A lively, curious and alert little dog with plenty of stamina. It is bright and trainable, full of determination when working, and a friendly, fun-loving companion at home that often gets along with children, other dogs and even cats.342
how to spot oneRat Terrier coat and colours
short, smooth coat
A compact, sturdy terrier with a short, dense, glossy coat. It comes in a miniature variety up to 13 in (33 cm) and a standard variety from over 13 up to 18 in (46 cm).34
Comes inwhite with blackwhite with tanwhite with chocolatewhite with blueblue fawnapricotlemontricolour31
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rat Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksRat Terrier exercise needs
High energy. Daily walks plus play and brain games keep it content; it enjoys agility, obedience and scent work.2
where they are happiestRat Terrier at home
Adapts to many homes if exercised; a secure yard helps, as a bored Rattie may dig.2
who they like aroundRat Terrier with people and other pets
Family-oriented and affectionate with its people; it does best with company and clear, consistent routines.23
the hands-on bitsRat Terrier grooming and care
Low-maintenance coat: a weekly brush and a bath now and then, with regular nail trims.2
what goes in the bowlRat Terrier food and feeding
A good-quality complete food suited to small, active dogs, fed in measured meals rather than left out all day.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Rat Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Rat Terrier at least two measured meals a day, as free feeding is not recommended. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. A good-quality complete food suited to small, active dogs is best.25
What should a Rat Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Choose a good-quality complete food for small, active dogs. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a safe diet.26
How often should I bathe a Rat Terrier?
Bathe your Rat Terrier now and then, at least once every three months, or more often if they get dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks.27
How often does a Rat Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Rat Terrier's short, smooth coat weekly to keep it healthy. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days.27
How do I trim a Rat Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.27
How much exercise does a Rat Terrier need?
This high-energy dog needs daily walks plus play and brain games like agility or scent work. A secure yard helps, as a bored Rat Terrier may dig.2
How do I look after a Rat Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily teeth brushing and weekly ear checks.7
How long does a Rat Terrier live?
Rat Terriers typically live 12 to 18 years, with senior years starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help keep them healthy.2
Is a Rat Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, this friendly and fun-loving breed often gets along with children, other dogs, and even cats. They are family-oriented and affectionate with their people.342
Can a Rat Terrier be left alone?
Rat Terriers do best with company and clear routines, so they may struggle with long periods alone. If left alone, provide toys and exercise beforehand. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or vet.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchRat Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Rat Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap can slip out of place, causing a skipping gait. CHIC recommended test for the breed (per Wikipedia) ↗
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Breakdown of the top of the thigh bone in young small dogs, causing hind-leg lameness. CHIC recommended test for the breed (per Wikipedia) ↗
Hip dysplasia
Abnormal development of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis. CHIC recommended test for the breed (per Wikipedia) ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Rat Terrier costs
Running costs for a Rat Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Rat Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Rat Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Rat Terrier tip
Rat Terriers are prone to weight gain and skin allergies, so choose low-calorie, fish-based treats and keep portions tiny. Because dental disease is very common in this breed, opt for dental chews or crunchy treats that help clean teeth, and always ask your vet for advice on managing allergies or weight.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
President Theodore Roosevelt hunted with these terriers, and the breed name is often said to have been coined by him.4
2
It comes in two size varieties, miniature and standard.3
3
The first AKC title earned by a Rat Terrier was in agility, in January 2006 in Van Nuys, California.1
The breed name is said to have been coined by President Teddy Roosevelt, reflecting the dog's original purpose of hunting rats and other vermin on farms and ranches.4
I wake up with the sun, my nose twitching at the promise of adventure. After a quick breakfast, I patrol the yard, checking every corner for intruders, squirrels, leaves, the occasional daring butterfly. My humans laugh as I pounce on a dandelion. Later, we play hide-and-seek with a squeaky toy, and I win every time. In the afternoon, I practice my agility moves on the lawn, leaping over sticks like a champion. When evening comes, I curl up on the couch, my head on a warm lap, dreaming of tomorrow's treasures. Life is a game, and I'm the best player.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganRat Terrier history
Rat Terriers grew out of the terriers that working-class British immigrants brought to America, mixed from Smooth Fox, Manchester and the old English White Terrier. Later crosses with Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and Beagles added speed and scenting ability, and the breed became a fixture on family farms in the 1920s and 1930s.31
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Mountain Feist
Smooth Fox Terrier