Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a bright, bouncy companion with farm-dog roots and a talent for turning ordinary days into playtime. Expect a quick learner with a watchful streak, a love of interactive games, and a strong interest in anything that scurries.
With daily activity and clear routines, this compact terrier can be an easy dog to enjoy.
How the Rat Terrier ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers were developed as practical American farm dogs, expected to hunt pests, patrol the yard, and settle down indoors when the work was done.
They tend to be people-focused and affectionate, often shadowing their favorite person from room to room while keeping an ear tuned for new sounds.
Most Rat Terriers are small but sturdy, with a smooth coat that is simple to maintain and an athletic build made for quick turns and short bursts of speed.
They often have a strong prey drive and a curious mind, so they thrive with safe outlets like fetch, scent games, and short training sessions that feel like a challenge.
History of the Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a distinctly American terrier type that took shape in an era when farms and small towns relied on multi-purpose dogs.
Families wanted a compact worker that could clear barns of rodents, help with small-game hunting, and still be steady enough to live closely with people.
Instead of being bred for a single look, these dogs were selected for usefulness: speed, grit, and a friendly temperament that made them easy to keep around the home.
They were expected to be bold enough to face vermin, yet mannerly enough to relax with the family at the end of the day.
Early Rat Terriers were not created from a single closed line, but from the best working dogs available in a community.
Smooth-coated terriers brought determination and a no-quit attitude, while hound influence is often credited with improving scenting ability and a more social, biddable nature.
Some breeders also blended in small sighthound-type dogs for extra quickness, helping the finished dog move like a spring and chase fast prey across open ground.
Because the goal was results, temperament mattered as much as hunting talent, and steady dogs were kept and shared.
The breed’s name is tied to its job description, and stories about a well-known president who admired capable farm dogs helped the label stick.
As these terriers spread across the country, local preferences shaped subtle differences in size and style while keeping the same energetic spirit.
In some homes the Rat Terrier was mainly a barn guardian, while in others it became a household companion that still took its patrol duties very seriously.
As modern pest control became common and more people moved away from working farms, the need for dedicated ratters naturally declined.
In many areas the term “rat terrier” was used broadly for small mixed hunting dogs, which sometimes blurred the identity of purpose-bred lines.
Even so, dedicated fanciers continued to preserve the type, emphasizing an athletic body, a clear mind, and a people-friendly nature that fit modern living.
Today, Rat Terriers often shine as active companions for people who enjoy training and hands-on play. They are popular in dog sports that reward speed and problem solving, including agility-style courses, scent work, trick training, and rally-type obedience.
At their best, they remain what they have always been: a smart, compact dog with strong instincts and a big heart, happiest when included in daily life instead of left to make its own fun.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
Rat Terriers are compact, well-muscled dogs with a clean outline and an alert expression that makes them look ready for the next activity.
Their coat is short and sleek, often showing bold patterns and a wide range of colors, and the ears may be upright, tipped, or semi-erect.
Many have a naturally short tail or a longer tail carried proudly, and their overall look suggests quick movement rather than heavy power. When exercise is consistent, they often stay lean and athletic, with a springy stride that shows off their terrier confidence.
General care is refreshingly simple: a quick brush with a rubber curry or soft bristle brush helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat glossy.
An occasional bath is usually enough, plus regular nail trims, routine tooth brushing, and basic ear checks after outdoor adventures.
Small, active dogs can build dental plaque quickly, so a steady home routine and vet-approved options can make a real difference over time.
Because the coat is thin, some Rat Terriers appreciate a light jacket for chilly walks, especially if they are standing still at games or training class.
A Rat Terrier typically needs daily exercise plus a mental job to feel settled and well-mannered. Brisk walks, backyard fetch, tug, short runs in a secure area, and puzzle feeders can all help meet that need without turning every day into a marathon.
Sniffy walks where they can explore safely are often just as satisfying as faster exercise, and rotating toys helps prevent boredom. Reliable recall and leash skills matter because many will chase squirrels or neighborhood cats if given a chance.
They are smart and may test boundaries, so reward-based training, short lessons, and consistent house rules usually work best; for individual health questions, talk with your veterinarian about an appropriate routine.
Coat & Grooming: Weekly quick brush with a rubber curry, occasional baths, and regular nail and tooth care keep the short coat tidy.
Shedding: Moderate; short hairs can show up on furniture and clothing, but weekly brushing and vacuuming usually keep it manageable.
Exercise Needs: Daily walks plus energetic play like fetch or tug, along with scent games or puzzle toys to keep their brain engaged.
General Health: Often hardy, but some may deal with knee issues, dental buildup, skin allergies, or occasional eye concerns, so routine checkups are helpful.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a small breed with good care, though individual longevity varies.
