Overview
The Rat Terrier is a hunting dog, watch dog, and companion dog. They were used to hunt rats and protect crops against rats. The breed originated in the USA.
Appearance & Grooming
The Rat Terrier is a small dog with a sturdy waist. The breed has a short and dense coat in tan, brown, white, blue, and black. The Rat Terrier sheds seasonally and requires weekly brushing when shedding.
Behavior & Disposition
The Rat Terrier is affectionate, lively, loving, and alert. They tend to play well with younger children. However, adult supervision is recommended when playing with puppies and other dogs.
Activity Level
The Rat Terrier has a moderate activity level and it is easy for the breed to become overweight. For optimal health, the Rat Terrier should be carefully monitored for calorie consumption and should have daily walks. It is recommended to feed them well-formulated food as they age.
Training
The Rat Terrier is known for its great agility and cleverness. A combination of consistency, dedication, and positive reinforcement is an effective way to train this breed. Early socialization and obedience training are recommended.
