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Rat Terrier Dog Breed Introduction
Rat Terrier also referred to as Ratting Terrier, American Rat Terrier, and Decker Giant (nicknamed Rat, Rattie, and RT) is a dog breed that was originally used as a hunting companion and farm dog . It was bred in the United States. Currently, this dog is kept as a family pet, pest control, contraband search dogs, therapy, assistance, and other human-care jobs. According to AKC and UKC Rat Terriers come in two varieties, Miniatures, and Standard. The Standard Variety is a large strain that often exceeds 11kg ( approx. 25 pounds).
It is considered another breed by the National Rat Terrier Association(NRTA) going by the name Decker Giant. However, both AKC and UKC don’t recognize Decker Giant as another breed but merely considered standard variety. The American Hairless Terrier also originates from a single hairless mutation that appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. There is also a Toy Variety of Rat Terriers weighing 10 pounds recognized by NRTA.
Origin
The ancestors of Rat Terriers were brought to the USA by working-class British migrants for use in rat baiting. The name of this breed also originates from the occupation of their earliest progenitors. However, there is also a debate, that the name of this dog was coined by President Teddy Roosevelt who called his own dog a Rat Terrier after he had solved the White House rat problem.
Apart from rat baiting, Rat Terriers were also bred for their speed and used for controlling vermin and hunting small game such as squirrels and hares. Following the popularity of this breed in the US in the late 19th century, they were bred with Manchester Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and Beagles.
Rat Terriers were the most popular dogs on the farm between the 1920s to 1940s. However, they greatly declined after the widespread use of chemical pesticides from the 1950s onwards. Fortunately, breed loyalists maintained the bloodline leading to the modern Rat Terriers.
Furthermore, this breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club’s(AKC) terrier group in June 2012. However, it was recognized as a breed by AKC in July 2010. UKC officially recognized Rat Terriers as a dog breed in January 1999.
Rat Terrier Lifespan
A well-bred Rat Terrier has an average lifespan of 16-19 years. According to AKC, Rat Terriers have an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years.
Grooming
This breed has a short and dense coat that requires low maintenance to stay in a good condition. Weekly brushing of the coat using a hound glove or soft brush is recommended to keep the coat glossy and healthy. Bathing your pooch every once in a month will do. The lifestyle of your dog is also a determinant of the number of baths it will get.
If your Rat Terrier gets visibly dirty from playing or digging, bathing at least twice a month is recommended. Rat Terriers shed heavily during spring and fall. Using a rubber curry brush or shedding tool during shedding season will help in removing loose hair while also promoting the growth of new hair.
Use a dog-formulated toothpaste and finger brush or toothbrush to brush the teeth of your Rat Terrier at least twice a week or every day if possible. Nail clipping should be done once a month to keep the nails neat and short. Overgrown nails may be painful to the dog while running and walking.
Ear cleaning at least once a week using an ear cleanser and cotton balls helps in removing excess debris and wax. Remember to wipe the face of your dog using a damp washcloth. Getting your dog accustomed to touch lays a foundation for a positive professional grooming process.
Shedding
Rat Terriers shed at moderate levels throughout the year. However, they experience seasonal change once or twice a year during spring and fall when they shed heavily. Regular Brushing of the coat during shedding season helps to confine the hair in the brush rather than around the house.
Hypoallergenic
Although Rat Terriers shed at low levels throughout the year, they are not considered hypoallergenic. This is because shedding spreads dander around the house. Dander refers to the microscopic particles of the skin that contain proteins that trigger allergic inflammation in people who suffer from dog allergies. Apart from dander, saliva, urine, mucus, and hair also contain the protein allergen that cause inflammation. A drooling Rat Terrier makes allergic people vulnerable.
Coat
This breed has a short, glossy, and dense single coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and excessively during Spring and Fall. To keep the coat healthy and glossy, brush the coat on a weekly basis using a hound glove or soft brush.
Rat Terrier Training
It is a highly intelligent dog that minimizes the training period. For this reason, they have been in the recent past used as contraband search dogs by police departments rather than the traditional police service breeds. Rat Terriers are also socially sensitive which makes them trainable and easier to live with.
Early socialization when the pup is between the age of three to twelve weeks is very critical. Proper socialization includes exposing your dog to a wide variety of places, people, other animals and dogs, sights, situations, smell, and sounds like vacuum cleaners, washing machine, lawn mowers, sirens, and whistles. Enrolling your pooch in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. It also helps a pet parent to be able to spot and correct bad habits.
