RAT TERRIER APPEARANCE:
The Rat Terrier comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns. It is often white with either black and tan, apricot, blue, or brown spots. The original and most common color is the tricolor: black, tan, and white. Many have ticking on the white part of the coat; most have freckles on their bellies. Ear carriage can be upright, tipped, or button, and the tail is traditionally docked to about 1/3 of its original length.
The Rat Terrier ranges from about 5 to 40 pounds, although the larger sizes are sometimes called Deckers or Giant Deckers, after a breeder named Decker who has been developing a larger version of the Rat Terrier. The Toy size (10 pounds and under) is becoming increasingly popular as a house pet & companion dog. Despite their diminutive size, many Toy Rat Terriers display the same prey drive & hunting instincts as their larger cousins.
RAT TERRIER
HISTORY:
The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed, one of many terrier varieties. It is a small, active terrier. Although the breed has been around in similar form since the early 1900s, it has remained more of a type than a breed. RAT TERRIER
HEALTH: RAT TERRIER
TEMPERAMENT: Although often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a very different temperament. It is less aggressive and comparatively calm (although still exhibiting terrier personality). They are normally cheerful dogs, but there are occasional dogs who are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment or to unexpected noises, people, or activity. |