What Kind of Grooming Requirements Do Rat Terriers Have?

Rat terriers are low maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. They have short coats that require minimal amounts of brushing, washing and cutting. They do need their toenails trimmed on a regular basis, however, and should be checked for mites, ticks and fleas on occasion if they spend much time outside.

  1. Coat

    • Rat terriers have a short, single-layer coat made up of bristlelike hairs that lay flat against their skin. When clean, it will have a light gloss to it, which can be maintained through the use of a small amount of olive oil smoothed on every few weeks. Because the coat is so thin, Rat terriers can be intolerant of extreme temperatures and should not spend too much time outside during cold or overly hot weather.

    Brushing

    • Rat terriers seldom need to be brushed. Shedding is minimal and does not include any fine or fluffy hair because there is no undercoat. The hair naturally lays flat, but after you have given your dog a bath, you may want to brush it down to make sure it dries properly.

    Bathing

    • Unless your Rat terrier has gotten particularly dirty, it doesn't need to be bathed more then once every four to six months. Rat terriers are highly susceptible to skin problems and have negative reactions to many kinds of soaps and shampoos. They also may become too cold after a bath before they are completely dried off, and this could lead to serious illness. If you must give them a bath, use a shampoo for sensitive skin that your vet has confirmed is okay to use.

    Warnings

    • Rat terriers are sensitive to many chemicals that are prevalent in shampoos, flea dips and soaps. They may have an allergic reaction that includes a rash, hives or inflammation of the skin. It is important to read all labels thoroughly before using a product on your dog. You should also talk to a veterinarian or even an experienced Rat terrier breeder to make sure the product is safe.