First-Time Owner Tips
A Rat Terrier can be a great first dog for someone who wants an interactive companion, but they do best with structure and follow-through. Plan on daily exercise, short training sessions, and supervised play so boredom does not turn into barking, digging, or mischief.
Reward-based manners, a predictable routine, and a comfortable crate or safe space help many settle quickly in a new home. If you are hoping for a quiet couch companion with minimal needs, this energetic terrier may feel like more dog than you expected.
Socialization is important because Rat Terriers are naturally alert and may be cautious with unfamiliar people or dogs until they understand the situation.
Introduce new experiences gradually, pair them with treats, and practice calm greetings so confidence grows instead of worry.
Because prey drive can be strong, start early on recall, leash walking, and impulse-control games, and use secure fencing and a leash when needed.
Many do best when they have a job to do, like learning tricks, helping carry a toy on walks, or practicing a settle on a mat while you work. Consistency matters more than intensity, and a little training most days usually goes further than occasional long sessions.
- Use tiny rewards and frequent breaks; they learn fast but can lose interest if lessons feel repetitive.
- Teach a dependable recall and a “leave it” cue before offering off-leash freedom, even in fenced areas.
- Channel hunting instincts with safe games like a flirt pole, scent puzzles, and hide-and-seek with toys.
- Prevent problem barking by rewarding quiet, giving a doorbell routine, and meeting daily exercise needs.
- Use a secure harness outdoors and adjust gear for weather; the short coat may need extra warmth in cold seasons.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly costs usually center on food, routine preventatives, and basic supplies. Because Rat Terriers are small, they often eat less than larger breeds, but spending still varies with food quality, treat habits, and activity level.
Plan for parasite prevention and routine care as recommended by your veterinarian, plus ongoing basics like poop bags, chews, basic grooming tools, and household cleaning items.
You may also want to budget for occasional replacements such as collars, ID tags, and a sturdy harness as they wear out over time.
Optional or variable costs depend on how hands-on you want to be and what services are common where you live. Many owners handle grooming at home, but paid nail trims or occasional professional baths can add to the monthly average.
Training ranges from home practice to group classes or private coaching, and some people choose pet insurance while others build a savings cushion.
If you travel often, pet sitting, daycare, or boarding can become a meaningful part of the budget, and sport fees or new toys can also raise the total in busy months.
Food & Treats: Required: $25 to $70 per month, depending on food quality, treat preferences, and your dog’s activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: $5 to $45 per month for DIY supplies, or $25 to $80 if you add paid nail trims or occasional salon visits in your region.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: $15 to $60 per month for ongoing basics like parasite prevention and routine wellness needs, based on your veterinarian’s recommendations and local risks.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: $0 to $70 per month for pet insurance, or a similar amount set aside as a personal emergency fund, depending on coverage choices.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: $10 to $100 per month for classes, private sessions, sport fees, and enrichment toys, depending on goals and how much you DIY.
Rat Terrier FAQs
Are Rat Terriers good family dogs?
They often bond closely with their people and can be playful, affectionate companions. They usually do best with respectful kids and adults who enjoy daily activity and training. As with any breed, supervision and teaching gentle handling helps everyone succeed.
Are Rat Terriers easy to train?
Many are very quick learners and enjoy problem solving, especially with treats, toys, and praise. Their independent terrier streak can show up if training feels repetitive, so short, fun sessions and consistent house rules tend to work well.
How much exercise does a Rat Terrier need?
Most need daily walks and active play, plus mental enrichment like scent games or puzzle toys. Without enough outlets, they may invent their own entertainment. A secure area for running and structured games can help them relax at home.
Do Rat Terriers bark a lot?
They are alert dogs and may announce visitors, outdoor noises, or exciting movement. Early training, enough exercise, and a simple “quiet” routine can reduce nuisance barking. Managing window access and providing a job at the door often helps, too.
Do Rat Terriers shed, and are they hypoallergenic?
They typically shed a moderate amount, and the short hairs can be noticeable on fabric. Rat Terriers are not considered hypoallergenic, although individual allergy responses vary. Regular brushing and cleaning can help reduce dander in the home.
Can a Rat Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, they can do well in smaller spaces if their exercise and enrichment needs are met every day. Because they are vocal watchdogs, apartment living goes best with training that supports quiet behavior and a plan for plenty of potty breaks and play.
Are Rat Terriers good with cats or other small pets?
Many have a strong prey drive, so interactions with cats, rabbits, or pocket pets should be approached carefully.
Some individuals can live peacefully with a confident cat, especially if raised together, but supervision and management are important and success is not guaranteed.