The smaller varieties diverged from the Rat Terrier line very early on, with UKC registration for the Toy Fox Terrier beginning in 1936. If theyre restless or bored, they may use their bright mind to come up with a way to entertain themselves that youre unlikely to appreciate. If you commit to teaching them your rules, youll have an energetic, playful bestie to fall in love with in no time. One benefit of this is their surprisingly hardy constitutions. They need consistent exercise and and plenty of mental stimulation, too. Colors: black tri, chocolate tri, blue tri, apricot, and pearls. The Rattie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006. An experienced dog owner will know how to be firm but loving with a pet, which is what a rattie needs from an owner. Rat terriers routinely live to 15 years of age or more, and the breed has a low number of chronic issues. Fast, nimble hunters, they excel at agility competitions and love to run. These are the top Rat Terrier names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents! The Top 10 Rat-Hunting Dogs Rat Terrier Cairn Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Norfolk Terrier Jack Russell Terrier West Highland White Terrier Dachshund Miniature Schnauzer Lakeland Terrier German Pinscher Rat Terrier via Wikimedia Commons 1. If its raining or snowing out, all is not lost! Rat terrier puppies, like all dogs, need early socialization and consistent training to grow into well-rounded dogs. She strongly recommends working closely with a reputable Rat Terrier breeder to find a puppy thats a good fit for your situation. In the Midwest, rat terriers were bred with whippets and Italian greyhounds to produce quick dogs that could help control jackrabbit populations. Rat Terriers thrive in busy homes with a loving pet parent. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? Because the rat terrier was bred as a working and hunting dog, it has very high energy levels and exercise needs. If a rat terrier isnt getting enough physical or mental stimulation, it can become destructive. And it is a job, Kallas says. Rat Terriers, especially as they age, can develop heart disease. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. However, if youre a bit of a pushover for puppy-dog eyes, prefer to let your pooch set the rules, cant see the humor in your dog trying to outsmart you, or dont have a lifestyle you can easily incorporate your dog into (now and for the next 15 years), this is not the right breed for you. You can also reach out to Rat Terrier rescue organizations to adopt a Rattie, or keep an eye out for them at your local animal shelter. Looking for facts and information on Pugs? In fact, its a great way for them to exercise. Breeding for the health and longevity we always had in our dogs for the last 40 years! [Breeders] do their job for the first eight weeks, and its your job to work on that for at least the next year. Paired with their insatiable curiosity and athletic nature, this can make them talented escape artists, so this is not a dog you should leave alone in your backyard. They require firm boundaries, regular exercise, and lots of love and attention from their family to feel safe, secure, and happy. Pet parents need to keep up with weekly nail trims, and Kallas recommends annual dental cleanings. The first AKC Champion Rat Terrier was "Annie" GCH GRCH King Pen RnB's Queen Ann bred, owned by Sherry & Dud Lee Hendrix of Modesto, California. Enclosed spaces are safest for Ratties since theyre prone to chasing a small animal at Mach 3 due to their high prey drive. For instance, this means no pulling on the puppy's tail and no intimidating direct eye contact. What's more, this breed can become destructive when they're bored or unstimulated. Once a week brushing paired with a hose down every four to six weeks should be all you need to keep your pup looking shiny and clean. Rat terriers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and a larger size commonly called the Decker. PLL CLEAR, vaccinated and microchipped and de worned before leaving. They are prone to chronic allergies and scratching, which often results in secondary bacterial infections. If you notice your Rattie scratching or licking more than usual or any red bumps or hair loss, talk to your veterinarian right away to reduce the risk of a more serious infection. It should come as no surprise that this working dog is highly energetic and has extensive and high daily exercise needs, which makes this dog an excellent pick for active families. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. You can keep them safe by investing in a dog life jacket. From classic to celeb-inspired and funny to food-based, this list of cute cat names is sure to inspire your naming adventures. Hip Dysplasia. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. Mountain Top Rat Terriers in California | Rat Terrier puppies | Good Dog Breeders Purebred Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Alaskan Husky Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Bully American English Coonhound American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Hairless Terrier If a Rat Terrier is introduced to new people (including children), other dogs, and cats early on, theyll likely get along with everyone. With their short, dense coat, Rat Terriers are low maintenance in the grooming department. