The Rat Terrier
Ranked #1,580 in Pets & Animals, #41,536 overall
With a lifespan up to 25 years, these truly are one of the best all around dogs that anyone can own. Everyone loves these! They are great with kids and easy to house train. They are zesty, fun, and full of life.
They come in many colors that resemble many different breeds, and vary in size from 7-18 lbs. The smaller ones feel good in your lap, and the larger ones are big enough to maintain their body heat in cooler weather outdoors.
Rat Terriers Make Great Family Pets
Rat Terriers love to be with their owners and are also small enough to be a good lap dog. They are a great choice for an active family who would enjoy a tag-along companion. They will follow when you ride a bicycle, ride horseback, go hiking, boating, etc. They are athletic and can easily follow you wherever without assistance. They are also a good guard dog who is alert to the presence of strangers or other vermin. These are generally easier to house train than many toy breeds because they are more confident and less likely to accidentally urinate indoors when nervous or excited. 
Rat Terrier Health
Many of America's favorite (cutest) breeds have serious genetic problems that can send you to the vet regularly for the next 10 years!You would be surprised if you knew how many of these tiny show champions don't live more than 3 years before having liver disease, kidney failure, or other "too small" health problems because their health has been compromised by line breeding for show purposes just to make them look pretty.
A purebred Rat Terrier is the most mentally and physically healthy of all small breeds. It is not uncommon for Rat Terriers to live even up to 25 years.
These are likely to have a much longer life expectancy and be healthier and cheaper to own than most toy and designer breeds. They almost never get diabetes, have seizures, or need allergy shots like many toy breeds often do. Any health problem in a dog which requires regular veterinary visits can cost thousands of dollars over the life expectancy of the dog.
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Rat Terrier Temprament
Rat Terriers are one of the most intelligent breeds and some are even too smart for their own good. They can be loyal to a fault and many have given their lives to protect those that they are loyal too.
They are easily trained for show, obedience, working, herding or hunting dogs.
Ratties are not yappers but will bark if they sense there is trouble or when a stranger is around. They however are very social and once they find that their owners approve of the stranger they will be the first to shake their hand for a pet on the head.
These little guys are very curious and can get into predicaments that they may need help getting out of. They've been known to climb trees, climb ladders, vault fences and end up in some of the most unusual places.
They are easily trained for show, obedience, working, herding or hunting dogs.
Ratties are not yappers but will bark if they sense there is trouble or when a stranger is around. They however are very social and once they find that their owners approve of the stranger they will be the first to shake their hand for a pet on the head.
These little guys are very curious and can get into predicaments that they may need help getting out of. They've been known to climb trees, climb ladders, vault fences and end up in some of the most unusual places.
Rat Terriers on Amazon
Sasha'a Favorite Food And Treats
The Best Training Treats!
I have found the absolute best training treats for Sasha. Purina moist & meaty dog food is not just a treat but 100% balanced dog food so it's a healthy treat option. Sasha goes crazy for it, she'll do anything for a piece. One box will give you enough treats for several months. I use one pouch a week for my little girls training sessions.
I don't recommend moist or canned food for your pets main diet, dry food will keep them healthier in the long run. There are a lot of specialty foods out there and in some instances a specialty diet is needed. For most healthy dogs, you can't go wrong with Purina puppy chow & dog chow. I am not in any way affiliated with Purina but I've been feeding it to all my pets for 20 years and have never had a problem with it.
I don't recommend moist or canned food for your pets main diet, dry food will keep them healthier in the long run. There are a lot of specialty foods out there and in some instances a specialty diet is needed. For most healthy dogs, you can't go wrong with Purina puppy chow & dog chow. I am not in any way affiliated with Purina but I've been feeding it to all my pets for 20 years and have never had a problem with it.
- Purina® brand Moist & Meaty Product Information
- 100% COMPLETE AND BALANCED FOR ADULT DOGS
Made with real meat #1 ingredient in each flavor. Moist & Meaty is perfect as a special treat or added to dry food.
Training your rat terrier
- Free Dog Training and Behavior Library
- Welcome! You have just discovered a goldmine of free information about dog training, behavior problems, puppy and adult dog care, and much more!
- Articles On Dog Behavior Training And Dog Obedience Training
- Featured Dog Training Articles, dog obedience tips, and more.
Rat Terrier Rescue
Rat Terrier Rescue - Ratbone Rescues - Rat Terrier Rescue of North ...
Ratbone Rescues has dogs in foster homes all over more...1 point
Rat-Terrier.com
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Telomeres and Telomerase
What do telomeres have to do with anti aging and l more...1 point
American Rat Terrier Rescue
Rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of dogs of al more...0 points
Liver Diet Guide?
When you have been diagnosed with liver disease yo more...0 points
Dog Playpen
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Rat Terrier Links
- Rat Terrier Club of America - RTCA
- The Rat Terrier Club of America is the first National organization to provide a Rat Terrier breed standard, information and currently seeking AKC recognition for this American breed.
- American Dog Owners Association
- The American Dog Owners Association was created by dog owners for all dog owners with the mission of preserving the special relationship between dogs and mankind. Since 1970, the ADOA has been the voice of responsible dog owners and member dog organizations from across the United States, advocating for the protection of the public health and safety, the protection of dogs and the right to own, keep and enjoy dogs.
- Dog Scouts of America! Dog camp, clicker training, & fun!
- As one of the leaders in dog education, our vast website is loaded with information on how to be a responsible dog owner and improve the relationship you have with your dog. Articles include training information for raising a new puppy, helpful tips on preventing or getting rid of behavior problems, and instruction and info for getting into dog sports and activities that you can enjoy with your dog. Dog Scouts do everything with positive training, and there is information on how to add clicker training, operant conditioning, and shaping to your dog training "toolbox," and how to use these tools to teach your dog what every good dog knows.
- Clicker Training at Dog Scouts of America. Click and treat, shaping, and dog training!
- Clicker Training
The best tool you will ever find for training!
Great Stuff on eBay
Shopping for your Rat Terrier
- Golly Gear for Small Dogs
- Golly Gear is the place for fun, practical, affordable items for your small dog. Collars, leashes, harnesses, carriers, treats and toys especially for little dogs.
Great Stuff on eBay
Reader Feedback
Tell us about your rat terrier...
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DLeighAlexander
Jan 28, 2012 @ 7:53 pm | delete
- I had a rat terrier dog when I was a child, his name was Dusty J. I have had other dogs but never loved them as much as my dog from childhood. Rat terriers are very loving, hard-working, and loyal companions.
Nice lens! :)
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terrapin719
Aug 13, 2011 @ 4:11 pm | delete
- I like the idea of using moist and meaty as a pouch of treats ;) smart stuff!
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LizRobertson
Jun 24, 2011 @ 9:56 am | delete
- I have a great terrier that's either a Rat Terrier or Jack Russell and I enjoyed your lens in my quest to figure out what he is... what do you think? http://www.squidoo.com/terrific-terriers-jack-russells-rat-terriers-and-crazy-canines
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Shibamom
Jun 21, 2010 @ 8:16 pm | delete
- My "other dog", Zoey, is a Rat Terrier. She is quite the character, all charm and energy. She has my husband wrapped around her paw.
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dogswish
Jun 19, 2008 @ 3:18 pm | delete
- Wuff wurff yapyapyap arrrrffff!!!
Ronnie is a really strange dog and without all that hair he has a similar shape to a rat terrier, just not the colouring. Anyway, he says hi in his own way and gives you 5 stars!
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by MoonShrine
MoonShrine
Meet my Rat Terrier puppy Sasha 12 weeks.
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