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Rescue a Rat
Terrier
Rat Terrier Puppies for Sale
Rat Terrier
(Feist) (American Rat Terrier)
Disney, Freddie, Secret and Penny.
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a Rat Terrier Breeder
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Terrier
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Description |
The Rat
Terrier is a well-muscled dog with a deep chest, strong shoulders, solid neck,
and powerful legs. Their bodies are compact but meaty. The ears can be upright
or tipped and are carried erect when the dog is alert. They can be born with
short or full length tails, each being left in its natural state or docked at
two days of age. The coat colors include, pearls, sables, chocolates, red and white,
tri-spotted, solid red, black & tan, blue & white and red brindle.
Breeders concerned with working dogs are not as fussy about the specifics of the
looks. |
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Temperament |
The Rat
Terrier is an intelligent, alert and loving dog. Very inquisitive and lively.
This affectionate dog makes an excellent companion for those who will enjoy an
energetic dog. They are good with children, especially if they are raised with
them from puppyhood. They are, for the most part friendly
with strangers. Rat Terriers make good watchdogs. These dogs are quick and very
playful and are not yappers. The temperament of these dogs is pure terrier. The
lively, feisty, fearless nature can be found in the best of terriers.
They are eager to please and respond and pick
training up faster than most dogs. The Rat terrier is a very well mannered, well
rounded dog. They are easy to train and very eager to learn and to please their
owner. They love to go with you and to do what you do. They are also very good
swimmers, not bashful or afraid and have no problem with the water. They make good farm dogs as well as
excellent family dogs for pets and companionship.
This hardy dog is used for hunting
expeditions as well as terrier work. Adult dogs can adjust easily into families with or without children. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems, along with territorial issues. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. |
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Height, Weight |
The Rat Terrier comes in
three different sizes.
Standard: Height 14-23 inches (35½-58½ cm.)
Standard: Weight 12-35 pounds (5½-16 kg.)
Mid-sized: Height 8-14 inches (20-35½ cm.)
Mid-sized: Weight 6-8 pounds (3-3½ kg.)
Toy-Height: 8 inches (20 cm.)
Toy-Weight: 4-6 pounds (2-3 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
* |
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Living Conditions |
Rat
Terriers will do ok in an apartment so long as they get at least 20-30 minutes of
exercise a day. They are fairly active indoors and should have at least a small
to medium sized yard.
Rat Terriers love to dig, and they can get out of a fenced yard relatively
easily. Provided they have the proper protection, they are able to spend a good
amount of time outdoors. They love to be inside the house and outside to play. |
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Exercise |
The Rat
Terrier needs a good amount exercise. This
breed needs to be taken on a daily
long walk or jog.
It should have at least 20-30 minutes a
day, but would enjoy much more. The breed enjoys challenging games and outdoor romps. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 15-18 years. |
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Grooming |
The Rat Terrier is easy to
groom. An occasional combing and brushing to remove dead hair is all it needs. |
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Origin |
Named by the perceptive
Teddy Roosevelt, the Rat Terriers were developed in Great Britain originally
from Smooth Fox Terriers and Manchester
Terriers in 1820. They were brought to the USA in the 1890's. At that time
they were all their original color of black and tan. Life Magazine showed
President Roosevelt with three black and tan Rat Terriers. American breeders
crossed them again with the Smooth Fox Terrier
as well as the Beagle and Whippet.
The Beagle increased bulk, trailing and hunting ability, along with the red
color. Whippet contributed the speed and agility and probably the blue and
brindle colors. The smallest variety was derived from the Smooth
Fox Terrier and Chihuahua. The Rat Terrier
proved to be one of the best in the rat-baiting pits. One Rat Terrier is
reported to have killed over 2,501 rats in a span of only seven hours in a rat
infested barn. The Rat Terrier is a hard-working farm hand, able to rid an
infested barn of vermin with no problem. |
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Group |
Terrier |
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Recognition |
APRI, UKC, CKC, NKC, UKCI,
NRTR, ACR, RTCI, RTBA, ACR, DRA, NAPR |
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APRI = America's Pet Registry, Inc.
UKC = United
Kennel Club
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
UKCI = Universal
Kennel Club International
NRTR = National Rat Terrier Registry
ACR
= American Canine
Registry
RTCI = Rat Terrier Club International
RTBA = Rat Terrier Breeders Association
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. |
"Moo the Rat Terrier at 6 months old. He loves to jump and chase rolling balls. His name is Moo because his black spots make him look like a cow."
Noel the Happy Rat Terrier.
This is 2 year old Dagwood. Photo Courtesy of Anne Blair
Rat Terrier Pictures 1
Rat Terrier Pictures 2
Rat Terrier Pictures 3
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Understanding Dog Behavior
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..
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