Medium breed
Rat Terrier Puppies
Smart, spunky companions for family adventures
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- Adult weight 10–25 lbs
- Height 10–18 in
- Lifespan 12–18 years
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are a delightful blend of energy and affection wrapped in a compact, medium-sized package. Originating from American farm life, these dogs were bred for versatility and efficiency, excelling as both hunters and loyal companions. Their rich history and upbeat disposition make them a fantastic choice for families seeking an engaging, spirited pet. These little dynamos thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of the family, making them well-suited for homes with young children. With their friendly nature, they also get along well with other dogs and can adapt to living with other household pets, although a bit of supervision is recommended with cats.
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One of the Rat Terrier’s most appealing traits is their balance of energy. With a moderate energy level, they enjoy daily exercise, which can include walks, playful games, or even a spirited romp in the backyard. They need mental stimulation as well, which makes training both fun and rewarding. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, they are relatively easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement. Their affectionate nature means they thrive when they are included in daily activities, or simply cuddling up with you after an exciting day.
In terms of maintenance, Rat Terriers have a care regimen that is straightforward and manageable. They shed a moderate amount, requiring grooming about once a month to keep their coat healthy and shiny. They are also adaptable to apartment living, as they can easily adjust to a smaller space as long as they receive plenty of attention and active playtime. With their happy bark and wonderful personality, these little charmers make a fantastic addition to any home. If you are looking for a Rat Terrier in Furrylicious®, you’re bound to find a loyal friend who will bring endless joy to your life.
Rat Terrier breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Always game
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With strangers Friendly
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Territorial Somewhat
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Prey drive High
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Excellent
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Other dogs Sociable
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Cats With introductions
Energy & exercise
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Energy Very high
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Mental stimulation High
Training
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Trainability Quick to learn
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Intelligence Very bright
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Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Moderate
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Drooling None to speak of
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Barking Vocal
Home life
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Apartment living Good
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Time alone A few hours
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Cold weather Average
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Warm weather Comfortable
A good match for
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First-time owners Good first dog
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Senior owners Good
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Running partner Good
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Hiking Good
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Therapy work Possible
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Guarding Low
Living with a Rat Terrier
Temperament & Family Fit
Rat Terriers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them wonderful companions for families. They typically get along well with young kids and other dogs, creating a lively and loving atmosphere at home. While they can be a bit vocal, their sweet disposition makes them endearing family members.
Energy & Exercise
This breed has a moderate energy level and requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime in the yard, or a game of fetch will satisfy their playful spirit and help them burn off excess energy. They adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough physical activity.
Care & Grooming
Rat Terriers have a short coat that sheds moderately, so grooming them on a monthly basis will usually suffice. Along with regular brushing to remove loose hair, make sure to check their ears, teeth, and nails as part of their routine care. This easy-going grooming schedule makes them a practical choice for busy families.
Training Notes
With a good level of trainability, Rat Terriers respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization from a young age will help them develop into well-adjusted adults, especially since they enjoy being around people and other pets. Their eagerness to please their owners makes training a rewarding experience.
Caring for a Rat Terrier
- Grooming
- Monthly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Rat Terrier Video
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the energy level of a Rat Terrier?
Rat Terriers are quite energetic, typically ranking around level 5 on the energy scale. They require regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to keep them happy and healthy. If you're an active family or enjoy outdoor activities, a Rat Terrier might be a fantastic match for you.
Are Rat Terriers good with children?
Absolutely! Rat Terriers tend to be very good with young kids, usually scoring a 4 out of 5 in this area. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them great companions for children, but as always, supervision during playtime is essential to ensure everyone's safety.
Do Rat Terriers get along with other pets?
Yes, Rat Terriers generally do well with other dogs, scoring a solid 4 for compatibility. They can also coexist with cats, though they may sometimes score a 3 due to their strong prey drive. Proper introductions and socialization will help ensure a harmonious home.
How suitable are Rat Terriers for apartment living?
Rat Terriers can adapt quite well to apartment living, with a score of 4 in that category. Their moderate size and playful temperament make them great companions in smaller spaces. Just remember that they will require exercise and mental stimulation to thrive in an apartment setting.
How often do I need to groom a Rat Terrier?
Grooming a Rat Terrier is relatively simple, as they typically need grooming only about once a month. Their short coat sheds moderately, so regular brushing will help keep that shedding in check. Plus, their low-maintenance grooming routine means more time for cuddles and play!
