Regular exercise is non-negotiable, but they dont need to be kept moving at all times. These dogs love to please and need mental stimulation, so dont hold back on graduating them to some fun nose work or performing behavior chains, completing a number of commands before getting that all-important treat or other positive reinforcement. Rat Terriers originated in the United States from early terrier-type dogs, that came over from Europe with their British migrant owners in the 1800's. They were originally used for hunting and farm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Your AAFCO-approved dog food will have portion recommendations on the bag, and your vet can help with any feeding questions. 0. Their dark eyes are bright and alert, and the breed's large, upturned ears underscore their intelligent, curious nature. As with any dog breed, its best to supervise when your two- and four-legged babies are interacting. Pet parents need to keep up with weekly nail trims, and Kallas recommends annual dental cleanings. The French Bulldog is a big dog in a small package and has a magnetic personality. Rat Terrier organizations exhibit the typical disputes over the course of action to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the breed. Rat Terriers were cherished as loyal hunting companions and efficient killers of vermin on 20th-century American farms: as a result, they were one of the most popular dog types from the 1920s to the 1940s. The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion. Toutle, Washington Phone # 503-380-5644 E-mail - firemountainnorthratterriers@yahoo.com .. As always, be sure to do your research and ensure a rat terrier is right for your family's lifestyle before bringing a dog home. Rat terriers do best in homes where theyll have plenty of company, daily walks, and lots of time to play. If possible, ask to visit the breeding site and to meet the litters' parents. Occurring in 3 to 4% of rat terriers, hip dysplasia can cause pain and leg stiffness. Aside from doing your best to keep water out of your Rat Terriers ears, theres not much in the way of special ear care required. 3. Although rat terriers can thrive in smaller spaces, like apartments or condos, those living in small spaces should remember that rats were bred to runso they need at least 40 minutes of exercise each dayand they have a strong instinct to bark. 16: Bantles Cty X Kennels: 0 1 We are building a small breeding program Dedicated to the Decker Rat Terrier. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, rat terrier breeders worked to propagate certain skills, resulting in several new lines in the breed. Because Rat Terriers are prone to certain eye issues, take a good look at them when you sit down for a grooming session so you can note any changes. Rat Terriers love the water and enjoy swimming. Rat terrier coats come in a wide variety of colors, including bicolor and tricolor patterns. All rights reserved. This can lead to pain and osteoarthritis. Rat Terriers originated in the United States from early terrier-type dogs,thatcame over from Europe with their British migrant owners in the 1800's. Apartment dwellers should be aware, however, that while the rat terrier isn't prone to reckless barking, their barks are shrill and distinctive. Kallas loves this about the breed, but she admits it can also be downright difficult for inexperienced dog parents who arent prepared to set (and stick to!) Proper socialization of a Rat Terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first three months of life. Buying a purebred rat terrier from a breeder might cost you up to $2,000. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right for Your Pet? Puppies available on occasion. There is some confusion between the rat terrier and Teddy terrier breeds. Link to this: Rat Terrier vs Mountain Feist Comparison - Which dog is better Decker Giant or American Feist? Rat terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs. Homes with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds may not be a good fit for a rat terrier. Treatment might not be necessary in mild cases, but joint supplements might be helpful with this condition. There's no guarantee your rat terrier willor won'tdevelop these conditions, but it's important to know the signs and symptoms should they arise in your dog. As farmers started killing rats with poison, Rat Terriers became less popular until the 1990s when they started making a comeback. Ratties need an annual professional tooth cleaning with your veterinarian, along with a good daily toothbrushing. Flea and tick preventatives come in both over-the-counter and prescription formulas. If you notice a waxy build-up in your dog's ears, gently clean it with a cotton cloth. Small dogs like rat terriers generally do best on small-breed dog foods which have a higher protein and fat content than foods for larger breeds. This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 20:56. "Rat terriers are fast, prey-driven, and focused on their own goalsnot yours," Johnson says. Good news! 