Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is the short-legged branch of the American rat terriers that English miners and other working-class immigrants brought to the United States; the two leg types diverged and the short-legged dogs were named in honour of President Theodore Roosevelt. It is a strongly built little hunting terrier of about 20–36 cm and 3.6–11 kg, rectangular in profile, always piebald or tuxedo patterned with white, in a short dense coat with a sheen. The UKC standard describes a slow-maturing dog with a strong protective nature and well-developed pack instincts, easy to train, good with children, cats and other dogs when raised with them, but reserved with strangers.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 20.3–35.6cm |
| Weight | 3.6–11.3kg |
| Life expectancy | 14–16years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Short coat |
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.
Patellar luxation and eye disease
The AKC breed page says the majority of Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are healthy dogs and that responsible breeders screen their stock for patellar luxation and eye disease. Ask your vet or breeder about these screens.
Deafness and merle are disqualified
The UKC breed standard disqualifies unilateral or bilateral deafness and merle colour — the merle pattern is associated with hearing and eye defects in dogs. Ask your vet about a BAER hearing test if you are unsure of a dog's hearing.
Behaviour
Protective, vocal, easy to train
The UKC standard says this multipurpose companion was bred for ratting and farm work and can hunt above or below ground and tree small game; with a strong protective nature and well-developed pack instincts he will vocally announce the presence of any strange animal or human. He gets along well with children, cats and other dogs when raised with them but can be reserved with strangers, and his eagerness to please and intelligence make him very easy to train — the standard strongly discourages a heavy hand.
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.
United Kennel Club — Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed standard
UKC Terrier Group standard: American rat terrier ancestry, characteristics, coat, and a height of at least 8 and no more than 12 in.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
American Kennel Club — Teddy Roosevelt Terrier (Terrier Group)
AKC breed page: height 8–14 in, weight 8–25 lb, life expectancy 14–16 years, temperament and the health conditions responsible breeders screen for.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Teddy Roosevelt Terrier — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Teddy Roosevelt Terrier — breed page — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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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.