Read About Rat Terrier Dog

Rat terrier dog breed is a common farm dog, once used for catching barn rats in haystacks. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Rat terrier dog breed - Facts

1. AKC Group:

   The rat terrier dog breed is not recognized by the AKC, however the Rat Terrier Club of America is actively working to accomplish this.

2. Size & Weight:

   The rat terrier dog breed usually weighs between 5 to 40 pounds.

3. Coat:

   The coat of the rat terrier comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It is often times white with either black and tan, apricot, blue, or brown spots.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   The rat terrier 's ear carriage is upright, tipped or button.

5. Body:

   The tail of the rat terrier is traditionally docked to about one third of it's original size.

6. Colors:

   The most common color of the rat terrier dog breed is the tricolor: black, tan, and white. Sometimes freckles are on the underbelly.

7. Life Expectancy:

   The rat terrier dog has a life expectancy of 12-13 years.

8. Popularity:

   The rat terrier breed of dog is very popular.

9. Habitat:

   The rat terrier can make a wonderful house dog as well as a yard dog.

Rat terrier dog breed - Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   The rat terrier breed of dog originated in England.

2. Lineage:

   The rat terrier breed of dog originated from a mixture of Fox terriers, European terriers, English terriers, Manchester terriers, Bull terriers, and later on Beagles, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and various Feist breeds.

3. Historical Information:

   The rat terrier breed of dog was once used during the early 1900's as a dog for catching barn rats in haystacks.

Rat terrier dog breed - Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   The rat terrier breed of dog is very intelligent and easy to train.

2. Temperament:

   The rat terrier breed of dog is a calm, cheerful dog that sometimes displays hunting instincts.

3. Child Friendly:

   The rat terrier breed of dog is very child friendly.

4. Behavior:

   The rat terrier breed of dog is active and loves to play.

5. Habits:

   The rat terrier breed of dog is loyal to their owners. They are composed, jovial dogs.

Rat terrier dog breed - Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   There are no specific health issues related to the rat terrier breed of dog.

2. Feeding:

   Feed your rat terrier dog a high quality dog food.

3. Exercise Needs:

   The rat terrier loves to run and play and needs to be exercised daily.

4. Grooming Needs:

   Groom your rat terrier at least once a week, and always give attention to his eyes, ears and teeth.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Rat terriers make great house dogs with no special needs other than a food and water bowl.

6. Travel Needs:

   Rat terriers love to travel and pose no problems if you need to take him for a ride.

7. Getting Along With Other Pets:

   Rat terriers get along just fine with other pets.

Rat terrier dog breed - How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Look for a puppy that has bright eyes and a cheerful personality.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   Always have a good fenced-in area for your puppy to run. A few toys would be nice too.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Make sure you give your puppy plenty of chew bones and keep small objects out of reach

4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:

   Keep loud noises to a minimum until your puppy get adjusted to his new home.