Rat Terrier breed guide

The Rat Terrier is extremely intelligent and trainable, though some are stubborn and determined at times. AKC says they are unusually sensitive and intuitive, love to please their owner and thrive on praise.

They can excel in agility, obedience, rally and other canine sports and early socialization is a must.

Rat Terriers live 12 to 18 years. AKC says breeders screen for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and cardiac and eye disorders and a conscientious breeder genetically tests all breeding dogs.

The short, dense coat needs very little care: a weekly once-over with a soft brush or hound glove keeps it healthy and glossy and a bath every month or so is likely enough. Rat Terriers shed seasonally.

Some get sufficient exercise from indoor playtime, but most thrive with daily walks and some tennis-ball chasing and play in a fenced enclosure. They tend to do well with other dogs their size or larger.

Rat Terriers are terriers bred to kill rats and a good ratter was standard equipment on old-time farms, where a rodent infestation could mean the difference between enough grain for winter and going hungry.

Practical farmers expected more than a specialist, so Rat Terriers also earned their keep as all-purpose hunting partners, watchdogs, henhouse guardians and sturdy childhood playmates.