First, Rat Terriers from my heart. I have had a love for Rat Terriers since I was a very little girl. When we lived in Kansas City there was a paper we received that advertised Rat Terriers for sale. I cut out the picture of a beautiful tri-color Rat Terrier and the begging began.
I didn't get my first Rat Terrier until I was 11. My mother surprised me one day by taking me to a pet store and letting me pick out Kimmie. I was thrilled! Kimmie would let me dress her in doll clothes and I carried her everywhere!
Kimmie also liked to Rat hunt with my Dad. She thought she was the one killing the rats and stood proudly by them, when actually my Dad had to kill them because they were bigger than she was!
I bred my first litter of Rat Terriers with my Jasmine in 2003. Jasmine is quite the personality. She is afraid of the dark so sleeps in the kitchen in her crate every night. But during the day she chases rabbits if they come too close or she goes to find them in the blackberry brambles. She bays like a Beagle when gets on the trail of one.
Rat Terriers are the smartest, most people pleasing dogs I have ever been around. You must watch them around bigger dogs, because they have no fear and do not realize their small size.
Truly an all-American Breed. The term Rat Terrier started in the Teddy Roosevelt White House when his three little Terriers brought the White House Rat problem under control. Legend has it that one Terrier killed 1000 rats in an hour. Possibly an exageration, but these feisty little Terriers are aggressive when hunting.
They make wonderful house pets, easily housebroken. Good companion dogs, loving to share a chair or a chase. They also make wonderful farm dogs. They do actually kill mice and rats. The local farmers keep them around to ward off Raccoons and Possums in their chicken houses. Although I must say I doubt the chickens would be safe if the Rat Terrier got inside the chicken house. They were bred for hunting and still carry that trait.
Average height -
Miniature: 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Standard: 13 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Average weight -
10 to 25 pounds
Temperament -
loyal, affectionate and protective; less aggressive and more calm than other terriers; cheerful and playful, well-attuned to their owner's moods, and can be sensitive to changes in their environment. Very alert to unexpected noises. Will definitately bark and alert you to anyone coming to the door!
Socialization -
highly socialable; playful and active throughout their life. They do not get grumpy as they age but always willing to play.
Grooming need -
moderate shedders - you will want to have a lint roller handy! They want to be held so you will have some dog hairs on your clothes. But you will love the dog so much you won't mind!
Exercise needs -
fairly active - 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise is required. They will enjoy any activity you do! Running in the park, going camping, just playing chase around the house!
Training needs -
Very easily trained! But you must not reprimand harshly. These little dogs are very sensitive to harsh voices. They want to please their owners and a harsh voice is not necessary! Be sure to teach them the basics: sit, stay, down and come.