Breed Profile: Rat Terrier

The rat terrier originated in England in the 1820s as a cross between the smooth fox terrier and the black and tan Manchester terrier. Hardy and tenacious, the breed first became popular for its ability to kill rats and hunt small game. The rat terrier’s popularity grew enormously over the next 60 years, but the breed remained exclusively in Great Britain until Americans exported it to the United States in the 1890s. At this time, breeders strove to lessen the rat terrier’s hunting instincts and to produce dogs with more adaptable personalities who would still be adept at trailing and treeing game. The final result, achieved in the 1930s, was the modern-day rat terrier.

Additional selective breeding with beagles and Italian greyhounds resulted in the rat terrier’s current variety of coat colors and sizes (toy, mini, and standard). The rat terrier has remained popular in both Great Britain and the United States, although the American Kennel Club has yet to recognize the breed officially.

The following description is of an “ideal” rat terrier. Not all rat terriers will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

The active, playful, and attention-craving rat terrier makes an exceptional pet and hunting companion. Highly adaptable to nearly any living situation, a rat terrier likely will remain social and playful throughout his life—which can be as long as 18 or 19 years.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a rat terrier is going to fit in with you and your family.

The modern rat terrier still serves as a hunting dog and ratter but also can live a very happy life as a pet. Though he is very active, the rat terrier makes a suitable companion for elderly dog owners because the breed is relatively inexpensive to care for, does not require much space, and is easy to exercise. A rat terrier also can fit in well in families with children, provided that children are instructed on the proper way to handle and care for a dog. This breed does not do well when left alone and can develop separation anxiety without sufficient human contact.

Rat terriers can thrive in almost any climate and function well in both rural and urban areas, provided that they have sufficient opportunities for exercise. Also, like many terriers, they have a high prey drive, which results in a tendency to chase small or fast-moving animals. Keeping a rat terrier thoroughly secure—particularly outdoors—is a must because they are skilled at jumping and climbing and may try to escape confinement.

The small but energetic rat terrier needs a great deal of exercise. Long, brisk walks should provide a satisfactory energy outlet for a rat terrier not employed as a hunting dog. If your rat terrier is particularly lively, a fenced yard or other secured environment such as an exercise pen will provide a suitable and safe place for him to get his exercise. Without such an outlet, a rat terrier will find other ways of exerting himself, possibly with destructive results.

Rat terriers are intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy both to housetrain and obedience train. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and with patience and flexibility on the part of their owner, they can be taught even the most difficult of tricks.