At a glance the quick version
Range covers both size varieties.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat
A compact, sturdy terrier with a short, dense, glossy coat. It comes in a miniature variety up to 13 in (33 cm) and a standard variety from over 13 up to 18 in (46 cm).23
Personality what they are like
A lively, curious and alert little dog with plenty of stamina. It is bright and trainable, full of determination when working, and a friendly, fun-loving companion at home that often gets along with children, other dogs and even cats.234
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High energy. Daily walks plus play and brain games keep it content; it enjoys agility, obedience and scent work.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-maintenance coat: a weekly brush and a bath now and then, with regular nail trims.4
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to many homes if exercised; a secure yard helps, as a bored Rattie may dig.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A good-quality complete food suited to small, active dogs, fed in measured meals rather than left out all day.4
Company who they like around
Family-oriented and affectionate with its people; it does best with company and clear, consistent routines.42
The story where it all began
Rat Terriers grew out of the terriers that working-class British immigrants brought to America, mixed from Smooth Fox, Manchester and the old English White Terrier. Later crosses with Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and Beagles added speed and scenting ability, and the breed became a fixture on family farms in the 1920s and 1930s.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
President Theodore Roosevelt hunted with these terriers, and the breed name is often said to have been coined by him.3
- 2
It comes in two size varieties, miniature and standard.2
- 3
The first AKC title earned by a Rat Terrier was in agility, in January 2006 in Van Nuys, California.1
- 4
Owners and fans often call them 'Ratties'.4
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Recognised 1 January 1999; miniature and standard varieties.2
- AKC
- Full recognition 1 July 2010 (Terrier Group); allowed in companion events from 2006.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rat Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Rat Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, recognition, size, colours, history, facts
- UKC Rat Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for history, varieties, coat, colours, temperament
- AKC Rat Terrier akc.orgused for origin, temperament, Roosevelt fact
- PetMD Rat Terrier petmd.comused for lifespan, care, exercise, diet
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.