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Read our. A little about me, and the dogs I have been blessed to have in my life. Contact for more information Carrie Anderson Lodi, CA 95240 AKC Champion Bloodline Rat Terrier Puppies Males / Females Available 6 weeks old. Paddocks provide ample room to romp, run, and play together or alone during the day. The Rat Terriers coat doesnt require too much to stay smooth and shiny. Striving for dogs with the size, prey drive, and temperment for all your . However the widespread use of chemical pesticides and the growth of commercial farming led to a sharp decline in the breed from the 1950s onwards. Rat terriers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and a larger size commonly called the Decker. Even a well-trained rat terrier may forget its manners when it spots a squirrel so imagine if your rattie encounters a hamster ball rolling around under its nose! To us, Rat Terriers are the perfect combination of a mind that is quick,easy to train and wants to please, with anincrediblyathletic, well-muscled and pleasingly balancedbody,with short coats that have mild to lightshedding. This size can withstand a little more durability during playtime. Rat terriers were initially bred to hunt rats, so they have a strong prey drive. HEIGHT: Generally, 10 to 13 inches for miniature Rat Terriers and 13 to 18 inches for standard Rat Terriers, COAT COLOR: Comes in pied (meaning one or more colors with large patches of white) patterns; common colors include black and white with rust, tan, lemon, blue, red, chocolate, or orange, TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, inquisitive, affectionate, lively, alert, loving. As long as they are raised with children, they do well co-habitating with them. Their two ears are triangular in shape, firm at the top of their head and erect or folded down . Owners of farm or working dogs will also want to keep an eye out for ticks (which can spread Lyme disease) and mites (which can cause demodectic mange). Our dogs are bred to UKC & AKC standards for temperament, hunting ability, conformation and good health. If you choose to buy a rat terrier from a breeder, be sure to do your research to ensure you're working with an ethical, responsible breeder. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Once a week brushing paired with a hose down every four to six weeks should be all you need to keep your pup looking shiny and clean. Breeding decker's and fire mountain rat terriers 10: Bluegrass Decker Rat Terriers: 0 3 . Ask lots of questions, like "Where are the puppies kept?" It's also important to note that rat terriers have extremely strong prey drives, so they shouldn't be allowed to romp off-leash in open spaces where they can meet up with small animals. In the current times, the Rat Terrier is becoming popular not only as a family pet but as a working dog in several fields. If you like the way [a breeders] dogs look and act as compared to anything else you have seen, you are recognizing that time and money, she says, so be willing to pay for that.. They are a breed that will need daily exercise and stimulation to stay healthy and keep from being bored. Bred to hunt rats, as their name suggests, Rat Terriers are bright and nimble. We have aquired Diamond Valley Patches and he has really been a top producer for our kennel. Socializing them early on is important, and obedience training is going to be a must as well; rat terriers are smart enough to think up ways to get into trouble, and they're small and nimble enough to get to places they shouldn't. The Rat Terrier breed typically does well on high-quality commercial dog food. Take our short quiz to find out! Jodi Jacobson/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images. We are located in the foothills of Clovis, California, with beautiful table top mountains in our backyard! This breed has a small, wedge shaped head, directly forming into a narrow muzzle with a severe scissor bite. Like all dogs, rat terriers need dog food labeled complete and balanced, which is required to contain the minimum nutrients necessary for dogs. Rat terriers also love to roughhouse and play fetch, tug-of-war, and other social games. Swedish Vallhunds are fearless, loyal and brimming with personality. Overall, Rat Terriers are devoted to their people and they love to be included, so dont leave them alone for too long or they will pine for you. Rat Terrier. But you don't need to have a farmstead to have a happy rat terrier. "That's why families are so good [for rat terriers]. They take to training incredibly well and pick up on tasks quickly, but will also show a propensity to be willful. May be tri-color or bi-color, with at least one color being white. Dogs with patellar luxation might skip or bunny hop, lifting a hind leg as they walk. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allowed rat terriers to enter competitions in 2006, and finally registered the breed in 2013. She strongly recommends working closely with a reputable Rat Terrier breeder to find a puppy thats a good fit for your situation. They are also considered good family pets because of their energy and compatibility with kids. To avoid them causing too much of a racket when the mail arrives, introduce some training to help reduce barking at the doorbell, especially if it becomes a bit of a nuisance or puts off approaching guests. America's Pet Registry, https://www.aprpets.org/directory/m.directory/39/view/174. The classic coloring is black tan point with piebald spotting (known as black tricolor), but chocolate, tan (varying in shade from pale gold to dark mahogany), blue, isabella (pearl), lemon, and apricot are all fairly common. But, good news for city-dwellers or apartment renters: They are small enough to get their needs met indoors, as long as you're willing to devote some playtime to them. They may be tricolor or bicolor, always with some amount of white present. As members of the terrier group, Rat Terriers can have a propensity to dig, particularly if they arent receiving enough attention. Rat terriers are lovable, playful dogs full of energy. Rat Terriers are persistent and tenacious when it comes to problem-solving and getting a job done. Rat Terriers are good watchdogs, so dont be surprised if they bark when someone comes to the door. Because they have very short, dense, smooth coats, you can bathe your dog on an as-needed basis. [2] Rat Terrier are an intelligent and active breed that can be kept both for pest control and as a family pet. [1] They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists. While