Rat Terrier
鼠㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Rat Terrier is an American farm exterminator — a compact, smooth-coated, pied terrier that comes in Miniature and Standard sizes and is said to have been named by Teddy Roosevelt. Rat Terriers are friendly, inquisitive and unusually sensitive for a terrier, quick to learn and eager to please, but they carry a strong prey drive and real energy; daily walks, secure fencing and plenty of companionship keep them happy. The facts below span both size varieties.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 25–46cm |
| Weight | 4–11kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–18years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 5/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 1/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip condition of small breeds) is reported in the breed. Ask your vet if a young dog shows hind-leg lameness.
Behaviour
Sensitive, trainable terrier
The AKC calls the Rat Terrier extremely intelligent and trainable, if sometimes stubborn — unusually sensitive and intuitive, loving to please, thriving on praise and positive methods, patient with children and reserved with strangers, and one of the calmest terriers yet a high-energy dog needing exercise and lots of companionship; the CKC says it is true to its terrier blood — stubborn, independent, fearless and quite a handful without training, socialisation and exercise — generally friendly with other dogs and aloof with strangers.
Prey drive — never off lead
The AKC says the Rat Terrier has a strong prey drive and should never be allowed off lead, since most cannot resist chasing a strange cat or squirrel; most thrive on daily walks plus ball-chasing in a fenced enclosure. The CKC says it needs a lot of activity to stay healthy and even-tempered — its size appeals to apartment dwellers, but owners must commit to as much outdoor activity as possible, and these little dogs can chase for hours without getting bored.
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 5/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Rat Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Rat Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Rat Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Rat Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.