Rat Terrier

We’re going to speak about the Rat Terrier today. Do not be fooled by the term; these are dogs, not rats. They are intelligent and have a terrific personality, just like any Terrier. However, before you buy them, make sure you read all of the information regarding them.

Introduction

• It is a little dog with a strong build.
• They are a very adorable breed. 
• They are obstinate to the point of indifference, and they aren’t big on pleasing others, yet those who adore them are constantly amused.
• It is the perfect farm dog that they were born to be.
• It is a compact, strong dog that should stand between 13 and 16 inches tall.
• It is a muscular dog with a deep chest, strong shoulders, a strong neck, and strong legs. It has a tiny but substantial body. When the dog is vigilant, the ears can be upright or tipped and they are carried erect.

Second Name

• They are also known as American Rat Terrier.
• The other name of Rat Terrier is Ratting Terrier Decker Giant. 

Nickname

Based on their personality here are a few nicknames suggested: 

• Persis
• Mickey
• Wolf
• Brandy
• Sasha
• Missy
• Chloe

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History

• It is an American breed created by crossing the Fox Terrier with the Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and Old English White Terrier, to mention a few.
• The Rat Terrier’s necessity to trap game and vermin, as a farm dog and hunter, pushed breeders to start adding new strains to the breed in the 1910s and 1920s. In the 1930s film “The Little Colonel,” a Rat Terrier starred with Shirley Temple.
• It was crossed with Whippets and Italian Greyhounds in the Midwest to create a more adaptable and quick-footed dog that may aid with the jackrabbit problem. The new and improved Rat Terrier was able to keep up with the fast-moving rodent, demonstrating his worth once again. 

Characteristic

• Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
• Origin: England
• Coat: Short, smooth, and dense
• Coat Color: White, tri-color, black & white, white & Chocolate, fawn & white
• Height: 10-18 inches
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Lifespan: 15-18 years
• Personality: Intelligent, affectionate, alert, lively, and loving. 

Behavior

They will be fine with their family if they are not properly socialized, but they may grow violent toward strangers and other animals. So, before bringing them to know about their behavior. 

Sensitivity

• It is more alert and lively than most terriers, but also more quiet and sensitive.

Kid-Friendly

• They are active and playful.
• Also they are good with children and family members. 

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Other Animal

• When they’ve been socialized from a young age, they adore people and get along with other dogs and even cats.
• But keep in mind that interaction between them should begin at a young age.

Care They Need

It is our responsibility to care for our pets. They become bored and ill if we do not care about them. So, here are some pointers to help you care for your pet’s food, exercise, training, and grooming.

Food & Diet

• Consider a healthy weight formula for Rat Terrier who need assistance with weight management.
• To aid in their growth and development, puppies should be fed small-breed puppy food for the first year of their lives.
• If your dog weighs less than 10 pounds,  let them drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water per day. 10-15 pounds each day, 1/2 to 1 cup 20-30 pounds per day, 3/4 to 1.5 cups

Exercise

• It requires a lot of activity regularly and should be taken for a long walk for at least 20-30 minutes.
• They also enjoy going on a jog. 
• Play games with them for the mind.  

Training

They are unique among little dogs. They enjoy running and hiking outside and have the stamina to do so for long distances. They also enjoy playing, so training is enjoyable for him. 

• Teach them simple commands such as sit, come, and leave.
• Socialization is necessary.
• Positive reinforcement while training them is important.   

Grooming

It’s a low-maintenance plant that only requires minor grooming.

• Bathing them should only be done if it is required.
• Brush their teeth at least twice or three times a week to get rid of tartar and the bacteria that live inside them. Brushing their teeth at least once a day is even better if they wish to avoid gum disease and bad breath.
• If your dog’s nails do not wear down naturally, trim them once or twice a month to avoid unpleasant tears and other issues.
• Once a week, check his ears for redness or a bad odor that could indicate an infection.

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Health Problems

They are typically healthy, however, they are prone to some health issues, as are all breeds. Although not all Rat Terriers will catch any or all of these illnesses, it’s vital to be aware of them if you’re thinking about getting one.

• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation 
• Demodectic Mange
• Allergies

Hairstyle

They do not need any hairstyle. 

Speed

It can run at a speed of 27mph. 

Rank

• They are often rated 3 out of 5 in terms of intellect.
• The real intelligence score has yet to be determined.
• Her terrier cousins are more popular, but she isn’t as well-known.

To Buy/Adopt

• This breed is available for adoption as well as purchase.
• However, adopting is an excellent alternative because it is less expensive than buying.
• In addition, because you adopt them, they will have a home and family.

Babies

They normally have five to seven puppies in one litter. 

Price

• The cost of a purebred Rat Terrier can range from $900 to $4,000 or more. If this is a little too much for your blood, you may always adopt or rescue a pet.
• Adoption costs about $150, which includes any vaccinations and/or vet care.
• Fostering costs are estimated to be roughly $450 by rescue agencies.

Overview

• These breed members are cute, digging escape artists who are true terriers: feisty, amusing, energetic, vibrant, vermin-chasing, and intolerant of boredom.
• They are obstinate to the point of indifference, and they aren’t big on pleasing others, yet those who adore them are constantly amused.

Good & Bad About Them

Good

• They are sensible companions at home.
• They come in multiple sizes that are smallish and middle.
• They make a keen watchdog. 
• It is energetic and playful. 

Bad

• They bark a lot. 
• They are stubborn.
• Because they have strong chasing tendencies, they may act aggressively toward other animals.

Fun Facts

• It was one of America’s most popular farm dogs in the 1910s and 1920s. They were created with the intent of eradicating common farm pests such as rats and rabbits. In the 1950s, farmers began employing poison to exterminate rats, and they fell out of favor.
• Shirley Temple, in “The Little Colonel,” tucks her Rat Terrier into bed. The movie was made in the 1930s when Rat Terriers were still a popular breed.
• After her beloved Rat Terrier, Lolabelle, died, Laurie Anderson, a singer, and filmmaker created a full-length documentary on her. “Heart of a Dog” was the title of the picture. 
• They made a tremendous reappearance in the 1990s after falling out of favor for decades. They acquired popularity as a result of competition, and an increasing number of people adopted them as pets. Rat Terriers have also been popularized by celebrities such as Carrie Underwood.

Reference Link

• https://g.co/kgs/NNq9m8

Rat Terrier-FAQ