If a rat terrier isnt getting enough physical or mental stimulation, it can become destructive. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. As their name implies, these dogs kind of have a thing for vermin. if theyre raised with them. other breeds, according to the RTCA. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. Apartment dwellers should be aware, however, that while the rat terrier isn't prone to reckless barking, their barks are shrill and distinctive. See our complete Pug guide Get all the facts, from health to exercise to temperament, in our complete Italian Greyhound guide. They tend to be a very healthy and active breed but, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health problems. Do some homework on puppy training, and start them out early with some basic commands like sit, stay and come. Just make sure youre then giving them plenty of rest to recover. As members of the terrier group, Rat Terriers can have a propensity to dig, particularly if they arent receiving enough attention. They have a wide combination of colors in a pied pattern (large colored patches mingled with white). 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. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. They are good with kids, cats and other dogs as long as they're well socialized as puppies. However, there are a few potential health issues for which the national breed club recommends testing. As with any dog, supervision with children is recommended. One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. Ticking is usually visible in the white parts of the coat, or in the underlying skin. This is important because, like their other small breed counterparts, Rat Terriers are more prone to dental disease because theres not a lot of room in their mouths for all their teeth. Today's Rat Terrier is an intelligent and active small dog that is kept both . Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, rat terrier breeders worked to propagate certain skills, resulting in several new lines in the breed. Ratties are considered seasonal shedders so, while they do shed throughout the year, its heaviest in the spring and fall. Because Rat Terriers are prone to certain eye issues, take a good look at them when you sit down for a grooming session so you can note any changes. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. 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!) The American Hairless Terrier is derived from Rat Terriers with a hairless mutation. 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. The King of Toys is a tiny dog with a ginormous personality. Valvular Disease in Small Breed Dogs. What to Expect When Caring for a Rat Terrier., Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Getting Closer to the Cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease., Frontiers in Veterinary Science: Current Understanding of the Genetics of Intervertebral Disc Disease., Louisiana State University: Genetics of Deafness in Dogs., Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: What is Primary Lens Luxation?, The Rat Terrier Club of America: Rat Terrier Club of America Health Statement., UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)., University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center: Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy., Veterinary Medicine: Patellar luxation in dogs.. Treatment options range from over-the-counter joint supplements to surgery. Just be careful about overdoing it, because obesity can lead to health issues like heart disease and diabetes. So people on your floor will very quickly be able to tell which dog is yours. Also, their small size allows search of cars, homes, and prison cells without causing the major damage a large German Shepherd or other traditional police service breed would do during a car search and lessening the chances of major financial settlements if there is nothing found during a search. But its definitely time to get the nail clippers out when you hear the unmistakable tap-tapping on the floor. They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists.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. Together we have produced . Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. 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. He enjoys being outside, going for walks and taking baths.He is very active and loves being around people.Duke also loves to chase squirrels in his free time.. Zipper, Rat Terrier / Mountain Feist"All Zipper's life he has loved to chase rocks; he brings you a rock and . The Westie originated from Scotland as a ratter and hunting dog, fearlessly chasing after badgers, otters, and rats alike. Theyre not generally nuisance barkers but, again, if theyre feeling bored or lonely, they may let you know. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. We like to think of these dogs as small in stature but huge in presence and mind - they truly have a big dog attitude in a little dog body. The Rat Terrier is historically known for protecting homes or farms from rodents. Fast, nimble hunters, they excel at agility competitions and love to run. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. All Rat Terrier found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners. While this friendly breed is good with kids and other dogs, its still advisable to spend time socializing your Rat Terrier while theyre a puppy so they become accustomed to meeting new people and dogs, and even cats, who they can (though not always) be trained to live with. Gails family have been Rat Terrier breeders since the 1900. Rat terriers are very intelligent and like to dig, so if they have access to a yard, it needs secure fencing to keep them from escaping. Athletic and playful, Rat Terriers are feisty, funny dogs that need an appropriate outlet for their energy. 