some rat terriers are born with naturally bobbed tails, others have long tails that curl up over their back. Their coat is short and smooth. As high-energy dogs, rat terriers need at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or jogging, each day. Purebred dogs often need rescuing, too. Adopting a rat terrier can cost a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of care. It's important to note that this breed experiences heavier shedding during the fall, spring, and heat cycles. Rat terriers are pretty close to a "set it and forget it" breed when it comes to grooming. We raise top quality puppies for hunting, show and companion animals. Mountain Top Rat Terriers works closely together with Cal Val Rat Terriers, owned by Gail Holloway who has been a generous and knowledgeable mentor and friend. Focusing on 'sit' and 'come' from the day the puppy comes home will pay off in the long run.". By the middle of the 20th century, as farmers began relying more on traps and poisons to rid their property of vermin, the rat terrier fell out of popularity and the breed was sustained by a handful of dedicated breeders until the dogs gained a boost of popularity as a family pet in the 1970s. In the Midwest, rat terriers were bred with whippets and Italian greyhounds to produce quick dogs that could help control jackrabbit populations. Another tip: When bathing your Rat Terrier, Sharma says to take care to prevent shampoo and water from getting into their eyes. All trademarks are owned by Socit des Produits Nestl S.A., or used with permission. "Children should learn how to be respectful to their dogs and read dog communication cues. Celebrating their 15th birthday is quite common for this hardy little breed. 1. They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists.Common throughout family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, they are now recognized by the United and American Kennel Clubs and are considered a rare breed. "It's important to teach them sit and recall commands from the get-go. Chocolates, Pear Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers Due to their instinct to chase after prey, rat terriers need to be leashed while walking or any time theyre not contained in a fenced area. Rat terriers may be an easy breed to find in your area. The Rat Terrier started to become their own breed when they rose in popularity on family farms throughout the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Rat Terrier Breeders. If theyre restless or bored, they may use their bright mind to come up with a way to entertain themselves that youre unlikely to appreciate. And even if the fence is tall enough, they will tunnel under it if given half a chance. Rat Terriers dont have long fur around their eyes and ears like some breeds do, which makes them more susceptible to water entering and causing irritation.. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has developed abnormally and creates a loose joint. Most Rat Terriers are athletic and agile, LOVE to play, and have a special passion for chasing balls. They are sturdy and compact little dog but also elegant. The breed comes in two size varieties and are happy-go-lucky, playful, and portable companions. Though some rat terrier puppies are born with naturally short tails, these terriers have had their tails traditionally docked. Coldwater Rat Terriers. The American Hairless Terrier is derived from Rat . Is the added expense worth the trouble to insure your beloved pet? Dental treats are fine in moderation, but shouldn't be the only method of dental care. Their perky ears are always alert and listening for the next source of excitement. In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare disease that affects small dogs like rat terriers early in life. Dogs on the mountain top spend time in my home with me and my family but also have a place of their own. A small number of breeders maintained the breed until they came back into popularity in the 1970s. Rat terrier puppies, like all dogs, need early socialization and consistent training to grow into well-rounded dogs. Ticking is usually visible in the white parts of the coat, or in the underlying skin. "If compared to a human, a rat terrier would be like the child at a birthday party who is the first to join a fun game, shout in excitement, and eager to open the presents," says Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, veterinary expert for Pumpkin Pet Insurance. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Training should be a fun, rewarding, and fulfilling experience for both of you. A dog fence is an important detail to consider when adopting a pet for the first time or moving your dog to a new home. Opt for commercially available food approved by theAssociation of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)to make sure your food of choice provides proper nutrition and meets all necessary regulations. Both sturdy and elegant, and often described as having a dual personality, the Rat Terrier is a tenacious hunter in the field, yet a sensible companion at home. There are two size divisions:. While this friendly breed is good with kids and other dogs, its still advisable to spend time socializing your Rat Terrier while theyre a puppy so they become accustomed to meeting new people and dogs, and even cats, who they can (though not always) be trained to live with. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. And while that should begin with your breeder, thats only the start. If you feel that its excessive, there are options to help you reduce your dogs barking. Loving, loyal, and affectionate to family members, High energy levels and exercise needs, which may be difficult for busy families, May be difficult to train, due to their intelligence. You can typically satisfy their wiggles with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. If daily care seems daunting, aim for a few times a week. The Rat Terrier is historically known forprotecting homes or farms from rodents. If you live in an apartment, a rat terrier can do well without a yard as long as they get plenty of dedicated exercise time. Ratties, as theyre often called, typically get along well with other pets (including cats!) Be on the lookout for signs of backyard breeding, like unsanitary conditions or unhealthy dogs. Because theyre very malleable and smart, they can adapt to most situations and make a really nice addition to your family, no matter what your family likes to do, Kallas says. If you involve them in dog sports, such as agility, they will thrive with this high level of activity and are impressive athletes. They tend to have a big personality in that small package, though! They have short coats that come in a mix of colors, typically a pied pattern with large areas of both white and colored hair. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. Rewards-based training works best for the Rat Terrier, so prepare to give them plenty of praise and invest in some dog training treats (within reason, as you dont want your pooch getting a paunch). If its raining or snowing out, all is not lost! However they were, for the most part, bred for speed. The tail has been traditionally docked to about 23 inches (5.17.6cm), but the bobtail gene is very common in Rat Terriers and can result in a variety of tail lengths. Boston Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Toy Fox Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Kerry Blue Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Manchester Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Norwich Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Australian Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Airedale Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, American Hairless Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care. Legg-Calve-Perthes. They love children because of their willingness to play, and rat terriers aren't so big they overwhelm children with their energy, nor are they so small as to risk getting seriously hurt by them. A balanced diet of high-quality dog food is best for a Rat Terrier. Rat terriers also have a propensity to dig, so it's important to provide your rat with a designated digging spot in the backyard. Socializing your Rat Terrier puppy (in addition to providing them with appropriate mental and physical stimulation) is essential. You can expect to brush your rat terrier only once per week with a rubber mitt or soft brush to remove loose hair and debris. They are smart enough and social enough to want to be a part of everything, to want to know and understand what is going on around them, and to try to be part of the fun, Kallas says. Do some homework on puppy training, and start them out early with some basic commands like sit, stay and come. Our primary kennel is climate controlled and doggie doors provide access to outdoor runs for exercise and bathroom breaks. If youre interested in Rat Terrier adoption, Kallas says there are several national rescue groups that do excellent work for the breedand because they all work a bit differently, its wise to chat with each of them to see which one might work best for your family. [6] AKC accepted the Rat Terrier into the Terrier Group in June 2012. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Valvular disease is a common cause of heart failure, and it usually has no symptoms. Rat terriers should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Fire Mountain North Rat Terriers is back! Rat terriers have great personalities and are highly social, affectionate dogs. Rat Terrier . Its good to know ahead of time what these concerns could be so you can look out for any tell-tale signs. Rat terriers are usually loyal to their owners and are very respectful if they receive the proper amount of training at a young age. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Primary Lens Luxationlens luxation may have painful, reddened eyes; iris or lens trembling; or other abnormalities that your veterinarian will be able to observe. The AKC recognized the Rat Terrier as a breed on July 1, 2010, however, it allowed them to compete in companion events beginning January 1, 2006 in sanctioned AKC Companion events (Obedience, Agility, Rally). Theyre not generally nuisance barkers but, again, if theyre feeling bored or lonely, they may let you know. Dogs with this condition generally show signs of discomfort including reduced mobility, less interest in activity, or simply moving stiffly. Like all breeds, it's important to stay on top of regular teeth brushing, frequent ear checks and cleanings, and making sure your pup's nails are trimmed. Most modern breeds were developed from a few founding dogs and then propagated from a closed gene pool. Rat Terriers also fit right in whether you live in an apartment or wide-open farm land. So you may want to rethink a Rat Terrier if you keep house with rats, mice, hamsters or birds unless you take precautions to keep them separated. But it should be noted that they shed mildly throughout the year, with a heavier seasonal shed in the spring and fall. Your veterinarian may detect valvular disease if your dog has a heart murmur that gets worse over time. Find Rat Terrier Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Rat Terrier information. Called the Decker or Decker Giant, it was named after breeder Milton Decker who created a larger hunting companion and are recognized by the National Rat Terrier Association (NRTA, see "Breed recognition" below). Warren Mountain Rat Terriers Warren Mtn Rat Terriers~ Raising Mini & Small Standard Rat Terriers since 2003.