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About Rat Terriers |
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An American Dog |
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| The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a rich and varied background as an all-around farm dog. Originally known as 'feists, ' the Rat Terrier originated from a mixture of crosses by early immigrants of this country using old time Fox Terriers and other European Terriers common in the 19th century; the Old English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, etc., and later crossed with Beagles, more Smooth Fox Terrier, Toy Fox Terriers, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and other available Feist breeds. Common throughout America on family farms in the 1920s and 30s, today they are generally considered a rare breed. Today's Rat Terrier is a handsome, intelligent, active little dog that is equally cherished as a farm helper and as a family pet! | ||
| The Rat Terrier is a well-muscled dog with a deep chest, strong shoulders, solid neck, and powerful legs. Their bodies are compact but meaty, on a small to medium sized terrier. The ears can be upright or tipped and are carried erect when the dog is alert. They can be born with short or full length tails, each being left in its natural state or docked at two days of age. Their color is traditionally "hound colors": tri-coloreds and bi-coloreds, predominately white and black with tan or rust trim; white and black, or white and tans, being preferred. Chocolate, red, orange, lemon or blue, "acceptable" with, or without tan trim. Any dog whose head and body spots are of different colors, excessively muddy [or ruddy] colorations, rustiness in black or blue coats, washed out pale sable, faded or diluted colorations; fawn, silver, fallow or cream, are penalized. All acceptable colors, with or without tan trim, must have a minimal patch of white on the body, but are preferred to display 20-90% white markings. | ||
Rat Terriers are cheerful, loving dogs that tend to be more sensitive than Jack Russells, or other terriers. The "social sensitivity" of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Proper socialization of a rat terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first 3 months of life. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise. The Rat Terrier is an affectionate dog makes an excellent companion for those who will enjoy an energetic dog. They are good with children, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are fairly territorial, and for the most part friendly with strangers. Rat Terriers make good watchdogs. These dogs are quick and very playful and are not yappers. The temperament of these dogs is pure terrier. The lively, feisty, fearless nature can be found in the best of terriers. They are eager to please and respond and pick training up faster than most dogs. The Rat terrier is a very well mannered, well rounded dog. They are easy to train and very eager to learn and to please their owner.he Rat Terrier is an intelligent, alert and loving dog. For more information on Rat Terriers, please visit the Rat Terrier Club of America. |
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