Rat Terriers

The American Rat Terrier is a loving, intelligent, clean, fun Terrier. We enjoy ours every day. Since I have had my rats I have not needed a heating pad nor an electric blanket as they are always on me, near me, looking for me, sleeping with me. Very dedicated little guys they are. They are very playful and do have prey dive if you are a hunter, mine take squirreling very serious. I have small minis and toys and one standard male who is just lovely. My rats are headed to the UKC show ring when I have a weekend off from AKC. I will keep you updated on how they do. Just know the rat terrier is a great little dog and very easy to get along with.

The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from the terriers brought over by English miners and other working class immigrants. These terriers probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and the now extinct white English Terrier. These dogs were used as ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of their owners. Some of these dogs were crossed with Whippets or Italian Greyhounds (for speed) and Beagles (for hunting ability). Eventually, these tough little terriers evolved into today’s Rat Terrier. The breed was popularized by President Teddy Roosevelt, who frequently hunted with his Rat Terriers. Many are still used as ratters and squirrel hunters, particularly in the South, where they are sometimes known as “Feists.”

The Rat Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1999.