Located in North America, the Rat Terrier is a breed that shares a common ancestor with the feisty, small hunting dogs. They were a popular breed on American family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, but today, they are recognized by the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. As a result, the breed is very rare. Nonetheless, there is a lot of information about this breed to learn before you choose to get a Rat Terrier.
Characteristics
The Rat Terrier dog breed has an interesting history. They may have evolved from a mixture of terriers including Manchester terses, Smooth Fox Terriers, Bull Terriers, and even whippets. Working-class British immigrants brought a variety of dog breeds to the United States, where they were used as farm dogs and for vermin control. In fact, the dog was once so popular that President Theodore Roosevelt kept one in his White House.
The Rat Terrier’s coat is a distinctive feature of the breed. The color of the coat varies, with some Rats having black tan points with a piebald pattern. Other Rat colors include lemon, fawn, and white. Some Rats may be tricolor or apricot, or even completely white. The underlying skin and white parts of the coat may have ticking. The breed standard does not include brindle.
Despite their small size, the Rat Terrier is a loyal and energetic dog. Its intelligence and stubbornness make it suitable for households with young children. However, if not properly socialized, these dogs may become aggressive and destructive. A balanced diet and frequent walks are required to keep the breed happy. You can take your Rat Terrier to the dog park to socialize them with other dogs and people. As with any dog breed, the Rat Terrier breed should be supervised while young and should be well-socialized.
Appearance
The Appearance of the Rat Terrier is one of the most distinctive characteristics of this dog breed. Its head is proportionate to its body size and features a wedge-shaped skull. Rat Terriers are typically solid white, though they may be tri or bi-color. In either case, the head and muzzle must have a white predominance. Rat Terriers can also be black, tan, or dark liver to light chocolate. They can also be self-colored on the nose and eye rims.
The most common health problem associated with the Rat Terrier is a slightly deformed jaw bone, known as malocclusion. This deformity can cause an incorrect bite, resulting in an overshot, undershot, or wry mouth. In severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary. The rat terrier can also have problems with the eye, such as Primary Lens Luxation, wherein the lens of the eye becomes loose due to degeneration of the fibers that hold it in place. Additionally, this breed of dog can suffer from the disease of Congenital Hypothyroidism, which causes the thyroid gland to produce inadequate levels of the hormone. This can lead to slow growth, dwarfism, and mental impairment in the dog.
The Rat Terrier is a versatile, fun-loving companion. Though originally bred to work on farms, it is now a popular multipurpose companion dog. It is a compact dog with a high energy level, high exercise requirements, and an instinct for hunting. This small dog is also great for families with small children and other dogs, though it may be wary of strangers. Rat Terriers are very friendly and devoted, and make good family pets.
Health
Rat Terriers have long ears that may be either erect or dropped. Ears are natural and are never cropped. Their white coat may range from a small patch to 90 percent of their body. This breed is prone to deafness. To prevent this problem, it is essential to check the ears weekly. If the ears are red or inflamed, you may want to clean them with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs may damage the inner ear structures, so always avoid this.
The Rat Terrier is a small dog that can be anywhere from ten to twenty pounds. The breed has benefited from regular outcrossing, making it a popular working dog. While their small size may make them difficult to train, their calm temperament and ability to hunt vermin makes them an ideal pet. However, the breed is not recommended for children under five years of age. Keeping your Rat Terrier as a pet requires proper care.
Like any other breed, the Rat Terrier is prone to several breed-specific health conditions. Environmental allergies and food allergies are the most common problems, but they can also be susceptible to demodectic mange and incorrect bites. Depending on their level of activity, Rat Terriers need approximately half a cup of high-quality protein-rich dry kibble daily. However, they are also prone to overeating.
Care
As with any dog breed, the care of your Rat Terrier dog is a vital part of its health. You must check its ears regularly for redness and inflammation, as well as any signs of infection. You can wipe off any waxy buildup with a cotton swab or cloth, but do not use the swabs directly on the inner structures of the ears. Using a cotton swab will damage these structures and should only be used on a cloth.
