But its definitely time to get the nail clippers out when you hear the unmistakable tap-tapping on the floor. The earliest known record of a rat-catching dog is that of "Hatch", whose remains were recovered from the Mary Rose, the flagship of Henry VIII, sunk in 1545 and re-raised in 1982. Due to regular outcrossings throughout the Rat Terrier's history, overall it is a very hardy breed. With an incredibly high prey drive, your rat terrier won't be great as an off-leash dog. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. Aside from doing your best to keep water out of your Rat Terriers ears, theres not much in the way of special ear care required. They are playful and require much exercise. You'll also find rat terriers in a variety of bicolor and tricolor variations, with white acting as the base. They are seasonal shedders, so make sure you've got a shedding tool or rubber curry brush handy to collect the excess, or resign yourself to having hair everywhere twice a year. A little about me, and the dogs I have been blessed to have in my life. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. An experienced dog owner will know how to be firm but loving with a pet, which is what a rattie needs from an owner. Your AAFCO-approved dog food will have portion recommendations on the bag, and your vet can help with any feeding questions. There is some confusion between the rat terrier and Teddy terrier breeds. Today's Rat Terrier is an intelligent and active small dog that is kept both . BEAUTIFUL puppies and we are happy to show you several generations of their relatives so you can see the quality genetics they come from. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. Websites like Petfinder.com make it easy to search shelters in your area by breed, size, sex, and more. Owner Kerri Miller. This size can withstand a little more durability during playtime. The decker rat terrier is a slightly larger dog that excels in hunting and will retrieve from water, while the hairless rat terrier is a smaller, hairless dog that comes in miniature and standard sizes. Small, extremely quick, and blessed with a sharp mind and an ambitious spirit, these agile little dogs excel as hunters of vermin and other small animals. Whats the average cost of a Rat Terrier puppy? They need consistent exercise and and plenty of mental stimulation, too. Dental hygiene is also extremely important when it comes to caring for your dog. The breed declined after the 1950s when pesticides and poisons became . The Rat Terrier is a good watchdog by nature, which makes them more likely to bark to alert you of potential danger (in their eyes). Our dogs are bred for health, temperament, and intelligence. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. But it should be noted that they shed mildly throughout the year, with a heavier seasonal shed in the spring and fall. The UKC officially recognized the breed on January 1, 1999. They originated on American farms, where these little dogs were perfect for exterminating the vermin that could potentially wreak havoc on stored food needed for survival. 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. Originally bred to work on farms, the rat terrier is a small dog with high energy levels, high exercise needs, and a strong propensity to hunt and chase. socialization and training is a must. This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 20:56. The legacy lives on. Primary Lens Luxationlens luxation may have painful, reddened eyes; iris or lens trembling; or other abnormalities that your veterinarian will be able to observe. Paddocks provide ample room to romp, run, and play together or alone during the day. Rat terriers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and a larger size commonly called the Decker. Is a rat terrier and Teddy Roosevelt terrier the same type of dog? Rat terriers are usually loyal to their owners and are very respectful if they receive the proper amount of training at a young age. Remember to give treats in moderation. [1] They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists. Paired with their insatiable curiosity and athletic nature, this can make them talented escape artists, so this is not a dog you should leave alone in your backyard. Its also possible for a dog to have heart issues with no symptoms. Grooming, however, is generally a cinch thanks to their slick, tight coatbut be aware that they do still shed. Proper socialization of a Rat Terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first three months of life. Their speed is used for controlling vermin and hunting small game such as squirrels and hares. [2] Rat Terrier are an intelligent and active breed that can be kept both for pest control and as a family pet. This is a relatively small dog that reaches only 1025 pounds, both in the standard and the miniature size. All trademarks are owned by Socit des Produits Nestl S.A., or used with permission. Training and obedience may be challenging but it's vital for proper behavior and socialization. Your rat terrier's diet will depend largely on her size, age, and activity levels, but you can expect to feed her between .25 cups (for dogs weighing 10 pounds or less) and 2 cups per day (for dogs weighing between 30 and 40 pounds) of high-protein, high-quality dog food. If its raining or snowing out, all is not lost! History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners. The Rat Terrier's ears can stand straight up or be semi-erect with the tips pointed upwards or flopping down (which is known as button ears). A balanced diet of high-quality dog food is best for a Rat Terrier. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. Rat terriers do best in homes where theyll have plenty of company, daily walks, and lots of time to play. They tend to be a very healthy and active breed but, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health problems. The rat terrier is a dog for whom the name leaves no ambiguity: This little guy was bred for a purpose. Rat terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs. Wherever you live, due to their feisty and fearless nature, they also make great watchdogs. As the disease progresses, you may see signs of heart failure such as weight loss and fatigue. Any time you contact a rescue about any breed, it is important to clarify any background information you can get on the individual dog you are considering, she adds. 