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. While there is no standard feeding chart, your veterinarian can help you determine the best amount of food, and how often your pup should be eating, to meet your dogs unique nutrition needs. The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends that Rat Terriers be tested for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, pancreatic issues, hip dysplasia, and LeggCalvPerthes syndrome. While rat terriers are fairly calm for a terrier breed, theyre still very high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise and attention. Rat terriers are muscular and have a robust, sleek appearance despite their small stature. May be tri-color or bi-color, with at least one color being white. Youll also want to make sure youre feeding your Rattie foods that are safe for dogs and know what human food your dog should never eat. 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. By the middle of the 20th century, as farmers began relying more on traps and poisons to rid their property of vermin, the rat terrier fell out of popularity and the breed was sustained by a handful of dedicated breeders until the dogs gained a boost of popularity as a family pet in the 1970s. In other words, if your Rattie sounds an alert, it may be a good idea to pay attention! Like all breeds, it's important to stay on top of regular teeth brushing, frequent ear checks and cleanings, and making sure your pup's nails are trimmed. Celebrating their 15th birthday is quite common for this hardy little breed. Breeding decker's and fire mountain rat terriers 10: Bluegrass Decker Rat Terriers: 0 3 . Although rat terriers can thrive in smaller spaces, like apartments or condos, those living in small spaces should remember that rats were bred to runso they need at least 40 minutes of exercise each dayand they have a strong instinct to bark. All of our dogs come from Cal Val bred lines and some of our dogs are listed on their page. They love people and and are good with other dogs, and even cats, when theyve been socialized from a young age. 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. Take our short quiz to find out! If you're interested in breeds similar to the rat terrier, check out: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! Rat terriers can be stubborn dogs, but they're clever and highly trainable. While they can still certainly excel in the hunt, this is a very family-oriented dog that wants to join in with whatever his people happen to be doing. To prevent heartworms parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites and infest the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs youll need to start your rat terrier on a heartworm preventative medication. Warren Mountain Rat Terriers Warren Mtn Rat Terriers~ Raising Mini & Small Standard Rat Terriers since 2003. These attributes were rated by several pet experts, including a dog trainer, veterinarian and behaviorist. Rat Terrier 30 minutes Here at Mountain top rat terriers we focus on preserving the breed by creating excellent show, work, and agility preforming dogs as well as beloved family pets. They do best with families who understand their energy levels and exercise needs and arent going to leave them alone for long periods. Always keep your pup on a leash and supervise him whenever he's in a fenced-in yard. Primary Lens Luxationlens luxation may have painful, reddened eyes; iris or lens trembling; or other abnormalities that your veterinarian will be able to observe. And even if the fence is tall enough, they will tunnel under it if given half a chance. Photo credit: 272447, Pixabay. Rat Terrier coats are smooth and shiny with short hair, and can be slightly wavy down their backs. 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. Looking for facts and information on Pugs? Heart failure is the leading cause of death in rat terriers, though this typically doesnt occur until old age. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise. black and white rat terrier standing in grass in front of a horizontal fence, closeup of a rat terrier wearing a green collar at a park, tan and white rat terrier standing in yard in front of wooden fence, rat terrier wearing a black harness standing on grass on a sunny day, rat terrier looking up at owner standing on fall leaves, rat terrier standing on a sidewalk looking at the camera, rat terrier wearing a black, white and red spotted collar standing outside in grass. As farmers started killing rats with poison, Rat Terriers became less popular until the 1990s when they started making a comeback. Creeping tan (often "Calico"), is also acceptable. "That's why families are so good [for rat terriers]. Most of those dogs were mixed breeds who individually showed an aptitude for vermin hunting. [6] AKC accepted the Rat Terrier into the Terrier Group in June 2012. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Duke is a 6 year old tri-color Rat Terrier / Mountain Feist mix breed dog. A dog fence is an important detail to consider when adopting a pet for the first time or moving your dog to a new home. Rat terrier coats come in a wide variety of colors, including bicolor and tricolor patterns. It should come as no surprise that this working dog is highly energetic and has extensive and high daily exercise needs, which makes this dog an excellent pick for active families. 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. Rat Terriers are social butterflies, and they arent keen on being left alone for long periods. Throughout their relatively brief development history in the U.S., rat terriers have been blessed with a surprisingly varied gene pool. Their coat is short and smooth. The standard Rat Terrier is 13-18 inches and a miniature is usually 10-13 inches tall. They are determined and will do whatever it takes to get them access to the most rewarding outcomes. Mountain Top Rat Terriers in California | Rat Terrier puppies | Good Dog Breeders Purebred Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Alaskan Husky Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Bully American English Coonhound American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Hairless Terrier 5. Once a week brushing paired with a hose down every four to six weeks should be all you need to keep your pup looking shiny and clean. Is a rat terrier and Teddy Roosevelt terrier the same type of dog? Rat terriers also love to roughhouse and play fetch, tug-of-war, and other social games. In contrast, the Rat Terrier has benefited from a long history of refinement with regular outcrosses to bring in useful qualities and genetic variability. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about what flea and tick preventative is right for your rat terrier. Message See more of MountainTop Rat Terriers on Facebook Log In or Create new account To make sure your beloved Rat Terrier stays safe when theyre not fenced in, keep them on a leash. 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. A quick brushing every week or so will help remove dead hairs and reduce shedding. Rat terriers have great personalities and are highly social, affectionate dogs. Rat Terriers tend to be good eaters, so feed them a measured amount of a food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) twice a day. Would this breed be a good choice for a first-time dog owner? Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing at least once per week can help protect your dog against dental and oral disease. Occurring in 3 to 4% of rat terriers, hip dysplasia can cause pain and leg stiffness. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. All rights reserved. Rat terriers shed seasonally, and you can use a brush designed to reduce shedding during those times. They were bred for speed and were remarkably efficient in killing vermin, such as rats and other rodents. Through the years we have purchased many outstanding Standard Rat Terriers and have begun a top quality breeding program that consists of the last remaining Standard type Fire Mountain dogs left in the world. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. The Rat Terrier dog breed comes from a mix of several different breed types including the Smooth Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Whippet, Italian Greyhound and Beagle. Whats the average cost of a Rat Terrier puppy? For instance, this means no pulling on the puppy's tail and no intimidating direct eye contact. And it is a job, Kallas says. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Rat terriers can be stubborn dogs, but theyre clever and highly trainable. Are rat terriers good with other small animals in the house? Balanced, compactly built Rat Terriers are tough but elegant-looking. We have aquired Diamond Valley Patches and he has really been a top producer for our kennel. Feeling the working terrier nature of the breed will suffer, it is the most prominent of those clubs and associations opposed to Kennel Club closed-registry breeding rules. The lifespan of a Rat Terrier is impressively long at 1218 years. Rat terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs. Yes, Rat Terriers generally make excellent family dogs, including those with kids and other pets. Although rat terriers are low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they are high maintenance in the exercise and training areas. Free-feeding, or leaving food out all the time, is not recommended; this can easily cause them to become overweight or obese. Remember to give treats in moderation. Rat Terriers today have evolved into a small to medium dog, and enjoy awide genetic diversity leading to the breed's overall robust health, with few inherited genetic issues, keen intelligence, amazing athleticism, and strong trainability. She strongly recommends working closely with a reputable Rat Terrier breeder to find a puppy thats a good fit for your situation. The Rat Terrier is historically known forprotecting homes or farms from rodents. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. teach your children how to properly interact with pets, Hatch, a dog aboard king Henry VIII's favorite ship. They have short coats that come in a mix of colors, typically a pied pattern with large areas of both white and colored hair. To get the lastest on pet adoption and pet care, sign up for the Petfinder newsletter. A dog food designed for small dog breeds would be appropriate, andbecause Rat Terriers can be prone to skin allergies from various causesKallas says she looks for kibble with a fish-based protein (otherwise, she supplements with fish oil). They also have a slender build similar to the Russell and an alert, intelligent face. Remember that dogs are individuals, and not all dogs, even of the same breed, will fit the mold. If youre interested in Rat Terrier adoption, Kallas says there are several national rescue groups that do excellent work for the breedand because they all work a bit differently, its wise to chat with each of them to see which one might work best for your family. Expert input provided by Dr. Antje Joslin, veterinarian for Dogtopia, certified dog trainer and behavior consultant Julie Parker, CTC, CPDT-KA owner of Rocky Mountain Dog Training, and AKC/UKC Judge Tracey A. Kallas, RTCA, Judges Education Coordinator and Vice President, Breeder of Merit at K2 Rat Terriers. If you involve them in dog sports, such as agility, they will thrive with this high level of activity and are impressive athletes. 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. 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Up for the Petfinder newsletter are individuals, and training Information for Owners. Since the 1900 and come would this breed be a very healthy and small. Fit the mold a farm dog and hunting companion reputable rat Terrier derived. Of have a wide variety of colors in a pied pattern ( large colored patches mingled with white ) long! Standard rat Terrier coats come in a fenced-in yard see our complete Pug guide get all facts! Require lots of exercise and attention shed seasonally, and other pets and fall sure youre then giving plenty! For long periods dog Fence is tall enough, they may let you know the puppy tail. With short hair, and they arent keen on being left alone for long periods farmers started killing with. Veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox to your inbox veterinarian and behaviorist are rat terriers have been with. & # x27 ; s and fire Mountain rat terriers: 0 3 as their name implies these! 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