Rat Terriers also thrive on praise and respond quickly to positive training methods. Remember to teach one command word at a time to avoid confusion. Some of the basic command words that Rat Terriers are taught include come, sit, stay, down, leave it, and heel. Make the training sessions short, fun, and challenging for a period of 5 to 10 minutes since dogs are easily distracted.
This breed has also been known for its ability to escape from anywhere even from seemingly secure yards. Crate training is, therefore, crucial to keep your pet safe when no one is at home. Create positive associations with the device by positioning treats and toys inside the crate. While at home, always leave the crate door open so that your pooch may understand that a crate is not a forced experience. Make the crate cozy by lining it with a comfortable blanket. A crate should be a safe place where Rat Terriers retreat to and should never be used as a form of punishment.
Rat Terrier Potty Training
Potty training Rat Terriers should begin between the age of 12 to 16 weeks when the bladder and bowel muscles have strengthened to hold for a period of 3 to 4 hours before eliminating. Therefore, take your pooch outside after meals, immediately it wakes up, before bedtime, after naps, and after every 3 to 4 hours.
Prior to starting potty training, decide whether your Rat Terrier will eliminate inside or outside especially for apartment dwellers who are not able to access a yard or street. Indoor potty training will require purchasing puppy pads or litter boxes from a pet store.
For outdoor potty training, choose a designated elimination spot that is not near BBQ or a patio deck. Once you get your pet in the designated spot, remain there for 15 minutes to give time for the bowel and bladder muscles to relax in order for Rat Terriers to pee or poo. While waiting, monitor and supervise your dog to ensure that it eliminates.
Potty Training Tips
If it doesn’t take it back to the house and return it to the potty spot after 15 minutes. While housebreaking, Rat Terriers may have accidents in the house. When you get your pooch in the act, don’t yell, but instead utter a firm No and take it to the designated toilet area.
Remember to clean the mess using an enzymatic detergent in order to completely get rid of the odor. Failure to get rid of the odor may encourage accidents since the dog will sniff the spot and eliminate there. Watch out for signs that indicate that your pet wants to eliminate such as whining, circling, squatting, sniffing, and lifting one leg against the furniture. Before Rat Terriers attain the age of 16 weeks(4 months), set an alarm to take it to the designated toilet spot at night until it is able to hold through the night.
Exercise
Rat Terriers were bred for rat baiting and require daily exercise of about sixty minutes. Some of the exercises that your dog may indulge in include a 20-45 minutes walk, jogging, high-intensity purposeful activity, and mental stimulation.
These dogs tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation. Other Rat Terriers may receive sufficient exercise for their needs through indoor training playtime. Remember to train your dog in a secured yard or on a leash since this breed may not be able to resist the urge to chase when faced with a strange squirrel or cat. This dog may also excel in the rally, obedience, agility, and other canine sports.
Rat Terrier Temperament
- Loving.
- Intelligent.
- Friendly.
- Alert.
- Inquisitive.
- Affectionate.
- Respectful.
- Loyal.
- Calm.
- Playful.
- Energetic.
- Make good family pets.
- Stubborn.
Barking
This is a vocal breed that barks and talks when communicating and in need of attention. Frequent barking may occur if your Rat Terrier has excess energy that needs to burn out. This often occurs if your dog is not getting enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Aggressive
This breed is not aggressive around their families and owners. Proper socialization also reduces aggressive behavior towards other dogs and strangers.
Bite Force
This breed is considered to possess the weakest dog bite of below 200 PSI and above 100 PSI.
Biting
Rat Terriers puppies are susceptible to biting and nipping when exploring the texture in their surroundings. Biting is also rapid when the dog is teething due to discomfort. This habit may seem adorable but not anymore after your dog matures into an adult pet that has serious biting issues. Pet owners are encouraged to curb biting before it develops into a habit. Redirection and bite inhibition training is recommended to stop biting. Distraction and redirection works well with a teething pup that nips on your feet, hand, or shoes. Distracting it with a teething toy will work and teach it what is permissible to bite and what is not.
Rat Terrier Size
A Miniature Rat Terrier weighs between 10 to 18 pounds ( approx. 4.5-8.2 kg) and has a height of under 13 inches ( approx. 33 cm).
Toy Variety Rat Terriers have a weight of 10 pounds or less ( approx. 4.5 kg) and a height of under 12 inches (approx. 30.5 cm).