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. So you may want to rethink a Rat Terrier if you keep house with rats, mice, hamsters or birds unless you take precautions to keep them separated. While they will learn to "heel" and "stay" perfectly well, if a squirrel or neighborhood cat crosses their line of sight, they will probably be unable to resist the urge to give chase. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers is back! Their namesake says it all: Rat Terriers make ideal ratters. There are two size divisions:. Wherever you live, due to their feisty and fearless nature, they also make great watchdogs. Thanks for stopping by and please let us know if we can help you in anyway. In other words, if your Rattie sounds an alert, it may be a good idea to pay attention! The breed remained a popular working farm dog until commercial pesticides became widespread in the 1950s.An American breed, the rat terrier is said to have been named by U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt, who had his own pet rat terrier named Skip., 1.Chris Palmisano / EyeEm / Getty Images, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists: PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)., American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Canine Elbow Dysplasia., American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: An Ounce of Prevention Can Save Your Pet from Heartworm Infection, Fleas and Ticks, Vaccinations for Your Pet., American Kennel Club: Addisons Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Best Dog Food: Choosing Whats Right For Your Dog. Cushings Disease in Dogs. Official Standard of the Rat Terrier. "Rat Terrier." Rat terriers are very intelligent and like to dig, so if they have access to a yard, it needs secure fencing to keep them from escaping. There is some confusion between the rat terrier and Teddy terrier breeds. True to their heritage, rat terriers are perfectly suited farm dogs. Dogs with patellar luxation might skip or bunny hop, lifting a hind leg as they walk. Be on the lookout for signs of backyard breeding, like unsanitary conditions or unhealthy dogs. Swedish Vallhunds are fearless, loyal and brimming with personality. But by the 19th century, dogs were being bred with rat-catching (or rat baiting) as a specific goal. You can typically satisfy their wiggles with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Rat Terriers earned their name through history by being experts at catching rats. Mountain Top Rat Terriers works closely together with Cal Val Rat Terriers, owned by Gail Holloway who has been a generous and knowledgeable mentor and friend. As members of the terrier group, Rat Terriers can have a propensity to dig, particularly if they arent receiving enough attention. They originated on American farms, where these little dogs were perfect for exterminating the vermin that could potentially wreak havoc on stored food needed for survival. To prevent heartworms parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites and infest the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs youll need to start your rat terrier on a heartworm preventative medication. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, rat terrier breeders worked to propagate certain skills, resulting in several new lines in the breed. 43. With the proper training and socialization, they can also be friendly with strangers and other medium-size to larger pets. If you dont get their daily walk or run in, these pups can get destructive and turn to chewing shoes or barking when bored. Rat terriers are usually loyal to their owners and are very respectful if they receive the proper amount of training at a young age. They also have a slender build similar to the Russell and an alert, intelligent face. Today's Rat Terrier is an intelligent and active small dog that is kept both . The decker rat terrier is a slightly larger dog that excels in hunting and will retrieve from water, while the hairless rat terrier is a smaller, hairless dog that comes in miniature and standard sizes. Police departments have started using them as contraband search dogs as their intelligence level shortens training to as little as three weeks which is much shorter than for traditional police service breeds. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. Ratties are just as happy relaxing with you at home as they are on the agility course, and their zest for life and charming characteristics might make you want more than one. Overeating can lead to dangerous health conditions, like canine heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. This breed has a small, wedge shaped head, directly forming into a narrow muzzle with a severe scissor bite. Ratties are bright, motivated and fast learners, which makes them easy to train. All trademarks are owned by Socit des Produits Nestl S.A., or used with permission. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. Often mistaken for Russell terriers, rat terriers are small, adorable little dogs with intelligent eyes and a keen mind. Talk to your vet about whether joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery may help your pup. For those looking to connect with a breeder, Kallas suggests keeping in mind that it takes time and money to raise sound, healthy dogs. The disease causes the top of the femur to break down due to a lack of blood supply. As long as they are raised with children, they do well co-habitating with them. 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