The Rat Terrier is a dog of early immigrants who made their way into America. Designed as a capable farm or ranch dog, his purpose was to protect the property from the rats and other vermin that plagued the farms during those days and this was a job which he performed wholeheartedly. For a time, the Rat Terrier declined in numbers but recent years has seen a resurgence of the breed, this time as a capable and affectionate little companion animal.
The Rat Terrier Dog Breed in Brief:
Origin: United States
Height: 10-13 inches at the shoulder for miniature, 13-19 inches for standard
Weight: 10-25 pounds
Exercise Needs: Moderate
Grooming Needs: Low
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Good With Kids: Yes
Trainability: Easy
The Rat Terrier is a dog of early immigrants who made their way into America. For a time, the Rat Terrier declined in numbers but recent years has seen a resurgence of the breed, this time as a capable and affectionate little companion animal.
The History of the Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier owes his existence to early immigrants who made their way over to America during the 19th century. Taking popular dogs of the day – the Bull Terrier, Old English White Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and other similar scrappers, they crossed them with various dog breeds, such as the Beagle, Toy Fox Terrier, Whippet and Italian Greyhounds. The results of this breeding would create a small-to-medium sized dog which a smooth coat, medium bone, and an athletic build. Fast, aggressive and with strong jaws, these early ratting dogs were more than capable at clearing out rats and other pests.
Every new cross brought something unique to the breed; the terrier blood gave the dogs an aggressive and ‘feisty’ disposition that was needed for this kind of work, while the Beagle and Fox Terrier breeding gave the dog a better ‘nose’ that was needed to track his prey. While still a new breed, fans of the Rat Terrier are adamant about getting these wonderful little dogs known and respected.
Source : Rat Terriers
Tags: Rat Terrier, Terrier