Rat Terrier

Breed Description

The history of the Rat Terrier breed is quite interesting and eventful. The Rat Terrier is one of the oldest English dog breeds, and its ancestors had a diverse and intriguing development path.

The origins of Rat Terriers trace back to England, where these dogs were used for rat hunting, typically on farms and in homes. The breed’s name comes from the English word “rat.” These dogs were specifically bred for the extermination of rodents, and their small size and bravery made them ideal for such work.

One of the earliest mentions of rat-catching terriers can be found in James Walker’s book “Dogs of Great Britain,” written in 1800, where Rat Terriers are described as excellent companions for rat hunters.

In 1820, the breed was standardized with an official standard. The primary task of the Rat Terrier is to hunt rats and other rodents, which they handled swiftly and skillfully. The rodents hunted in tight spaces were very successfully eliminated by these small dogs. Due to their energy and small size, they were invaluable in assisting farmers and city dwellers who needed to protect their grain stores from rodents.

The breeding of Rat Terriers was mainly concentrated in Southern England. These dogs were very popular in the areas around London and became highly sought after among working people and farmers. By the end of the 19th century, Rat Terriers were showcased at a Westminster exhibition, and in 1910, a club for breed enthusiasts was formed. At that time, it was nearly impossible to choose a puppy from a kennel, as they were in high demand and quickly taken by neighbors of the kennel owners.

Interestingly, in the early 20th century, Rat Terriers appeared in films as main characters or pets. They were given roles that greatly differed from their natural traits, drawing attention to the breed and contributing to its popularity.Today, Rat Terriers are loyal and energetic dogs that have retained their hunting qualities. They have also proven to be excellent companions and fantastic pets.In some sources, the USA is indicated as the country of origin, as Rat Terriers became most widespread there. However, it should be noted that these little rat-catchers made their way across the ocean from England. The price of a purebred Rat Terrier puppy in our country is approximately 50,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Rat Terrier today is one of the best choices for dog owners who are looking for a pet ready to share love in any situation.

The height at the shoulder ranges from 23 to 27 cm, and their average weight is between 3 to 7 kg. Their short, stiff coat requires minimal maintenance. The most common color is black, but they can also be white, gray, or even brindle.

Choosing a puppy from a kennel in Russia is considered a great fortune, as the breed is primarily found in the United States. Even in Europe, buying a puppy from a kennel is not easy for the same reasons. Rat Terriers are very energetic and good-natured dogs that love to play with their owners and participate in any home activities.

Caring for a Rat Terrier is straightforward: they are regularly walked, and they need physical exercise in the form of active outdoor games.

In simple terms, the Rat Terrier is a versatile breed that suits any owner. Those looking for a small, cheerful, and loyal dog can confidently recommend this breed. They are considered among the best options for apartment living, as they are small and can adapt to the available space. Their average lifespan is around 15 to 17 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The skull is dome-shaped and slightly broad. It has a distinct forehead, and the head's shape is slightly elongated, resembling a truncated wedge. It is believed that non-compliance with this parameter disrupts the overall impression of the dog and is considered a defect.

Морда

The nose tip is black, and the muzzle is not too long. The bridge of the nose is straight and proportional to the muzzle. The cheekbones are not pronounced. A bump on the bridge of the nose or its curvature is considered a defect. Excessively coarse features also diminish the overall impression of the dog.

Уши

They can be folded forward or stand upright. They are set high enough regardless of whether they are bent or not. They have a triangular shape. A distinctive feature of the breed is the birth of puppies with upright ears, which may bend as they age.

Глаза

Small, yet very expressive and intelligent. The iris is of a dark color. Positioned quite low and not too wide, maximally rounded. Light shades of the iris, as well as bulging or slanted eyes, are highly discouraged.

Зубы

The jaws should have a scissors bite, where the upper canines overlap the lower ones, but by no more than 1.2 mm. Excessively strong chewing muscles are not considered an advantage, as they detract from the overall impression of the exterior. The teeth should be even and white.

Корпус

Not very large, as is common with most terriers. The back is strong and straight, with no dips or bumps. The croup is slightly rounded, and the loins are strong. The chest, although it looks powerful, does not disrupt the overall proportions. The belly is neither bloated nor sagging.

