Rat Terrier
About the Rat Terrier
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 10-18" |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
45 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $500-$1,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,000/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Rat Terriers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Rat Terrier
The story behind the Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier emerged on American farms in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, blended from terriers brought by immigrants — Smooth Fox Terrier and Manchester Terrier types among them — with later additions such as Beagle, Whippet, and Italian Greyhound to tune speed, nose, and temperament for local conditions. These dogs earned their keep clearing rats from barns and hunting squirrels and other small game, and they were fixtures of rural life across the Midwest and South. The type persisted as a practical farm dog rather than a show breed for decades. Organized registries took the breed up in the late twentieth century, and the American Kennel Club granted full recognition in 2013.
Originally bred for: Vermin control, Farm ratting, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Rat Terrier
A compact, hardy American farm dog that stays sound on decent small-breed food served twice daily. These terriers are enthusiastic beggars, so track extras carefully; an under-exercised Rat Terrier gains weight faster than most owners expect.
Watch for: Nothing distinctive is established for the breed. Individual dogs occasionally show itchy skin or ear irritation blamed on a protein source, but such cases are personal rather than typical. Elimination trials belong with a veterinarian.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Rat Terrier
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.