A Standard Variety Rat Terrier ( Decker Giant) has a weight of 22 to 40 pounds ( approx. 10 to 18.1kg ). However, a male Decker is taller than the female counterpart. A Male Standard Rat Terrier has a height of 16 to 19 inches ( approx. 40.6 to 48.3 cm) while the female counterpart has a size of 16 to 17 inches (approx. 40.6 to 43.2 cm).
Height
A Male Decker Rat Terrier (Standard) has a height of 16 to 19 inches ( approx. 40.6 to 48.3 cm) while the female counterpart has a size of 16 to 17 inches (approx. 40.6 to 43.2 cm).
A Miniature Rat Terrier has a height of under 13 inches (approx. 33 cm).
Toy Rat has a size of under 12 inches (approx. 30.5 cm).
Weight
A Toy variety Rat weighs 10 pounds or less ( approx. 4.5 kg ).
A Decker Rat has a weight of between 22 to 40 pounds( approx. 10 to 18.1 kg).
A Miniature Rat weighs between 10 to 18 pounds ( approx. 4.5 to 8.2 kg).
Types
American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club recognize two types of Rat Terriers: Miniature and Standard. However, Standard Variety has been recognized as a separate breed by NRTA going by the name of Decker Rat. In addition, NRTA recognizes Toy Variety Rat Terriers that are smaller in size as compared to the Miniature Variety.
Rat Terrier Health Issues
It is a generally healthy breed that is overall very hardy due to outcrossing throughout its history. CHIC(Canine Health Information Center) recommends that Rat Terriers should be tested for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, pancreatic issues, cardiac abnormalities, eye disorders, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Common Health Problems
The common health problems that affect Rat Terriers include:
- Viral and Bacterial infections.
- Patellar Luxation.
- Hip Dysplasia.
- Cardiac abnormalities.
- Eye problems.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Hair Loss
Normal hair loss for Rat Terriers is in minimal levels all-year round and heavily during spring and /or fall in a process known as shedding. Apart from shedding other causes of hair loss include:
Hypothyroidism – This is a healthy condition that results in inadequate production of thyroid hormone known as thyroxine by the thyroid gland. The hormone is in charge of controlling metabolism. Therefore, it causes a thinning coat in Rat Terriers and hair easily fall out on the tail, neck, body sides, and on the back of the legs.
Color Dilution Alopecia causes hair loss in Rat Terriers as compared to other breeds. Although it is not itchy, it results to pattern baldness and secondary bacterial infections.
Hormones – While on a heat cycle, Female Rat Terriers experience hormonal change especially an increase in the level of estrogen that results in thinning coat. A dam is also likely to experience hair loss after whelping and due to nesting behaviors.
Allergies – Rat Terriers are predisposed to various forms of allergies including skin, food, contact, and environmental allergies. These allergies cause itching, excessive biting, scratching, and licking which results to hair loss. Flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea’s saliva also causes hair loss since it makes the dog to scratch and bite the skin around the bite until it is raw.
Other Causes
Cushing’s disease – Even though rare, Rat Terriers also suffer from Cushing’s disease that result in hair loss. This is a disease caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland that results in drinking a lot, potty-bellied look, increased urination, and thinning coat, hair loss on the neck, obesity, and lethargy.
Mange – an overabundance of demodex mite present in the hair follicles of the dog results in hairless lesions in the face or feet.
Stress – separation anxiety in Rat Terriers results in stress, anxiety, and restless. As a coping mechanism, a pooch develop bad habits such as excessive licking(lick granuloma) which results in hair loss in the licked body parts such as paws.
Seizures
A seizure (fits or convulsions) is defined as uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that is accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Rat Terriers are predisposed to three types of seizures, primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary and the most common although there cause is unknown. For this reason, they are also referred to as idiopathic seizures.
Secondary seizures may be a result of trauma, brain tumor, or stroke. Reactive seizures occur after the brain detects a metabolic problem caused by low blood sugar, organ failure, and toxins. Dogs may also suffer from focal seizures or Grand mal seizures which lasts for a period of 1 to 3 minutes.
Dog parents are advised against touching the mouth of the pet or giving it something while it is experiencing seizure to avoid choking. Some of the common symptoms of on-set seizures include a foaming mouth, disorientation, staring, urination or defecation, loss of consciousness, stiffening muscles, and hiding after an episode.
Ear Problems
The common ear problem in Rat Terriers is ear infections. This breed has erect ears that are susceptible to collecting a lot of dirt if they are not cleaned at least once a week. Other causes of ear inflammation in Rat Terriers include ear mites, injury to the ear canal, moisture accumulation, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, excess dust, wax, and debris, yeast imbalances, and excessive cleaning.
