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Rat Terrier Dog & Puppies

 

The Ratter

Breed Origins: American (19th Century)
Breed usage: Hunting Dog: Small Game and vermin
Dog Weight: 12- 18 Pounds
Dog Height: 12 to 16 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies: Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history

Information, Facts & Origins of the Rat Terrier Dog Breed
The Rat Terrier originated in England but was developed in America. Bred by settlers who crossed Fox Terriers with other breeds of European Terriers and Whippets. They were originally used for hunting rats and mice. It's origins can be dated back to the 1900's. This dog is classified as one of the Terrier Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Rat Terrier is not currently Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and is therefore in the category of dogs termed Unrecognised Breeds. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as terrior.

Rat Terrier Dog Names

Description of the Rat Terrier Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Rat Terrier's coat is normally bi-colored or tri-colored or a shade of red, chocolate, yellow and blue. The coat is normally short, dense and smooth.

Description of the Ratty Terrier Dog and Puppies Character and Temperament
The Rat Terrier dogs are often described as fiery or feisty. Even the smallest terriers are ready to take on any opponents - a necessary attribute when hunting and killing vermin but not so good for a family pet! Some terriers are yappy and are known to nip boisterous children. They can also be quite independent and difficult to train. On the positive side Rat Terriers can be friendly, stable and loyal pets.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Rat Terriers
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Rat Terrier, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. There are no potential health problems of the Rat Terrier.Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Rat Terrier Dog Breed
The Rat Terrier requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Rat Terrier dogs.

Life Expectancy information of the Rat Terrier Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 13 – 16 years.

Age comparison between the Rat Terrier Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Rat Terrier - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Rat Terrier Dog - Puppies Info and Names
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:

  • Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
  • Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
  • Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
  • Exercising requirements for the Rat Terrier breed
  • Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
  • Family - child suitability
  • Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names

Terrier Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Terrier group, which include the Rat Terrier, were developed to hunt and kill vermin. The vermin included control rats, mice and other predatory animals such as foxes that might raided a farmer's produce and livestock.The very nature of these tasks require an energetic, tenacious, brave and determined dog such as the Rat Terrier . Terrier dogs have always been viewed as real assets by their owners and have worked with man for centuries. 

Terrier Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features of Terrier Dogs have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. The trait encouraged was the ability to dig up underground dens and burrows and "go to ground" whilst barking noisily to frighten out any inhabitants.Various Terrier breeds,  including the Rat Terrier, were introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:

  • Hunting vermin
  • Hunting larger animals such as foxes
  • Some terriers were also able to kill their quarry

In this day and age not every Rat Terrier might be called to undertake these vermin -related tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Rat Terrier breeding program successful. 

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