Конечности

Hindquarters: straight when viewed from any angle. Elbows move freely, strong skeleton, paws. Forequarters: long, nearly half the length of the body. Shoulders are retracted quite significantly. The paws are compact, oval, with arched toes closely gathered. Long, with powerful thighs. The length of the shins matches the length of the thighs. Positioned nearly at a right angle to the surface. The toes are parallel to each other. The toes of the paws also have an arched shape.

Хвост

The tail can be longer or shorter. The shorter the tail, the more highly valued the dog. However, docking the tail for humane reasons is not encouraged. Such individuals are most often found for sale through puppy ads at the bird market.

Шерсть

It shines, is short, and fits snugly against the dog's body. At the same time, there are animals with longer and wavier fur on their backs. Such animals are less valued at shows. It is not customary to trim the fur. The undercoat is virtually absent.

Окрас

The classic option is three-colored with a black base. However, there are also white, red, lemon, chocolate, blue, black with tan markings, and black-and-tan dogs. It should be noted that a marble coat color can indicate the presence of genetic problems. A brindle coat is not valued and is often rejected.

Traits

When it comes to the temperament of rat terriers, there’s much to discuss. The main quality, as confirmed by the owners of these dogs, is their friendliness toward their owner and family members. At Zoonica, you’ll find the best selection of kennels in Russia where you can acquire such a loyal pet as a rat terrier.

They are very energetic and love long walks in the fresh air. For active individuals, this breed makes a great companion during morning runs or evening strolls in the park.

As charming as they are, they can also be stubborn – a fact that cannot be disputed. However, the right approach to training can help solve this issue and raise an obedient dog. Often, negative personality traits emerge in animals that lack physical activity or spend long hours at home without their owner. In particularly challenging cases, consulting a specialist in zoopsychology may be necessary.

Regarding their learning capabilities, the intelligence of these small, agile dogs is truly impressive. Positive reinforcement helps them quickly master new commands. If training begins at an early age, they can become quite good watchdogs. The loud and sharp bark of a rat terrier can attract attention during emergencies. Since these pets are often kept by apartment dwellers in large cities, uncontrolled barking can lead to complaints from neighbors.

This charming dog enjoys the company of children, and there’s no need to worry about their safety. It’s important, however, to explain the rules of interaction with the dog. This will protect the pet from injury if the kids get too playful.

Aggression is not typical for this breed. However, they are ready to defend their interests even against larger dogs. Frankly speaking, tensions can also arise with same-sex dogs.With unfamiliar people, rat terriers tend to be cautious. They observe their behavior, and when they see no threat to their owner, they may approach and show interest. But if there is a threat, they will immediately warn with a loud bark that such behavior is unacceptable.Before choosing a puppy from a kennel, future owners need to clearly understand that a rat terrier is not a lazy dog but an intelligent, assertive, and curious companion. If the owner dedicates enough time to their four-legged friend, there will be no signs of deviant behavior.

Care and Maintenance

Rat Terriers have a unique character, lively energy, and an appealing appearance. However, it is essential to provide them with the right living conditions and care.

They are very active and need ample space to move around. In such an environment, your pet can run and play freely. If you live in an apartment, it is crucial to pay attention to the duration of walks and ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise. Parks are one of the best places for this. It is recommended to take at least one active walk each day lasting no less than 30 minutes. You can also engage your rat terrier in fun activities like agility or frisbee.

It is advisable to choose high-quality dry food, such as holistic or super-premium options. These contain all the essential nutrients-proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals-tailored to the dog’s age and individual needs. Feeding should be done regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

To keep your dog’s coat in good condition, it is recommended to brush it regularly with an undercoat rake. This helps remove dead hair and prevents matting. Periodic baths with dog shampoo are also necessary.

The breed is known to have a tendency towards dental issues. To prevent this, special chew bones are given, and teeth should be regularly brushed using designated toothbrushes. For dogs on a dry food diet, plaque formation is minimized. Ear cleaning should be done at least once a week to prevent infections and inflammation.