To keep your Rat Terrier healthy and happy, you must give it regular exercise. They need vigorous daily exercise. Their high stamina means they can’t stay inactive for long periods. You can take them for brisk walks or training them for fly-ball, agility or dock diving. They can even be trained to perform parlor tricks. So, Rat Terriers can play with other pets as well! And, just like any dog, they need regular exercise.
Rat Terriers can develop a disease called Legg-Calve-Perthes, which damages the femur head. It can also cause hip joint damage and arthritis. Your Rat Terrier will usually limp on the leg affected by the disease, so regular visits to the veterinarian are essential to monitoring your dog’s health. As with all dog breeds, the Rat Terrier is susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions, which is why regular visits to the vet are so vital.
Cost
The average price of a Rat Terrier puppy ranges from about $700 to $1,500, but this cost may vary. Various factors will determine the price, including the breeder, location, bloodline, and the puppy’s age. This article will provide you with a general idea of what to expect when purchasing a Rat Terrier puppy. Read on to learn more about the different ways you can reduce the cost of owning this breed!
The Rat Terrier Dog Breed requires little to no upkeep. Their short, natural haircoat does not trap dirt or get matted easily. They are seasonal shedders, but their coat is not coarse or matted. Be prepared to keep a rubber curry brush handy. This dog breed is known for its love of digging and hunting, and it will spend most of its time outdoors in order to hunt and dig. This will help you reduce the cost of grooming your new pet.
Grooming Rat Terriers does not require much, although you should be prepared to spend a little money. Their short coat means they need a bath only when they smell bad. However, if they refuse to cooperate, you should take them to a professional to have their hair trimmed or clipped. If you can’t groom your new pup yourself, this breed is an excellent choice. For added convenience, you can bring your pup to a professional groomer when he refuses to cooperate with your efforts.
Lifespan
The Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and highly trainable dog. As a result, they make excellent family pets. They do not require a lot of exercise, but are happy to spend a lot of time outside digging holes and exploring new places. However, these dogs can be stubborn, so you should be prepared to put up with this temperament for a long time. Here are some facts about the Rat Terrier Dog Breed and how long they live.
As with all dogs, you should socialize your rat terrier early in life. They have a high prey drive and should be socialized as a puppy. Because they are so intelligent, training them can be a challenge. Because rat terriers are notoriously stubborn and have a mind of their own, it’s important to train them as puppies. Early training is best, but be aware that training a rat terrier puppy can lead to agility and even Earthdog activities, so it’s important to begin as early as possible.
There are some common health problems with the Rat Terrier, and many veterinarians recommend early detection to prevent any painful conditions from developing. The breed is prone to certain musculoskeletal problems, which should be detected early to prevent unnecessary suffering. Heart problems are one such problem, and your veterinarian can prescribe medications for your pet if necessary. Eye diseases are another concern. Rat Terriers are prone to primary lens luxation, which can lead to cloudy or teary eyes. Cataracts can even cause blindness.
Care requirements
Care requirements for Rat Terriers vary. The breed has a high energy level and requires vigorous physical activity. Early socialization is essential. The breed was originally bred to hunt and exterminate rodents, and because of this, they have a high prey drive and are not suited for children or households with children. A typical Rat Terrier will need 30-60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day.
The rat terrier is a highly intelligent little dog that needs mental stimulation. Otherwise, it may chew your furniture or shoes. They also do well with children and enjoy playing with them. The best way to exercise them is to take them out for brisk walks or play with them in the yard. A rat terrier needs about 40 minutes of vigorous exercise a day, so make sure to have a yard large enough to contain them.
Care for a Rat Terrier is similar to those of other terriers. The breed is very active and can become overweight if they are not properly fed. It’s best to feed it according to the kibble package, although you can also prepare your own homemade diet for your Rat. The average cost of a purebred Rat Terrier is between $300 and $4000. Once the dog is fully grown, it’ll cost you between $1200 and $1500.
