Rat Terriers - Pictures

Picture source: ABC Kennel

The Rat Terrier was bred by the means of crossing the Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier. Their traits can still be traced in the modern Rat Terrier. The breed was developed later through crosses with the Beagle, the Italian Greyhound, and some other breeds. As the result, breeders have produced a good hunting dog with a wonderful sense of smell, very agile and hard working.

The Rat Terrier got its name from Theodore Roosevelt, the owner of a few Rat Terriers. The dogs are said to have killed rats in the White House and made devoted companions for the President. He even appeared with his dogs on the cover of "Life Magazine."

It is said that by the end of the 19th century, Rat Terriers were present virtually on every farm. They helped control the level of rodents and were good playmates for children. Besides, Rat Terriers were easy to look after. Their short coat did not demand complex grooming, which was a great convenience to farmers always busy on the farm. They also did well on simple foods and were one of the healthiest breeds of dog.

Picture source: Dakota's Rat Terriers

The middle of the 20th century saw an intensive development of agriculture and the ways of controlling vermin. A great diversity of poisons and new techniques had their impact on the breed. Rat Terriers started to diminish in numbers steadily.

Yet, they were still used as squirrel dogs and today are considered one of the best hunting breeds. Rat Terriers are intelligent dogs that have a natural instinct for hunting. Their ancestry and long time activities have played the role in perfecting their skills and have provided for a favorable reputation.

As a matter of fact, Rat Terrier skills are the consequence of considerate breeding and much work that has been done by Rat Terrier fanciers and organizations. Breed clubs have succeeded in Rat Terrier promotion of late. Hence, the breed is rising in popularity and claims back the love of many.

Rat Terriers are gaining popularity due to their amiable personality and a diversity of types. Breeders distinguish coated and hairless varieties of the Rat Terrier. They also breed Rat Terriers in different sizes. Thus, there are Standard and Miniature Rat Terriers that stand at the shoulder from 13 to 18 inches and under 13 inches respectively. The biggest Rat Terrier, the Decker Giant Rat Terrier, is about 16-19 inches. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier characterized by its short legs reaches the height of about 8-15 inches.

The hairless Rat Terrier appeared in 1972. This variety differs much from other hairless breeds and has found many adherents since its appearance. The Decker Giant Rat Terrier was also bred in the 1970s and made a good utility dog, watchdog, and a human companion. These types of Rat Terriers are now loved like all the other varieties of the breed.