Your rat terrier should regularly visit the veterinarian for check-ups, vaccinations, and care recommendations. It is also important to keep up with anti-parasitic treatments, such as flea and worm prevention.Having other pets is not an issue for rat terriers. If you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder, you can rest assured that cats or other dogs will not cause disputes. However, introductions should be made gradually and under supervision. Begin with limited interactions, separating the animals with doors or gates, allowing them to exchange scents and sounds to get used to each other. Slowly increase the time spent together while monitoring their behavior. Watch for signs of tension, aggression, or fear. If uncomfortable situations arise, separate the animals and continue introductions in a more controlled manner.It is also the owner’s responsibility to ensure a fair distribution of resources such as resting spots, toys, and food and water bowls. This helps prevent conflicts between the rat terrier and other pets due to jealousy or territorial disputes.Socializing the rat terrier with other animals is crucial for cohabitation. Consult with a professional dog traine

Training and Education

Start their training at a very young age. Set rules and expectations from the beginning to prevent undesirable behavior in the future.

Rat terriers respond excellently to positive reinforcement such as praise, affection, and tasty treats. Use these motivators during training to strengthen desired behaviors and build a bond with your dog.

Socialization: They should be socialized with other dogs, people, and various situations. Take the dog for walks and meet other animals so they can get accustomed to different environments and feel confident that there’s no reason for anxiety.

Before choosing a puppy from a kennel, you need to establish clear rules. Stick to them and be consistent. Do not allow undesirable behavior and reward only what you want to encourage.

First, train commands like “sit,” “lie down,” “stand,” “fetch,” and “heel.” Practice and repeat these commands in various conditions so your dog can respond under any circumstances. It’s essential to train them to always hear your voice.

Avoid physical punishment: This breed is very sensitive to their owners’ moods and emotions. Steer clear of physical punishment or harsh treatment. Instead, use positive reinforcement and patience to achieve the desired results.Consult a professional: If you encounter difficulties in raising and training your rat terrier, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized advice and help create an effective training program.Be consistent: Barking rat terriers need consistency and stability. Be consistent in your training and expectations. Do not allow undesirable behavior at times while permitting it at others, as this can confuse your dog.Engage in physical activity: Rat terriers are very energetic dogs that require sufficient physical activity. Regular walks, playtime, and training will help your rat terrier burn off energy and stay in good shape.Give your rat terrier love and attention: They are very attached to their owners. Spend enough time, love, and attention on them.Remember that each rat terrier is unique, and some may need an individualized approach to their upbringing and training. Follow expert recommendations

How to Choose a Puppy

Before exploring advertisements for puppies or selecting a puppy from a kennel, you should research the temperament traits of the breed and recommendations for their care. Ensure that the breed fits your lifestyle and capabilities.

Rat Terriers are a breed where lineage is important. Seek recommendations from acquaintances, visit dog shows, or reach out to local Rat Terrier clubs to find a good breeder.

Once you find a suitable breeder, visit their kennel. Pay attention to the living conditions of the dogs and puppies. Healthy and happy puppies should be active, socialized, and clean.

Ask the breeder about the health of the parents and what health tests they have undergone.

Spend time with the puppies and observe their behavior. A healthy Rat Terrier should be active, curious, and playful. Note how the puppies interact with each other and with you.

Choose a puppy that seems to match your character and temperament preferences.Make sure the puppy has undergone essential veterinary checks and has received all necessary vaccinations.Request the breeder to provide you with the puppy’s medical records and the results of tests related to breed-specific diseases.Discuss any questions you have with the breeder. Inquire about care details, diet, and recommendations for training and upbringing. A good breeder will always be willing to share their knowledge and experience.Remember, this breed requires a lot of attention, activity, and care. Ensure that you are ready to take on long-term commitments for the puppy’s care and upbringing. Elite breeds from Zoonika are your perfect choice for pet purchasing.

Health and Diseases

Rat Terriers are a breed of dogs that have their own characteristics and a predisposition to certain diseases. While not all dogs suffer from these issues, it’s important for owners to be aware of the main problems in order to provide their pets with appropriate care and veterinary assistance.

Hip dysplasia is a deformity caused by degenerative changes in the hip joints. It can lead to pain, lameness, and limited movement. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage this condition.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes itching, redness, inflammation, and the formation of sores on the skin. Atopic dermatitis can be triggered by allergies to certain foods, pollen, dust, and other substances. Treatment may include the use of special shampoos, medications, and dietary changes.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes increased intraocular pressure. It most often leads to damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. Glaucoma can be a genetically inherited disease.

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid function that can lead to metabolic issues. Symptoms may include increased fatigue, weight gain, decreased activity, and changes in the coat. Hypothyroidism can be successfully managed with medications.