation: Given the intelligence and energy of Rat Terriers, it is vital to ensure that your puppy comes from a reputable breeder who has given the puppies adequate socialisation and care during their early weeks. Engage with breeders who adhere to the standards set by recognised organisations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC)
Health Testing and Screening: Ensure that the breeder conducts relevant health tests. The AKC suggests regular health screenings, including patella evaluation and cardiac exams, as Rat Terriers can be prone to certain genetic health issues.
Consider the Temperament: Rat Terriers are known for their energetic and intelligent nature. They require a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise. If you are not prepared to engage regularly with your dog, reconsider if this breed’s high energy levels and intelligence suit your lifestyle.
Understand Coat and Colour Variations: The Rat Terrier comes in various colours such as black tricolour, chocolate, blue, and others. However, be cautious about breeders offering "rare" colours like merle, as these can be associated with health issues and may indicate recent unapproved outcrossing.
Check Tail Docking Preferences: Traditionally, Rat Terriers have docked tails, but some breeders now prefer leaving them natural. Ensure your preference aligns with what your breeder offers, as both natural and docked tails are accepted in breed standards.
Beware of Scams: As with many purebred dogs, scams abound. Never send money without first visiting the breeder and seeing the puppies in their living conditions.
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
These resources offer valuable information on the adoption, care, and rescue of American Rat Terriers.
