what they are likeTeddy Roosevelt Terrier temperament
Bright, lively and funny, with a real talent for making its family laugh, yet happy to curl up on a lap when playtime is over. It is protective and will announce visitors.21
how to spot oneTeddy Roosevelt Terrier coat and colours
short, smooth coat
A compact, short-legged, longer-than-tall hunting terrier with solid bone. The coat is short and dense, ranging from medium-hard to smooth with a soft sheen.2
Comes inany bi-colour or tri-colour with some whitepiebaldtuxedo pattern21
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
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 looksTeddy Roosevelt Terrier exercise needs
High energy and a strong hunting drive; it needs daily play and walks, and enjoys digging and searching games.21
where they are happiestTeddy Roosevelt Terrier at home
Adapts to houses or apartments with daily exercise; a securely fenced yard helps because of its hunting drive.1
who they like aroundTeddy Roosevelt Terrier with people and other pets
Very people-oriented and loyal to its family; it matures slowly, becoming fully adult at around 2-3 years.2
the hands-on bitsTeddy Roosevelt Terrier grooming and care
Easy care: the short coat needs only an occasional brush and wipe-down.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Teddy Roosevelt Terrier two meals a day, and give a puppy three to four smaller meals. Exact times can vary with your routine; your vet or breeder can help set a schedule that works for your dog.3
What should a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food that suits your dog's age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and raw dough; always keep these away from your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.34
How often should I bathe a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. You can bathe more often if your terrier gets especially dirty or has skin issues, but avoid overbathing to keep the coat healthy.5
How often does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier need brushing?
A weekly brushing keeps the short, smooth coat in good condition and removes loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every seven days, which matches general advice for short-coated dogs.5
How do I trim a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim the nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain and bleeding.5
How much exercise does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier need?
This lively terrier has high energy and a strong hunting drive, so it needs daily walks, playtime, and games like digging or searching. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily exercise, and a securely fenced yard is wonderful for letting it run safely.21
How do I look after a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush the teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check the ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer part with a damp cloth or vet-recommended cleaner.5
How long does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier live?
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers typically live 15 to 16 years, making them a long-lived companion. With proper care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they often enjoy many happy, healthy years.2
Is a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier good with children and other pets?
This breed is bright, funny, and very people-oriented, so it usually does well with respectful children in the family. However, because of its strong hunting drive, it may not always get along with small pets; early socialisation and supervision are key.21
Can a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier be left alone?
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are very loyal and people-oriented, so they prefer company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. If you need to leave them, gradually accustom them to alone time and provide toys or a comfortable space; ask your vet or a good breeder for personalised advice.2
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier costs
Running costs for a Teddy Roosevelt 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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Teddy Roosevelt 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier tip
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers can be prone to weight gain, so keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and opt for low-calorie options like apple slices or carrot sticks. Because some dogs in this breed have food allergies, introduce new treats one at a time and watch for any reaction, if you see signs of a sensitivity, ask your vet.
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
Theodore Roosevelt never owned this breed; the name honours his well-known love of ratting terriers.1
2
Roosevelt wrote that his dog Scamp killed a great many rats in the White House.1
3
Its ancestry is thought to include Smooth Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Beagles, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds.2
The breed is named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was known for his love of dogs and his efforts to rid the White House of vermin, which led to the association with the Rat Terrier type.6
told by a Teddy Roosevelt TerrierA day in the life
I am a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. Morning starts with a happy dance by the door, then a brisk walk where I chase leaves and sniff every bush. Back home, I entertain everyone by rolling on my back and barking at my squeaky toy. After a quick cuddle on my human's lap, I dig a small hole in the garden just for fun. When visitors come, I announce them with a cheerful yip. By evening, I'm curled up, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganTeddy Roosevelt Terrier history
The breed grew out of the working terriers and feists of American farms, blended from British terriers and small hounds. When the Rat Terrier Club of America separated the types, the short-legged dogs were named after President Theodore Roosevelt, and the UKC recognised them as a breed in 1999.21
Rat Terrier
American Hairless Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Mountain Feist