Rat Terrier

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment13–16 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Patellar luxation · Hip dysplasia · Allergies

The Rat Terrier is a smart, energetic and versatile farm dog with a friendly, affectionate nature that makes it a wonderful family companion. Bred to hunt vermin, it is alert, curious and quick, with strong prey drive toward small animals, yet it is notably more people-oriented and less scrappy than many terriers. Devoted and sensitive to its family's moods, it bonds closely and dislikes being left alone for long. This is an active, agile breed that needs daily exercise and mental stimulation — walks, fetch, games, and dog sports like agility or earthdog keep its clever mind busy. Rat Terriers are highly intelligent and quick to learn, responding beautifully to positive, reward-based training, but their smarts mean a bored one finds its own entertainment, often involving digging. Early socialization helps them get along with other pets. The short, smooth coat is wonderfully easy to care for, needing only occasional brushing and shedding modestly. The breed is generally healthy and long-lived, with patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease among the occasional concerns. Given exercise, company and affection, the Rat Terrier is a hardy, adaptable and devoted companion.

• How much exercise does a Rat Terrier need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Rat Terrier need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a Rat Terrier suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Rat Terrier a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Rat Terrier live?

  13–16 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Rat Terrier?

  Keep an eye out for Patellar luxation, Hip dysplasia, Allergies. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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