Rat Terrier

A Mix of Breeds

            The Rat Terrier is a working breed that is known as an all around farm dog that originated in the United States.  The breed has been around since the 19^th century, and distinctive for decades, but it was only recently that the Rat Terrier began to gain recognition from both the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC).

            Rat Terriers come in three sizes, although only the standard and miniature are recognized by the kennel clubs.  Toy Rat Terriers are becoming increasingly popular, despite their lack of kennel club status; they stand at 8 inches and weigh only between 4-6 pounds.  Miniature dogs stand between 8-13 inches and weigh between 6-8 pounds, while the standard stands are 14-23 inches and weighs up to 35 pounds.  Coat colors range in a wide variety of colors and patterns.  Colors include, black, brown, blue, red, sable, lemon, and white.  While patterns can be tricolor, include ticking, and even brindle.  The brindle variation is not allowed in the breed standards, however many consider it to be a traditional patter and are working for it to become accepted.  Ears can be either erect, tipped, or button, all giving the dog an alert expression.  Tails have been traditionally docked, however natural bobtails do occur, and undocked tails are now acceptable for the Rat Terrier standards.

            The ancestors of the Rat Terriers, like many American breeds accompanied their human companions, British emigrants, to the United States.  These tough little dogs were used in rat pit gambling, but were also used for controlling vermin and hunting small prey.  It is believed these early dogs were a mix of English White Terrier, Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and Whippets.  After 1890s more breeds were added to the bloodline, such as the Beagle, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, and Chihuahua.  These dogs gave the breed stronger scenting and speed, as well as made them smaller in size.  Many terrier type dogs known as feists existed at the time, and were indistinguishable from each other.  The first one to break off and form a breed was the Toy Fox Terrier, recognized by the UKC in 1936.  Rat Terriers continued to develop with their wide range of diversity as working dogs, and were first recognized in 1999 by the UKC.

            As long as one can accept an energetic dog into their lifestyles the Rat Terrier makes a perfect companion.  They are intelligent, alert, and inquisitive, yet easy to train.  Rat Terriers get along well with children, and do well either as a household companion or working farmhand.