Terrier group

Rat Terrier

An all-American farm terrier — smart, playful and eager to please.

Rat Terriers are compact, athletic farm dogs developed in the United States to control vermin. They are affectionate, trainable and versatile, with a terrier’s energy and prey drive.

Height
10–18 in25–46 cm
Weight
10–25 lb5–11 kg
Life expectancy
12–18 years
Size
Small
Group
Terrier
Origin
United States

Coat: Short, dense, smooth coat. Colours: Pied patterns in black, tan, chocolate, red, apricot, lemon or blue, with white.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Rat Terriers are friendly, inquisitive and loving with their families. They are more biddable than many terriers and enjoy learning tricks and sports.

They can be reserved with strangers and are keen hunters. Bored Rat Terriers bark, dig and escape, so exercise and secure fencing matter.

Varieties

Miniature
10–13 in at the shoulder.
Standard
Over 13 up to 18 in at the shoulder.

Living with a Rat Terrier

Exercise

About an hour of daily activity with walks, games and training. They enjoy agility and barn hunt.

Grooming

Minimal: weekly brushing and nail care. Moderate seasonal shedding.

Training

Clever and eager; reward-based training works well. Work on recall and barking control.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually with other dogs. Unsafe with rodents.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time but may bark, dig or escape if bored.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Rat Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Rat Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Rat Terrier typically lives 12–18 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur in small terriers.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Allergies

    Skin allergies causing itching can occur.

  • Primary lens luxation

    The lens dislocates, causing pain and glaucoma; a DNA test is available.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Hip evaluation
  • Cardiac examination
  • DNA test for primary lens luxation

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Rat Terrier; Rat Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Rat Terriers were developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s from British terriers crossed with Whippets, Beagles and other breeds. They were common American farm dogs, killing rats and hunting small game.

Their numbers fell as farming changed and pesticides spread, but enthusiasts preserved the breed. The AKC recognised the Rat Terrier in 2013.

Did you know?

  • Rat Terriers were common on American farms in the early 1900s.
  • Some Rat Terriers are born with naturally bobbed tails.
  • President Theodore Roosevelt’s terrier Skip is often linked to the breed’s popularity.

Library guides for Rat Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Rat Terriers good family dogs?
Yes — they are affectionate, trainable and good with children.
Do Rat Terriers bark a lot?
They can be vocal; training helps.
Do Rat Terriers shed?
Moderately, especially seasonally.