Toy Rat Terrier Information

Rat terriers may be small, but they have big personalities. They are intelligent, friendly, people-oriented dogs, and can aid in controlling pets. The typical rat terrier is medium-sized, weighing 10 to 18 pounds. The toy rat terrier is much smaller, but offers the same unconditional love, companionship and loyalty of the bigger rat terrier. Regardless of size, the rat terrier might prove one of the most enjoyable dogs you ever encounter.

  1. Rat Terrier Sizes

    • Standing at about 8 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing about 5 to 10 pounds, the toy-sized rat terrier is about half the size of the regular rat terrier. The regular-sized rat terrier is 10 to 18 pounds and stands between 8 to 14 inches. There is also a "Decker"-sized version--sometimes called "standard"--that weigh between 12 and 35 pounds with a height of 14 to 23 inches. A "tiny tot" size is 2 to 5 pounds when mature, and less than 8 inches high. Sizes and weight classifications vary due to different kennel clubs' definitions.

    Origins

    • The rat terrier, sometimes called a "feist" in the south, is distinctly an American breed. They were first developed in Great Britain in the early 1800s by crossing the smooth fox terrier, the Manchester terrier, and quite possibly the now-extinct white terrier, according to Pocket Puppy. English immigrants brought the dogs to America in the 1890s. American breeders soon introduced into the bloodline the beagle for its hunting ability and the greyhound for its speed. Also introduced were the whippet and sometimes the chihuahua. They were named by Teddy Roosevelt, who appeared in Life Magazine with his three black and tan ratties, according to Dog Breed Information Center.

    Kennel Recognition

    • Rat terriers gained recognition from the United Kennel Club in 1999. There was no written breed standard of any type until 1994. Recognition from the American Kennel Club, UKC and the United Kennel Club International, among other clubs, is a result of the hard work of the The Rat Terrier Club of America. Still, there is a long way to go before each registry conforms to and recognizes the same rat terrier breed standards.

    Personality

    • Rat terriers can prove a useful working dog. They socially sensitive, eager to please and obedient, and they will rid your house of mice and rats. Ratties have a lot of energy and emit a bone-chilling cry when on the trail of an escaping creature. Some have even been known to climb trees in pursuit. Generally, they are good with other pets and all family members, although they may be leery of strangers.

    A Rat Terrier's Home

    • Since rat terriers are energetic, they need to be given time every day to play and run. When considering a breed, consider that rat terriers have lean muscle and little fat or hair, so they will get cold very easy, especially if kept inside. Rat terriers are considered a healthy breed and may live 15 to 18 years if cared for well.