Rat Terrier
Personable active companion
As with most terries, Rat Terriers love activity which can be satisfied through play and or hunting. Because of their small size and weight, this activity can be satisfied in side the dwelling but their greatest pleasure is running in an open field , preferably chasing something.
They love to hunt stuff and are natural hunter of great intensity and seemingly unlimited energy & fearlessness.
They LOVE there family with the same intensity. The Rat Terrier is a dog that loves to be with its human family and it really shows.
There are three size categories
" Toy" - under 8 inches in height at the shoulders, 10 lbs or less
"Small or mini"- under 12 inches at the shoulders, 10 lbs - 18 lbs
"Standard" - under 18 inches at the shoulders, 18 lbs - 28 lbs.
* about one pound per inch, ( a 10" dog should weigh between 5 - 10 lbs and a 13" dog should weigh between 13-26 lbs)
Rat Terriers are exceptionally smart. They start to learn the meaning of word at an very young age. Some owner say they have to spell word around their dogs. They love to go on car rides and take long walks. They are easily trainable and have virtually no health problems. They have short hair, good skin and they don't shed much and require very little grooming..
Rat terriers are reconized through the Universal Kennel Club International (U.K.C.I.), The World Wide Kennel Club & United Kennel Club.
Temperament:
They make an excellent guard, companion and house dog and are great with kids
They enjoy many things like hiking, swimming, running, napping or playing with their own toys. They are eager to please, sociable and sensitive.
They are not an yippee dog but they are quick to sound an alarm.
Rat Terriers are enthusiast upon their peoples arrival showering them with kisses, affection, love & loyalty.
They are pleasant and easy to get along with.
History:
The Rat Terrier originated in England in the 1800's as a result of crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier. They were later brought to North America in the 19th century and were refined with the addition of Whippet, Italian Greyhound and Beagle blood
The result is a terrier-type courage with speed and a good nose. It was used as a ratter and as a wathchdog due to its very alert nature. The Rat terrier was greatly admired by Teddy Roosevelt and he is the one who named the breed. The Rat Terrier was the dog he brought to the White House to get rid of it's rats.