Externa otitis, inflammation to the cells in the external ear canal is far more common in Rat Terriers. If left untreated, it results to media and externa otitis. This is inflammation to the cells located in the middle ear canal and inner ear canal respectively. These infections result in facial paralysis, vestibular signs such as disorientation and blurred vision, and deafness.
Some of the common symptoms exhibited by a dog that is suffering from an ear infection include scratching, head shaking, whining, redness, swelling of the ear canal, dark discharge, and odor. If your notice any of the above signs, book an appointment with your Vet. Once you get there, physical examination will be conducted before taking a swab from the affected ear. If the dog is in too much pain, it will be sedated to facilitate ear cleaning using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls.
Eye Problems
The common eye problems that Rat Terriers are likely to suffer from include Primary lens luxation and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Primary lens luxation is the breakage of the ligaments that holds the lenses in place resulting in dislocation of the lens. If left untreated it may lead to glaucoma and blindness.
On the other hand, PRA(Progressive Retinal Atrophy) refers to a group of inherited degenerative diseases that affects the photoreceptors cells of a Rat Terrier eventually leading to blindness.
Rat Terrier Allergies
This breed is prone to allergies caused by skin, food, and, contact, and environmental allergens. A Rat Terrier that is affected by allergies may exhibit the following signs:
- Itchy skin.
- Itchy ears.
- Chewing at the paws.
- Chronic ear infections.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Dry flaky Skin.
- Redness.
- Sores at the belly, sides, paws, feet, etc.
Some of the allergies that affect Rat Terriers are discussed below:
Environmental allergies – some of the environmental allergens that result in allergies include dust and dust mites, ragweed, grass, pollen, fleas, house molds, mites, and mosquitoes. Flea bites results in flea allergy dermatitis that result in hair loss and secondary skin infections. This is because a flea bite causes excessive biting and scratching until the skin is raw. Other symptoms of environmental allergies include swollen eyes, runny nose, and itchiness of various body parts including armpits, groin, muzzle, paws, ears, belly sides, around the ears, feet, and between the toes.
Contact allergies – These allergens cause inflammation once the coat comes in contact with various allergens including plastics, latex, medication, grooming products such as shampoos, lawn chemicals, bed linens, and carpet cleaning detergents. Contact allergies cause itchiness, scratching, and biting.
Skin Allergies – This inflammation is caused by food, environmental, and contact allergens that affect the skin resulting in itchiness, swelling, scratching, and a dry flaky skin.
Food allergies – Food allergies and food intolerance affect the skin and also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Rat Terrier Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Rat Terriers may be a manifestation of food, contact, or environmental allergies. An allergic pet will tend to scratch a lot which may cause redness of the skin and even lesions if severe. The commonly affected body parts by skin allergies include the paws, ears, belly, feet, and sides. It is recommended to take your dog to a vet to determine the allergen affecting your Rat Terrier.
Rat Terrier Food Allergies
Food allergy and food intolerance is often confused by many pet owners. Even though food intolerance is far more common. Food allergy are rare and cause an immune response that results in gastrointestinal signs such as acute diarrhea and/or vomiting and skin conditions symptoms such as facial swelling, pruritus, dermatitis, hives, and itchiness.
On the other hand food sensitivities (intolerance) don’t cause an immune response but occur due a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of a Rat Terrier. Some of the ingredients that cause food sensitivities in this bred includes beef, pork, turkey, chicken, fish, lamb, soy, corn, wheat, additives, preservatives, eggs, milk, dairy products, etc.
Symptoms exhibited by a Rat Terrier that is suffering from food intolerance include poor skin and coat, itchiness, vomiting, chronic ear infections, loss of appetite, and foot infections. Pet parents are recommended to work along with the Vet to manage the symptoms and found the offending ingredient possibly through elimination method.
Rat Terrier Names
The important activity that a Rat Terrier parent engages in after getting a pup from a responsible breeder or a rescue center is naming the pet. Owners may get names inspirations from the origin of the dog, personality, books, coat color, celebrities, movies, food, and pop culture.
Regardless of the name that you will select, ensure that it freely rolls off your tongue without causing embarrassment when uttered out loud in public parks and malls. Names that have vowels are easy for dogs to understand. Giving your Rat Terrier a name that rhymes with command words would bring confusion. Resist naming your pet after a family member or people who frequent your household to prevent confusion.
