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Basic Description: 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 is a muscular, active, small-to-medium hunting terrier. The preferred ratio of length of body (prosternum to point of buttocks) to
height (withers to ground) to is 10:9. The head is broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the size of the body. Ears are V-
shaped, set at the outside edges of the skull, and may be erect or button. The Rat Terrier must have a natural tail carried in an upward curve, a
natural bob tail, or a docked tail. The Rat Terrier comes in solid white, other solid colors with markings, and white with a variety of colored patches.
The Rat Terrier should be evaluated as a working terrier, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere
with the dog’s ability to work. Honorable scars resulting from field work are not to be penalized.
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Note: Any Club that wishes to provide a better quality description of this breed is invited to contact the web master.
Your assistance in making this a useful site is greatly appreciated. Also, if corrections or additions are found, please let me know at once.
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American Kennel Club Link
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Canadian Kennel Club Link
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National Rescue Group Link(s)
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Local Club contacts below if listed here
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Additional Information on local Clubs (Obedience, Agility etc.) and Rescue groups can be found under their respective heading in the Content section.
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Breed Fanciers that have agreed to share their knowledge of this breed.
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Would you like to be listed here – go to Invitation and if you agree with the simple requirements – WE WANT YOU –
then go to Fancier Questionnaire and fill out the form. The form is sent directly to the webmaster.
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