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. Creeping tan (often "Calico"), is also acceptable. UKC is a family-friendly group that promotes many different venues for dogs to compete. Heart failure is the leading cause of death in rat terriers, though this typically doesnt occur until old age. "There's a lot to early socialization," says Dennis Riordan, DVM, of the Riordan Pet Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. 300+ Cute Cat Names for Every Kind of Kitty. The same goes for cats, but with early and deliberate introductions as Rat Terrier puppies, the two can definitely thrive together. To make sure your beloved Rat Terrier stays safe when theyre not fenced in, keep them on a leash. The Westie originated from Scotland as a ratter and hunting dog, fearlessly chasing after badgers, otters, and rats alike. Rat Terrier tails are usually docked, but they can also have a bobtail (naturally short) or long and graduating to a point at the tip. Contact for more information Carrie Anderson Lodi, CA 95240 AKC Champion Bloodline Rat Terrier Puppies Males / Females Available 6 weeks old. Most dogs with patellar luxation return to normal with conservative treatment rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. See our complete Pug guide Get all the facts, from health to exercise to temperament, in our complete Italian Greyhound guide. In other words, if your Rattie sounds an alert, it may be a good idea to pay attention! Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? "Rat terriers are fast, prey-driven, and focused on their own goalsnot yours. Rat terriers can be stubborn dogs, but theyre clever and highly trainable. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. HEIGHT: Generally, 10 to 13 inches for miniature Rat Terriers and 13 to 18 inches for standard Rat Terriers, COAT COLOR: Comes in pied (meaning one or more colors with large patches of white) patterns; common colors include black and white with rust, tan, lemon, blue, red, chocolate, or orange, TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, inquisitive, affectionate, lively, alert, loving. These regal little dogs are charming and affectionate. These small-sized dogs are usually very friendly and tend to get along with kids and other dogs, but its important to remember that all dogs are individuals so this can differ from Rattie to Rattie. This breed has a small, wedge shaped head, directly forming into a narrow muzzle with a severe scissor bite. Their namesake says it all: Rat Terriers make ideal ratters. If you don't have a fenced-in area for your rat terrier to run, be sure to take several, vigorous walks each day. Bonus points if you can provide lots of mental stimulation during playtime. Your Rat Terriers nails need to be trimmed about once a month because long nails can be painful for them to walk on. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. They have a wide combination of colors in a pied pattern (large colored patches mingled with white). 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. To avoid them causing too much of a racket when the mail arrives, introduce some training to help reduce barking at the doorbell, especially if it becomes a bit of a nuisance or puts off approaching guests. Rat terrier puppies, like all dogs, need early socialization and consistent training to grow into well-rounded dogs. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. 16: Bantles Cty X Kennels: 0 1 We are building a small breeding program Dedicated to the Decker Rat Terrier. And it is a job, Kallas says. Rat terriers need daily exercise to stay happy, but they're small enough that they can get all the exercise they need with some indoor playtime. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. Rat terriers are often excellent dogs for families with children due to their playful, affectionate nature. Chocolates, Pear Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers As much as they love their family, this breed was bred to hunt verminand their natural prey drive reflects that, so early (and consistent!) Ratties might need a bath now and then, Kallas says, but thats mostly only if they begin to smell. Its hard to resist that face when theyre begging for more snacks, and of course, treats can be an important part of your little friends training regimen. In fact, they were specifically bred for this very task and in the 1910s and 1920s, they were the most common farm dog in the US. Rat Terriers do best with positive reinforcement, patience, and clear boundariesthough, Kallas says, they will test those boundaries. Although rat terriers are low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they are high maintenance in the exercise and training areas. Always make sure youre feeding your Rat Terrier the proper amount. They have short coats that come in a mix of colors, typically a pied pattern with large areas of both white and colored hair. With their short, dense coat, Rat Terriers are low maintenance in the grooming department. Take our short quiz to find out! Tiny, tenacious, and eager to please, the rat terrier's high prey drive and intelligence make him a versatile dog for farm or family living. The social sensitivity of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner, but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. Rat terriers shed seasonally, and you can use a brush designed to reduce shedding during those times. Rat Terriers are incredible hunters, containing the intelligence and sense of humor that youd expect in a terrier. Swedish Vallhunds are fearless, loyal and brimming with personality. Brindle, currently disallowed by the main breed standards, is considered by some to be a traditional Rat Terrier pattern, and there is a growing movement to have this pattern accepted into the breed. Colors: black tri, chocolate tri, blue tri, apricot, and pearls. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. 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. Overeating can lead to dangerous health conditions, like canine heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. The AKC recognized the Rat Terrier as a breed on July 1, 2010, however, it allowed them to compete in companion events beginning January 1, 2006 in sanctioned AKC Companion events (Obedience, Agility, Rally). Their eyes are oval-shaped and set wide apart. As the use of poisons and mechanical traps became more widespread, the rat terrier's usage on farms began to dwindle, and people began to realize the bright, friendly dog made an excellent house companion as well. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. The NRTA recognizes a Toy variety weighing 10 pounds (4.5kg) or less. Rat Terriers were accepted into the AKC's terrier group June 2012. Teddies have longer legs than rat terriers, otherwise, they are very similar in nature and physical characteristics. Fast, nimble hunters, they excel at agility competitions and love to run. Nevertheless, with a little training and lots of play, these pups make excellent family companions. This dog may even consider cats and kittens as prey. This registry's mission is to keep all the qualities that set the Decker aside from the standard Rat Terrier, while retaining and improving upon the hunting ability. 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. See breeds similar in size and pet care needs as the Rat Terrier. Boasting an ancestry that goes back some 500 years, the rat terrier breed became established in the United States throughout the 1920s and '30s. But you should not bathe them more frequently than once a month or so, she adds, as this will strip them of the natural oils that keep their skin healthy. Rat Terriers have expressive, alert faces that reflect their zest for life. Rat terriers are pretty close to a "set it and forget it" breed when it comes to grooming. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allowed rat terriers to enter competitions in 2006, and finally registered the breed in 2013. These dog training tips will help you get started. Rat terriers have slightly elongated bodies and V-shaped ears that often stick up. Purebred dogs often need rescuing, too. ", "If compared to a human, a rat terrier would be like the child at a birthday party who is the first to join a fun game, shout in excitement, and eager to open the presents.". Because everyone is touching them and interacting with them.". Rat terriers also love to roughhouse and play fetch, tug-of-war, and other social games. Do some homework on puppy training, and start them out early with some basic commands like sit, stay and come. Their coat comes in a wide range of colors, including black and white or tri-color (black, tan and white; red,white and sable; blue, white and tan; or white, chocolate and tan) and can be any pied pattern, meaning there are large patches of one or more shades, along with a combination of white with apricot, fawn, lemon, red, silver, blue or chocolate. However, parents should supervise small children and rat terriers. Although rat terriers are born huntersand make excellent watchdogsthey can be loving, affectionate, and loyal to their family members. While a bored Rat Terrier might become a bit yappy, this is not a breed that barks much without reason. Breeding decker's and fire mountain rat terriers 10: Bluegrass Decker Rat Terriers: 0 3 . if theyre raised with them. To us, Rat Terriers are the perfect combination of a mind that is quick,easy to train and wants to please, with anincrediblyathletic, well-muscled and pleasingly balancedbody,with short coats that have mild to lightshedding. [Breeders] do their job for the first eight weeks, and its your job to work on that for at least the next year. Ear carriage is erect, but can also be tipped, or button, all of which contribute to an intelligent, alert expression. Though if you have small kids, you might be better off getting the standard size Rat Terrier. Looking for a truly loyal BFF? We are located in the foothills of Clovis, California, with beautiful table top mountains in our backyard! However, because they can be more prone to environmental allergies than some breeds, keep an eye out for any itching of the ears, which could lead to infection. They are determined and will do whatever it takes to get them access to the most rewarding outcomes. Shes been breeding, training, showing, and loving the breed for 30 years. Its also recommended to check and clean your Rat Terriers ears once a week as excess wax and debris can cause infections (look for redness, swelling or a bad odor). A larger strain, often in excess of 25 pounds (11kg), has been developed. Jodi Jacobson/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images. In contrast, the Rat Terrier has benefited from a long history of refinement with regular outcrosses to bring in useful qualities and genetic variability. Rat Terriers are every bit as tenacious and active as they are entertaining and funny, which makes this adorable little dog a fantastic fit for some familiesbut a challenge for those who arent patient or ready to laugh at their antics. Sable may overlay any of these colors. They only need a weekly brushing using a curry brush or rubber mitt to keep their coats shiny and healthy. UKC and AKC do not recognize the Decker strain as another breed; they are merely considered a standard variety. If daily care seems daunting, aim for a few times a week. Hi, I'm Kerri Miller. Rat Terriers tend to be both intelligent and stubborn, knowing how to get what they want when they want it. You can typically satisfy their wiggles with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Many of the foundation Rat Terriers were indistinguishable from small mixed-breed hunting dogs known as "feists". In the Midwest, rat terriers were bred with whippets and Italian greyhounds to produce quick dogs that could help control jackrabbit populations. These dogs love to please and need mental stimulation, so dont hold back on graduating them to some fun nose work or performing behavior chains, completing a number of commands before getting that all-important treat or other positive reinforcement. Rat terriers have a strong prey drive, so allowing them to play off-leash in an open space isn't recommended. 3. Fortunately, hundreds of purebred rescue groups serve just that purpose. Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers is back! With the proper training and socialization, they can also be friendly with strangers and other medium-size to larger pets. Thanks for stopping by and please let us know if we can help you in anyway. "Rat terriers are fast, prey-driven, and focused on their own goalsnot yours," Johnson says. 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