Names Female
- Sheba.
- Muffin.
- Ginger.
- Emma.
- Bailey.
- Coco.
- Zoe.
- Maggie.
- Molly.
- Daisy.
- Misty.
- Tasha.
- Abby, etc.
Names Male
- Winston.
- Max.
- Jack.
- Mickey.
- Dixie.
- Buddy.
- Samson.
- Caesar.
- Ezra.
- Duke.
- Wolf.
- Jake, etc.
Rat Terrier Colors
The classic color in Rat Terriers is black tricolor, however, chocolate, tan ( pale, gold, or dark mahogany shade), lemon, apricot, lemon, and pearl (isabella) are also common coat colors.
These colors may be bicolor or tricolor always with some white present. Creeping tan color is also acceptable. Main breed standards have not accepted Brindle. Merle color in Rat Terriers is considered a result of outcrosses and it is rejected by most breeders due to associated health problems.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
White
Rat Terriers are bicolored or tricolored with some amount of white present on their coat. However, there are no pure white-colored Rat Terriers.
Tail
Most Rat Terriers have their tails docked to about 2-3 inches (approx. 5.1 to 7.6 cm). Bobtail gene is also common in this breed which may result in a short tail that appears to be docked. Currently, breeders prefer a natural tail that is undocked. A natural tail is also accepted in the breed standards.
Rat Terrier Food
Rat Terriers are small-sized breed of dog which implies that they have specific nutritional and caloric needs that are different from those of medium or large breed dogs. Getting formulated foods for your dog will help meet pet’s nutritional requirements. This dog breed should also feed on small-sized kibbled pieces which are easier to chew reducing the risk of choking.
Good nutritional dog food for this breed should contain proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in amounts that will satisfy the caloric requirements without making your pet overweight. Rat Terriers also do good with meat-based proteins as they contain the nutrients that they need to strengthen their immune system and sustain their energy levels.
Kneecap dislocation is common in this breed, therefore, you should feed your dog food rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Chondroitin and Glucosamine are also effective in reducing joint pain and should be included in your Rat Terriers’ diet.
Heat Cycle
Rat Terriers may experience their first heat cycle from the age of 6 months. The heat cycle will recur after every 6 to 8 months. The heat season lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. It is possible for an intact Rat Terrier to get pregnant in its senior years since dogs experience the estrus cycle throughout their lives.
Some of the symptoms that Rat Terriers may exhibit while on a heat cycle include increased urination, bloody discharge, tail flagging, mood swings, loss of appetite, male dogs taking interest, a swollen vulva, and nesting behaviors. A female dog becomes receptive to the male later in the cycle.
Before mating Rat Terriers, ensure both the male and female undergo genetic testing to determine whether they have any underlying health issues. It is highly advisable to wait until the female attains the age of 2 years before breeding. This will allow it to physically mature to carry a pregnancy with less complications. The 2-year timeline also allows the genetically linked faults to express themselves prior to mating.
Litter Size
A Rat Terrier has a gestation period of 63 days approximately two months. During birth, Female Rat Terriers may give birth to between five to seven puppies.
Harness
A Rat Terrier was bred for rat baiting. Therefore, there have a natural instinct of chasing small animals. For this reason, Rat Terriers are likely to pull while on leash. Using a harness is recommended for dogs that are prone to pulling to avoid damage in the neck region which may result in tracheal collapse. Although, a collar may also be used to attach Rabies and ID tag. However, attach the leash on the harness.
Rat Terrier Ears
An ear carriage of the Rat Terriers is naturally erect but may also be tipped or buttoned all of which contribute to an alert expression and intelligence.
Floppy Ears
A mature Rat Terrier has naturally erect years. However, puppies of this breed have floppy ears or their ears are down until a few weeks or months after they are born to have upright ears.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Rat Terriers Bark A lot
Yes, they are vocal dogs. However, the barking may occur regularly if your Rat Terrier has pent-up energy due to lack of enough exercise.
Are Rat Terriers Aggressive.
Rat Terriers are considered generally friendly around their owners and families. However, they may be aggressive to other dogs and strangers if they are not socialized properly.
Are Rat Terriers Hypoallergenic
No, they shed moderately throughout the year and shedding allows dander to spread around the house.
Rat Terrier Quick Facts
- A Rat Terrier is considered a rare breed of dog.
- Rat Terriers were considered as AKC’s terrier group in June 2012.
- They are considered intelligent and alert due to their erect ears that may be buttoned or tipped.
